Chapter 1128

Rafael, unconcerned with others' marital woes, casually mentioned the overheard matter. Cedric, having practiced for four hours, returned to Silverstone Estate late that evening. For days, he showed no fatigue, even reciting lessons while in a horse stance, much to Carissa's disbelief. She found it hard to reconcile this with his being Oliver's son, yet it seemed natural considering Zoey's influence.

Jacob then arrived, announcing, "Your Highness, the intelligence report is in. It's been unsuccessful."

Rafael, unsurprised, inquired, "Was there an escort?"

"Yes, experts along the route. Three battles ensued, but we gained little."

Rafael's brow furrowed. "Suicide soldiers?"

"No. They were dressed as martial artists, but their techniques were undeterminable."

Carissa, having listened intently, finally understood: an assassination attempt on Wayne.

"Then they aren't Yuvan's men. My suspicions are confirmed—Wayne has backing; Yuvan is a pawn," Rafael declared.

"Who?" Jacob frowned. "Prince Harvey? That's unlikely."

While acknowledging Harvey's ruthlessness, Jacob noted his limited influence and power. He'd merely assisted Eleanor and Yuvan's schemes. Lacking a personal army, even his ruthlessness couldn't explain control over Yuvan's long-established Valken network.

"Are they still pursuing?" Rafael asked.

"Yes, seeking another opportunity," Jacob replied.

Rafael nodded. "Continue the pursuit. Their identity will be revealed. Yuvan's situation in the capital has changed; Wayne's backer will act soon."

Previously, Yuvan's influence in the capital, despite tending to Ruth's illness, remained considerable. His Valken networks, wealth, weapons, private army, and local officials remained largely under his control. However, Wayne's return with news of Yuvan's severe injuries, coupled with a strategic smear campaign against Salvador, would inevitably draw out a hidden player. This individual, likely viewed by Yuvan as a loyal follower, had been secretly manipulating events from the shadows.

"There's no rush," Rafael said, his gaze sharp. "Scott, Wilfred, and Bruce are in Valken. Let's see what they uncover." A power shift would inevitably cause complications, forcing this hidden player into the open.

"We can compile a list of Valken and Stonebridge County officials for analysis," Carissa suggested.

Rafael nodded. "It's unlikely to be ordinary officials, but deputy governors are worth investigating. Also, the Ebonflow and Frostwater branches of the royal family."

"You're right," Jacob agreed.

While princes couldn't freely leave their fiefs, distant, less powerful royal relatives enjoyed greater freedom, escaping close court scrutiny. In certain regions, with business and trade interests, they could build power unimpeded by the court. Accumulated wealth often fostered ambition, and opportunities like aligning with a powerful figure like Yuvan, the son of Augustus, might tempt them to act.