Chapter 1338

Salvador dispatched Ian to personally oversee the riverworks. Upon arrival, Ian was met by Cameron, who expertly guided him through an inspection of the project's progress. The riverworks were nearing completion, the reservoir nearly finished and of excellent quality, the dam solidly built. They also examined the river channels; dredging was complete, and damaged dams had been repaired, raised, and reinforced.

Ian questioned the workers. These sun-weathered men were initially shy but answered all questions directly. Their only complaint concerned the food, requesting more fatty meat. Ian found them forthright, showing no hidden resentment or malice. He then inspected their temporary accommodations—modest shelters of wood and thatch, each housing seven or eight men on communal platforms. The arrangements were untidy but functional. No weapons were visible; tools were stored securely in a central warehouse, accessible only during work hours and meticulously returned daily. Ian found nothing suspicious; the workers seemed typical.

Cameron presented himself simply, dining with the workers and speaking enthusiastically about the project. However, regarding court matters, he appeared shy and uninformed. After days of observation, Ian reported to Salvador that neither Cameron nor the workers seemed problematic.

Salvador frowned. "Keep watching them. Ensure the warehouse is closely guarded."

"Do you suspect something, Your Majesty?" Ian asked, puzzled.

"Caution is always warranted," Salvador replied curtly.

The king had been uneasy since Carissa mentioned the Waterworks Department head. He'd already instructed Galen to investigate Cameron and his subordinates. Cameron appeared impeccable, yet his subordinates lived well, as Carissa reported. In contrast, Cameron lived frugally, almost to the point of poverty, despite his known salary and limited dependents. This could be attributed to thrift, but his subordinates' corruption was undeniable. Cameron, an expert in riverworks, controlled all expenditures. Could he be unaware of their embezzlement? More likely, he condoned it to secure their loyalty and silence.

Another possibility was that Cameron himself was embezzling on a grand scale, using his simple lifestyle as a cover. Salvador needed evidence, hence Ian's continued surveillance. He was reluctant to disrupt the project's imminent completion. If corruption existed, he'd investigate after completion. If a larger conspiracy—perhaps involving rebellion—was afoot, surveillance would reveal their next move.

Salvador's suspicions regarding Nicholas remained. However, with the prince in Nerovia, a coordinated attack on the capital via the riverworks seemed unlikely. To reach the capital, Nicholas would have to traverse Valken, where Thomas was stationed. Thomas, a skilled commander with keen instincts, would prevent Nicholas's easy departure. Without the prince's leadership, the riverworks workers posed little threat; a successful uprising might simply lead to a power grab by Nicholas's subordinates.

Meanwhile, Carissa watched Ian's perfunctory inspections from the riverbank, eating dry bread. His investigations had become lax; he and his men frequently retired to a coffeehouse. Carissa knew he believed no issue existed, merely fulfilling his duty superficially. Unable to rely on Ian, she continued her own surveillance, observing the Waterworks Department officials, hoping to identify someone fearful enough for interrogation.