Chapter 1329

The nightly movements at Willowbrook Estate abruptly ceased. Violet and her companions investigated, finding the estate eerily silent. Patrol guards were absent, and the servants had retired early. A pervasive sense of wrongness hung in the air, as if a veil obscured the truth. The challenge lay in lifting this unseen barrier; its proximity felt both near and distant, defying their attempts to discern the proper approach.

Meanwhile, Hayden continued his leisurely routine of dining, drinking, socializing, and occasional outings with Violet and her group. He returned home each evening in a mildly inebriated state as the sun dipped below the horizon. His days were filled with effortless pleasure, untouched by courtly turmoil or distant wars. He frequently boasted to Gordon and Sonny, "This life is far more comfortable than the king's." Gordon invariably agreed, smiling, "You're right, Your Highness."

Violet, however, felt her time at the estate unproductive. Days spent following Hayden's indulgences had yielded only a two-pound weight gain and a sense of wasted time. She began to suspect Hayden's invitation might have been mere politeness; perhaps she and Carissa had overanalyzed the situation. Currently, she didn't perceive Hayden as needing or wanting her assistance.

She discussed returning to Hell Monarch Estate with Bun and Cynthia. Bun, however, remained suspicious. "We haven't solved the food mystery," he pointed out. "And remember all the people moving around when we arrived? Where did they go? Doesn't it feel like something's happening right under our noses, unseen?"

Cynthia, hand resting on her chin, frowned thoughtfully. "But we haven't found anything, and Prince Hayden hasn't given us any indication. We're just here to eat and drink."

"We feel trapped," Bun added, "unable to leave, yet unable to stay. It feels like something's here, something we need to understand."

Violet's eyes sharpened. "If something seems to be there, could it be someone wants us to see it? The flaws are too obvious, yet they've been patched up, hiding everything."

Bun rubbed his temples, a hint of determination on his lean face. "You're right. But who created this illusion? Prince Hayden? If so, why not be direct?"

"Because," Violet continued, "he wants us to find something, just enough to keep us here. If we don't find the answer, it will bother us, preventing us from leaving."

Cynthia frowned. "In short, he wants to keep us here. But why? People have reasons. He can't simply want us around for amusement, like a child, can he?"

The trio pondered the question, ultimately deciding to seek Carissa at Capital Guard headquarters. Upon arrival, they found Carissa still studying Rafael's letter, repeatedly rereading it. The seal had been broken and re-waxed, suggesting Rafael anticipated Salvador's perusal. With only this one letter, she scrutinized every word for hidden clues.

The letter, however, contained only typical expressions of concern. He cautioned her about the approaching heat, advising her to sleep with ice, and warned against excessive cold drinks. He also urged caution while on patrol, avoiding rivers and dangerous areas.

Did he think she was a child? she wondered. The letter made no mention of the Southern Frontier situation, likely covered in formal reports to Salvador.

Violet and the others arrived unnoticed, and Violet leaned in to peek at the letter. "To my beloved?" she read aloud, chuckling softly. "How cheesy."

Carissa kicked her, swiftly concealing the letter. "Get lost!"

Bun erupted in laughter. "My beloved? Why not 'my darling wife'? Hilarious!"

Cynthia kicked Bun. "Between those two, I prefer 'my beloved.' Problem with that?"

Bun, clutching his legs, feigned offense. "No problem! None at all!"