Chapter 1018

The next morning, after court adjourned, Rafael took the recently reviewed case files to the royal study for an audience with the king. En route, he gave a routine report on the treason case's progress.

Although the case remained unresolved, the Ministry of Justice continued its investigation and submitted periodic updates. These reports were largely procedural, lacking substantive findings. Suspicion increasingly focused on Yuvan, yet Salvador hadn't authorized an investigation into him, nor had he publicly addressed the matter. Even after Rafael's clear explanation, the king remained silent.

Salvador skimmed the files Rafael presented. After hearing the latest developments in the treason case, he commented, "So, it seems there's still no real progress."

There could be progress if he said something!

Salvador set the files aside. "Well, keep investigating."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Rafael replied.

Noticing his brother lingering, Salvador raised an eyebrow. "Is there something else?"

Rafael grinned. "Nothing urgent. Uncle Yuvan has invited my family and me to dinner tonight."

Salvador glanced up, surprise flashing across his eyes before he smiled. "It's been some time since Uncle Yuvan returned to the capital. As you're younger, you should have hosted him first. But since he's extended the invitation, go ahead and enjoy."

Rafael's grin widened, revealing his pearly white teeth; his smile shone as brightly as the midday sun. "That's exactly what I thought, Your Majesty."

For once, Salvador's expression softened. "I hear Edgeview Estate has quite a collection of rare and exotic flowers. Take a look around while you're there."

Rafael's smile broadened further. "I was thinking the same thing, Your Majesty."

Salvador chuckled. "Go on, then. The prime minister awaits me."

"Understood," Rafael said, bowing before departing.

Salvador watched him go, a lingering smile on his lips. He felt an unusual sense of relief wash over him, for reasons he couldn't quite explain.

Chapter 1010

Ever since the treason case surfaced, a heavy weight had settled in Salvador's chest, fueling his suspicion of everyone. Now that the suspicion had narrowed to Yuvan, the weight intensified, making it difficult to breathe.

For years, Yuvan had cultivated his influence in Valken. However, Salvador still lacked a clear understanding of its extent. The agents sent to investigate hadn't returned—not a single one.

Night after night, Salvador lay awake, restless and plagued by thoughts. He'd considered sending his younger brother to investigate but dared not risk it.

"To commit treason, one would need elite forces, weapons, gold, and provisions. While Yuvan might believe his resources insufficient, Rafael might not share that assessment."

Yuvan and Rafael were worlds apart.

Oliver had repeatedly submitted reports complaining about the Hell Monarch Army and the Sinclair Army's refusal to fully comply with him. This demonstrated that despite Rafael relinquishing his military authority, the soldiers remained loyal to him.

That's why Salvador couldn't risk letting the Ministry of Justice pursue the investigation further. Instead, he stalled the case while secretly assigning Ian's shadow guards to continue probing.

But the shadow guards hadn't returned either, and Ian reported no progress. The primary issue was Yuvan's inaction in the capital, leaving the investigation at an impasse.

It was during this frustration that Salvador heard Rafael's cheerful remarks. Logically, this should have heightened his sense of crisis. The dinner invitation seemed the perfect opportunity for Rafael to act.

And yet, seeing his brother's bright, unguarded smile, the tension in Salvador's chest eased slightly.

The king didn't understand it himself. Leaning back in his chair, he turned to Derek and said, "I'm actually tempted to let him investigate. How strange."

Derek chuckled. "Your Majesty, perhaps it's simply the trust between brothers."

"Trust between brothers?" Salvador repeated, pondering the phrase. His expression remained inscrutable.

Derek said nothing more. He understood that Salvador would never fully trust Rafael—or any prince, for that matter. No ruler ever truly did.

Chapter 1018 (continued)

But even a small sliver of trust, offering peace of mind instead of suspicion, was enough.

At Edgeview Estate, preparations were underway to welcome Violet.

Wayne had strongly opposed the idea, but when Yuvan made up his mind, he ultimately supported him.

He handed Yuvan a small glass vial, its surface adorned with a painting of a saintess. "This medicine—a single drop is enough. Nothing more."

Yuvan didn't take the vial. Instead, he said calmly, "I have my own."

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