Chapter 1324

Salvador's investigation corroborated Winona's findings. Nicholas remained in his fief, spending most days attending plays and concerts with his family. He'd also established several orphanages in Nerovia, providing care for orphans and the elderly. He often visited these institutions after attending performances.

However, Winona uncovered a detail Salvador had overlooked: Nicholas had saved Eustace's life seven or eight years prior. Eustace, not yet head of the Spencer family, had been ambushed during an estate inspection. Nicholas and his men happened upon the scene and rescued him. A modest man, Nicholas sought no recognition and asked Eustace to keep the incident quiet; saving a life was simply doing what was right, not a transaction.

Almost everyone with Eustace had perished in the ambush; only Eustace and his bodyguard, Marvin, survived. Interestingly, Winona had previously assisted Marvin during an attack. Marvin recounted the story to Winona during her investigation.

Upon receiving Winona's report, Carissa questioned Violet, who was surprised. "Something like that happened? I knew nothing about it," she exclaimed. Having been in Meadow Ridge at the time, Violet was unaware of the events.

"Should I write to my father?" Violet worried, her brow furrowed. Eustace owed Nicholas a life debt. If Nicholas was the mastermind, would he leverage this debt to pressure Eustace?

Violet had previously been unconcerned about her family's involvement; she knew her father's loyalty to the throne. As a royal merchant supplying the military and Ministry of Defense, supporting traitors was impossible. But a life debt complicated matters; even the most loyal subjects understood its gravity.

Carissa reassured her, "No need to rush. Let's wait for Winona to finish investigating your father's ambush."

Violet's eyes widened. "Is Winona suspicious about what happened to my father?"

"She only mentioned further investigation," Carissa soothed. "Don't worry. She'll uncover the truth, and I trust your father. A life debt can be repaid, but within limits."

Violet pondered. "If Father's ambush was part of a conspiracy, Nicholas must have planned it seven or eight years ago. He never revealed anything, even after recent investigations. Only the questionable lead from Willowbrook Estate emerged. How terrifying!"

"With bandits and refugees causing unrest, I doubt it happened without his involvement. Prince Yuvan couldn't orchestrate this alone," Carissa replied. "He's been aiding Prince Yuvan, but ultimately, himself. Yuvan's a puppet. The wars between Sandoria and Westhaven, coupled with bandit activity, have stretched the empire's military thin. If he—or whoever—is the mastermind, they'll likely target the capital and seize the throne."

Violet found such devious minds frustrating, always complicating matters.

"So, what do we do? Only the Mystic Army remains in the capital."

Carissa pursed her lips. The Mystic Army, once 30,000 strong, wasn't entirely elite. The Garrison Unit, largely comprised of drunkards and gluttons, was included. After deploying 15,000 to the Southern Frontier, they suffered over 2,000 casualties and hundreds were deemed unfit for duty.

Salvador later reorganized the Mystic Army. Combining the Capital Guard, Royal Guard, and Garrison Unit, their total force barely exceeded 10,000. Including Ian's Nightsteel Guard, they could muster just over 20,000.

They were unsure of the mastermind's strength or location, but knew a capital assault wouldn't be long delayed. The mastermind's forces would already be positioned, both inside and outside the city.