Chapter 1341

Hardship was inevitable. Travis broke Miles' leg and secretly sent him to the Arcane Sanctum, instructing him to claim a drunken fall. This allowed Miles to recover at home without attracting attention.

Once settled, Travis approached Carissa. "Why don't we send him back to gather intelligence? We could intimidate him, saying the king ordered it. He wouldn't dare disobey."

Carissa disagreed. "He'll be easily detected and more likely to make a mistake."

Travis remembered Miles' pathetic state. Sending him on a mission would quickly arouse Cameron's suspicion. It was safer to let him rest, ensuring a clean outcome. Even if colleagues visited, Miles, a self-serving man, wouldn't risk revealing anything. He valued personal gain above all else; sharing credit would only cause trouble. That man wouldn't risk a thing.

Miles, a longtime Ministry of Infrastructure employee, had never had a true friend. A man who abandoned his supportive brother, divorced his first wife, and mistreated his mentor's daughter—utterly self-centered—could never have genuine friendships. Personal gain was his sole motivation.

Carissa later discussed with Jacob and Kyle whether to report to Salvador, considering the confession's dubious origin. They agreed the report had to be made, regardless of Salvador's belief; the illegal detention of a government official couldn't be ignored, even if Salvador wouldn't punish anyone at this delicate time. Carissa brought Kyle, highly regarded by the king, to the palace. She recalled a previous incident where Salvador had seen through a forged letter from Kyle.

However, they were denied access. Derek informed them that Salvador was coughing up blood and had nearly collapsed; Robert was attending to him.

Carissa immediately asked, "Is it his health, or has he been poisoned?" The question, laced with suspicion, was bolder than usual, but Derek's presence emboldened her.

Derek, worried, sighed. "Mr. Lester ruled out poisoning. Recent stress has affected His Majesty. He's been restless, unable to sleep or eat properly. Fluctuations in temperature caused a feverish cold. He's been coughing for days, and medicine hasn't helped. Today, the coughing worsened, leading to blood and near-choking."

Relieved it wasn't poisoning—which would imply palace infiltration—Carissa waited outside for the royal physician's report. Other officials waited to report urgent matters.

An hour later, Robert emerged, explaining Salvador had fallen asleep after treatment. Urgent matters would be postponed. Since men couldn't freely enter the inner palace, Carissa asked Kyle to leave and visited Ryan and Helen at Serenity Palace.

Victoria, though the news was kept from her, already knew. Respecting the king's request for silence, she hadn't visited but sent an inquiry. An hour later, Carissa updated Victoria, assuring her of Salvador's divine protection.

Victoria remained unconcerned by such reassurances. "He burdens himself with too much, never delegating properly. No wonder he's ill from stress and overwork!"

Helen patted Victoria's back. "Don't worry. Stress can feel like coughing up blood; I've felt it too."

Victoria glared; that was little comfort.

Carissa saw Ryan and Evan. With Salvador ill, Trevor allowed Connor and others to return, demonstrating filial devotion.

After comforting Victoria, Carissa walked with Ryan. "Have you been mistreated?"

Ryan shook his head. "The queen dowager is kind. The food is better than at the academy."

Carissa chuckled. "Food again? Your studies? Have you learned diligently from Mr. Young?"

Ryan, looking around cautiously, whispered, "I've learned, but I pretend to know little. I don't want to outshine Prince Connor. He teases me when I do poorly, but it's not too bad."

Carissa patted his head. He was too considerate. After advising him, she left the palace.