Chapter 1152
After Jacob and Luke's investigation, they discovered the situation was far more complex than initially believed. According to Kyle, Adrian's preliminary investigation indicated David believed Isaac brought Vincent good fortune, but at a cost to the boy's health. Despite consulting numerous renowned physicians in the capital, none could cure Isaac, leading to his placement in a temple for healing.
This initially suggested David cared for his son, as fathers often favor their youngest. However, Luke's inquiries with elderly stewards and servants within the Earl of Silverstone's extended family revealed a drastically different truth: David deeply despised Isaac. While they couldn't recall his initial attitude, his ill treatment of Isaac became increasingly evident over time.
Several incidents illustrate this. During Vincent's birthday celebration, Vincent himself carried Isaac (then called Seraphina) into the banquet. Vincent, greatly improved in health and full of energy, was later separated from Isaac by David, who accused the boy of tiring him and punished him with ten harsh blows to the palm. Though likely unknown to the household masters, the servants witnessed this.
On another occasion, Vincent and Isaac hunted and caught a white fox, the fur of which was given to Isaac, only to later appear on Viola. Numerous similar incidents, witnessed by many servants, confirmed David's clear dislike for Isaac. This occurred while the family still resided together at Silverstone Estate. David, openly displaying his disdain, rarely concealed his emotions, though he might not always have been consciously aware of doing so.
Further evidence emerged regarding Isaac's illness. While Vincent sought physician's care, the herbal remedies were subtly altered during preparation. David instructed the servants handling the medicine, claiming Sebastian provided superior herbs and that these private changes prevented upsetting Vincent.
Initially, Vincent strongly opposed sending Isaac to the temple, dismissing the priest as a charlatan. However, after several meetings during which the priest revealed private information, Vincent became convinced of his abilities. Some servants overheard David deliberately disclosing these secrets to enhance the priest's credibility, suggesting the priest's supposed divine insight was fraudulent.
Therefore, David not only disliked but possibly hated his youngest son. The years of ineffective treatment for Isaac's illness were likely prolonged by David's manipulation of his medicine, ensuring no genuine recovery. Given David's strong belief in fate, when he was named heir and Vincent fell seriously ill, he expected to inherit the title. Vincent's recovery, however, caught him off guard.
With few accomplishments and minimal duties, David grew increasingly desperate to secure the earldom. He believed Isaac brought Vincent good luck, and removing Isaac was the only way to weaken Vincent’s fortune. To do so, he required Vincent’s approval; he collaborated with the charlatan priest, still paying him annually.
Two conclusions arose: Adrian's investigation was either superficial or deliberately misled by David; or, Adrian discovered the truth but chose to shield Isaac from it. A new dilemma emerged: should they tell Isaac? And did Evelyn know the truth?
Carissa and the others briefly discussed this, concluding Evelyn was likely unaware. Had she known, she wouldn’t have journeyed to the temple, a considerable distance from the capital, merely to confirm a child’s death. It was possible, however, that Vincent had sent her to investigate.
As they debated revealing the truth to Isaac, Violet burst in urgently. "Shh, don't say another word! He's listening outside."
Carissa sprang up and rushed outside, finding Isaac casually standing at the council hall entrance. With a wide grin, he said, "Thank you for figuring this out, Cari. But honestly, aside from the name, I don't care about anything else."
He dismissed them with a wave, walking away with carefree, almost reckless charm. "Don't waste your time on this—go back to what you were doing."