Chapter 1323

Violet smiled, muttering about the dullness of it all, then checked in with Bun and Cynthia before leaving the estate. She proceeded directly to Capital Guard headquarters, where Carissa awaited.

Carissa pulled her inside. "Well? Did you find anything?"

Violet replied, "There's nocturnal movement—almost like patrols—but I never see anyone during the day. They vanish as soon as the sun rises. I checked most of Willowbrook Estate's courtyards; no one seems to live there. Even the servants' quarters have a number of beds matching Chaya's staff count."

Carissa pondered. "Could there be hidden passageways or secret rooms? The curfew's in effect; no one's supposed to be out after dark. If what you heard is true, these people must be living at Willowbrook Estate."

"Hidden rooms would be a different matter altogether," Violet said. Remembering Bun's kitchen discovery, she added, "The kitchen prepares food for over a hundred people daily."

Carissa's eyes brightened. "Then we just need to track where those meals are going, right?"

"Good idea," Violet admitted, feeling a bit foolish. "Bun should be monitoring that now. He's quite reliable these days."

Carissa smiled proudly. Everyone had grown.

"Anything odd with Prince Hayden or Chaya?"

Violet answered, "Nothing unusual, outwardly. But yesterday, while walking through the courtyards, five men watched us. Definitely martial artists. Chaya said they're Prince Hayden's protection detail."

"Do they live in the servants' quarters?" Carissa asked.

"Yes, with the staff," Violet replied. "Aside from them, nothing strange. As for Prince Hayden's confidant, Sonny, I hear he's been with him for years. No family left in the countryside, so he's staying to care for Prince Hayden in his old age. Oh, and there's a new steward, Gordon. Seems to be fifty to sixty, quite kind and amiable."

Carissa nodded. "I know Sonny. Long-time employee. But this steward isn't familiar. Does he seem like a martial artist?"

Violet considered. "I don't think so. Seemed frail, hands were shaking. Chaya said he's treated like family, though."

"Go back and learn more about Gordon," Carissa instructed. "His background? How did he become steward at Willowbrook so easily?"

Chapter 1333

Violet nodded. "Any news from Winona? Nicholas's situation? Any moves?"

Carissa shook her head. "Prince Nicholas remains in his fief, hasn't left. Prince Yuvan sent an invitation, but he didn't go."

Violet frowned, thoughtful. "Are we looking in the wrong place? If he's the mastermind, shouldn't he be more active?"

Carissa considered this, then shook her head. "Something's off about Willowbrook Estate. If it's not him, it could be Prince Nicholas's son, or even Prince Hayden himself."

Violet sighed, worry clouding her expression. "I hope it's not Prince Hayden. He's a good man, but sometimes the least likely person is the one to watch."

Carissa agreed. Neither wanted to believe it, but they couldn't dismiss the possibility.

In the royal study, Salvador listened in surprise as Ian relayed the report. "You're saying Violet has moved into Willowbrook Estate?"

Ian nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. Ms. Spencer moved in yesterday, with two companions from Meadow Ridge."

Salvador pondered this. What was Carissa thinking, sending Violet there? Suspecting Hayden? Willowbrook Estate had no household soldiers, and Nicholas rarely visited the capital, preferring his fief. He'd been thoroughly investigated and found to have little connection to the current situation. His interactions with Yuvan were minimal. Both had royal blood, but communicated only at weddings or funerals, never for New Year or other festivals. After Yuvan's former princess consort's death, Nicholas hadn't even visited Valken, and certainly not Yuvan's wedding to Molly. Still, Salvador couldn't fully trust Nicholas. The man was highly respected in Nerovia, where his fief was located. That's why, years ago, Salvador ordered Hayden's return to the capital and retirement.

"Ian," Salvador said gravely, "investigate whether Nicholas has recently left his fief."

"Of course, Your Majesty. I'll send someone immediately." Ian bowed and withdrew.