Chapter 1292  As expected, Galen arrived with a few Vanguard Unit guards, accompanying Robert and Derek to Hell Monarch Estate.  Carissa had taken a few days off, leaving the matters of the day to Michael and Max.  Violet was now fully aware of the situation, and upon seeing Robert and Derek’s arrival with the guards, she decided to stay out of sight. If she couldn’t play her part well, it was better not to cause any trouble.  Robert and Derek noticed Carissa’s red, swollen eyes, recognizing that she had spent the night worrying.  Derek spoke gently, offering some comfort, “Your Grace, please don’t worry too much. With Mr. Lester here, everything will be fine.”  “Thank you, Mr. Walker,” Carissa replied quietly.  The Vanguard Unit guards, including Galen, couldn’t enter the inner chambers, as it was the prince and princess consort’s private quarters. Jacob stood outside with them.  Galen studied him for a moment before asking, “Mr. York, His Majesty is quite concerned about His Highness. He sent me to inquire about his condition. Has His Highness suffered from any illnesses before? What caused this sudden heart ailment?”  Jacob suddenly felt irritated. He had been feeling this way for a while now, knowing that the questioning and probing were rooted in distrust. Though his irritation remained hidden, his face still betrayed deep concern.  With a sigh, he replied, “With His Highness being so busy, his health is bound to suffer. He’s been at the Supreme Court all day, reviewing documents and questioning witnesses.  “Also, he often stays out late and returns only in the early hours of the morning. Sometimes, he has less than two hours of sleep before he rushes out for the morning court meeting. On top of that, he caught a cold while hiding in the mountains in Lunvale, and hasn’t had a proper rest since e returned.  Galen fell silent. He was here on orders to check on things, but at the moment, he couldn’t help but feel a deep respect for the Hell Monarch. Not many could endure such a grueling schedule. If it were him, aftra few late–night duties and no rest, he would barely be able to stand.  +25 BONUS  Chapter 1292  The Hell Monarch was, after all, only human–not made of steel–and illness was inevitable.  Galen didn’t understand why Salvador was so insistent on probing. After asking Jacob, Galen steeled himself and turned to question the maids who served in Orchid Hall. They were the ones who knew Rafael’s condition best.  The maids shot him strange looks. Though they didn’t speak openly, he could tell they were displeased. They were well aware that, despite Rafael’s illness, Galen hadn’t shown much concern. Instead, he had come to ask them about every detail.  He had no choice but to say that Salvador was deeply concerned about Rafael’s health and wanted to know more about his condition. Galen felt a twinge of guilt as he spoke, but it was an order from the king, so he had no choice but to carry it out.  Robert stayed behind while Derek and Galen left to return to the palace and report to Salvador. He comforted Carissa, telling her that Rafael’s pulse showed a slight improvement today compared to yesterday. However, as with any serious illness, recovery would take time. It would not happen quickly.  Carissa barely acknowledged the words, her mind racing with worry. She only hoped Robert wouldn’t stay here overnight. By midnight, it would be time for the Snowdrop Pills, and Rafael’s pulse should begin to return to normal.  Sensing her unease, Jacob asked to speak with her privately to keep her from making any hasty decisions, like asking Robert to leave.  “I’ve spoken with Rowan,” Jacob said quietly. “Even with the Snowdrop Pills, his pulse won’t return to normal right away. The poison is damaging to the body. When Mr. Lester diagnoses him, he will likely say that rest is required.”  Carissa nodded. “I know, but the situation is critical. After taking the Snowdrop Pills, most of the symptoms will disappear, and with his internal force protecting him, his pulse will appear normal. The problem is his sudden recovery. It will look suspicious to the king.”  “Will Sebastian be back tonight?” Jacob asked. “If he is, we can administer the Snowdrop Pills. Even if His Highness shows improvement, it would at least prove the pills‘ effectiveness to His Majesty.”  Carissa had Snowdrop Pills on hand, but she had already told Salvador that only Sebastian had them and she didn’t have any  “Sebastian should be able to return. He has it gone far,” she said.  ter 1292  +25 BONUS  Carissa felt sorry for Sebastian. They had really put him through a lot.  Jacob sighed in relief. “Then, it will be fine. Everyone’s nerves are on edge right now, and tempers are short. We’ll have to be patient and not reveal anything.”  At the very least, they had to wait until Rafael had been away from the capital for a  few days. That way, even if their plan was exposed, it wouldn’t matter as much.  Carissa composed herself, her eyes gradually regaining their calm focus. “Yes, you’re right.”  Ghapte2 1293