Chapter 1361

As dawn broke, Adrian led them to the Glimmering Tower. Carissa then realized they were not alone; many guild leaders and elders were present, even Violet and Bun's mentor.

Violet gasped upon seeing her mentor, Conrad, rushing toward him. "Sage Conrad, what brings you here? You didn't even send word!"

Conrad smiled warmly. "I heard you were guarding the capital. Naturally, I had to help."

Violet grinned, linking her arm with his. "Sage Conrad, you're too kind! I'll get you another villa once we're done."

Conrad feigned annoyance. "Why would I need more villas? However, I did hear about a hot spring at Solitude Peak. I thought of buying it for your fellow apprentices."

Violet exclaimed, "I'll buy it!"

Everyone regarded Conrad with envy. Most mentors provided for their apprentices, sometimes even with weapons. Conrad, however, seemed to live off Violet's generosity—with shameless ease.

As morning light filled his study, Hayden emerged, looking weary from a sleepless night. Seeing Gordon still at the door, he chuckled. "Returned defeated, I see."

Gordon lowered his gaze. "Your Highness, will you be going out today?"

"No, return to your duties," Hayden replied flatly. But Nicholas remained.

Hayden's gaze turned cold. "If you have questions, ask them."

Nicholas lifted his head. "Did you know Adrian and the others came? Who told you? It doesn't matter if you don't speak; it will come out eventually."

The Shadow Guard from the previous night was gone, leaving only the faint scent of blood. There were no signs of a struggle, suggesting a swift, fatal blow. Nicholas suspected who might be responsible.

Hayden's eyes blazed. "Kill them. If they don't die now, they'll die later. Kill them all, so they can't threaten me. I might as well die with them."

Nicholas sighed. "Must you speak like that, Dad? I meant no harm. If you say it, won't everything be settled? No one below you will suffer."

Without warning, Hayden struck Nicholas. His voice thundered, "How dare you speak to me like this? What shamelessness! How could your mother and I have raised such a wretch?"

Nicholas remained impassive. "You've struck and cursed me, Dad. Now, say what you must." He gestured, and two men dragged in Sonny, unconscious, badly beaten, and bleeding.

Hayden's breath hitched. His fury intensified, and he struck Nicholas again, even harder. "You ungrateful child! You grew up on Sonny's shoulders! How dare you do this to him?!"

Nicholas remained calm. "That's why I didn't kill him. Perhaps death is best, but Sonny should live. Whether he lives in peace or agony depends on your decision, Dad."

Hayden closed his eyes, rage and sorrow warring within him. After a long silence, he said woodenly, "Adrian came to me while I was relieving myself."

Nicholas frowned. Could Adrian move so freely, even with Shadow Guards present? He clearly underestimated the guild leader.

"What did he say?" Nicholas asked.

Hayden's tone was icy. "He wanted to know your plans. I told him you were planning to assassinate Lady Carissa."

Nicholas' disbelief was palpable. "That's all? Where is your emblem, Dad? Hand it over. I'll keep it safe."

Hayden looked surprised. "What would you do with my emblem?"

"Nothing," Nicholas replied. "I'll keep it for you. After all, your emblem is as good as mine."

He moved to Sonny, gently wiping blood from his lips. His gaze darkened. "Sonny needs a physician. He needs treatment."

Hayden threw his emblem on the ground. "Take it, and get lost!"

Nicholas picked it up, verifying its authenticity. Satisfied, he gestured. "Then hurry and get Sonny help."