Chapter 1172
The single word, "Lunvale," sent Rafael and Carissa hurrying back to Hell Monarch Estate as soon as the banquet concluded. In the council hall, a large map lay before them. Lunvale, located in Ebonflow, was once Lorenzo's fiefdom, Augustus's brother. Generations later, it had become the domain of the Realm Defender.
The title of Realm Defender was purely honorary, lacking military authority. The current holder was Tiberius Sanford. While Realm Defenders traditionally received a court salary, Tiberius's benefits had been drastically reduced. Previous investigations hadn't overlooked Tiberius. Although Lunvale remained relatively prosperous, its remoteness from Valken and Stonebridge County made deploying troops a significant undertaking.
Furthermore, Tiberius was utterly unambitious, riddled with vices—drinking, gambling, and more. He had squandered most of his ancestral fortune. Background checks revealed one wife, thirty-two concubines, and at least fifty to sixty women in his harem. His ability to acquire women was unparalleled; he bought, tricked, or simply forced them.
This resulted in strained relations with local authorities, who frequently suffered headaches from his actions. Annually, at least a hundred incidents involved him causing trouble and forcibly taking women. Yet, Lunvale was his fiefdom, making his expulsion impossible. Despite his misconduct, he remained the Realm Defender, limiting the officials' ability to act decisively.
Few complaints were filed. The governor of Lunvale, serving three-year terms, meticulously guarded the royal family's image, fearing repercussions from Salvador favoring a relative. They endured his behavior as much as possible. This allowed Tiberius's misconduct to continue unabated.
"He has one clear characteristic," Jacob interjected, breaking the silence. "He's reckless because he's desperate."
Rafael pondered this. "Desperation breeds desperate measures to acquire money. But after years in Lunvale, Tiberius has few friends and little real power. How does he make money? He can't even borrow. Let's check his privately owned properties and land."
Jacob retrieved earlier investigation notes, flipping through them. "He only possesses one or two estates. The better land has been leased. The remaining estate is poorly situated, unsuitable for renting, farming, or fruit cultivation."
"Send someone to discreetly investigate," Rafael instructed, massaging his temple. "I'll speak with the king. We'll give Randall a task and see what he reveals."
No one wished to remain idle. Randall, born to a concubine, had known no father's love. Though Avis raised him, her ill health prevented her from providing the strength he needed. Raised with harsh discipline and constant criticism, he lacked confidence, drive, and temper, exhibiting extreme passivity.
However, this very life demanded a rope—a rope that could either strangle him or help him climb from the depths. Giving Randall a task would reveal his loyalties. Siding with Yuvan would condemn him. Remaining loyal to the task, however, might offer a path forward.
Salvador, believing Randall's involvement could be beneficial, arranged for him to work at the Supreme Court as a warden. The position, while not high-ranking, offered exposure to the rise and fall of many lives, hopefully reshaping his perspective.
Randall's reaction to the appointment was complex. Fear predominated, stemming from the betrayal of his father and the inevitable scrutiny. Yet, amid the fear, a flicker of happiness emerged, a glimmer of recognition. Though insignificant in Yuvan's eyes, he might finally gain the respect of others.
That night, one word dominated his thoughts: power. He understood Yuvan's obsession—the power to alter lives, to determine fates. The attraction of power was as potent as its terror.
Just before dawn, Randall penned a letter to his only true friend, Barrett. From that moment, he felt they were truly forging their own path.