Chapter 1334

The topic was delicate, so Jeremiah sipped his drink before continuing. "To be honest, the truth is somewhat unclear. Officially, Mr. Murphy lost his title for showing great disrespect to King Sigmund. In a fit of anger, the king stripped him of his noble rank, later granting him only the title of earl."

"Court rumors suggested a complicated relationship between Mr. Murphy and Lord Quinton. King Sigmund, intolerant of such matters, berated Mr. Murphy harshly upon discovering it. The loss of his title crushed Mr. Murphy's spirit, leading him to leave the capital."

Carissa had suspected something similar, though she hadn't imagined someone so close to the king would display such open personal feelings. Moreover, she was sure Clifford knew Sigmund's temperament; such indiscretion seemed uncharacteristic. Stripping someone of their title over a personal matter seemed an overreaction. Hearing this from Jeremiah, however, it made sense. Perhaps Clifford truly regarded Sigmund as a friend, explaining the lack of subtlety. Perhaps Sigmund's displeasure grew with the frequency of such occurrences, culminating in the final break.

"Do you think Mr. Murphy harbored lingering resentment towards King Sigmund when he left?" Carissa asked.

Noticing her calm demeanor, Jeremiah, realizing she likely suspected this already, softened his expression. "On the surface, no. But what was in his heart, only he knows. Or perhaps Lord Quinton."

Carissa didn't want Gerald to know, especially now. A lapse in judgment could cause turmoil. "Do you think anyone else, besides Lord Quinton, might know?" she asked carefully.

Jeremiah pondered, then said, "Mr. Walker's mentor, Edgar Whitley, likely knows. He served King Sigmund for many years and, after the king's death, retired in the capital. Mr. Walker even bought him a house. He's old, but sharp-minded. He should remember the details, though he receives few visitors. It would be best if Mr. Walker took you to him."

Carissa hesitated. She didn't want Salvador involved, especially given his dislike of Derek's interactions with the Hell Monarch's household. "I'd rather not involve Mr. Walker. Would you take me to him, Mr. Murray?"

Seeing it was still early, Jeremiah nodded. "If it's important, we can go now."

Edgar's modest home was located on remote Harmonia Street in the city's west. Arriving in the evening, they found the house dark. They knocked for some time before an elderly servant in grey, holding a lamp, answered. He seemed surprised by their arrival; clearly, few visitors came besides Derek.

"Whom do you seek, my lord and lady?" the servant asked, eyeing them curiously. He didn't recognize them.

Carissa quickly replied, "Inform Mr. Whitley that the prime minister, Mr. Murray, has come to visit."

Hearing this, the servant respectfully ushered them inside without further report. The house was small, with a modest sitting room, bedrooms, and servant quarters. A narrow corridor connected the kitchen and servants' rooms. Besides the old servant, a maid hurriedly poured drinks.

"Mr. Whitley has retired," the servant explained. "I'll wake him."

Soon, the servant returned with the elderly man. Edgar's hair was white, his face lined, yet his complexion was surprisingly rosy. His legs were unsteady, making him seem shorter than his actual height.

Upon seeing Jeremiah, Edgar brightened and started to kneel. Jeremiah quickly helped him up. "Mr. Whitley, no need for formalities. Please sit."

Edgar smiled, then glanced at Carissa. His years at court gave him a keen eye for recognizing important figures. Though she wore simple men's clothing, he perceived her unusual status and offered a respectful bow.

Returning the bow, Carissa went straight to the point. "I wish to ask about Mr. Clifford Murphy, all those years ago."

Edgar seemed surprised someone would raise such a matter. He paused, then glanced at Jeremiah. Recognizing the prime minister's late visit implied a need for precise answers, Edgar motioned to the maid. "Retrieve the brocade box from the highest shelf in the cabinet," he instructed.