Chapter 226
One of the coffeehouse patrons recognized the irate speaker and immediately shouted, “That’s the current Minister of the Astrology Department!”
A murmur erupted into a clamor. How could a date personally chosen by the Minister of the Astrology Department fall within a mourning period?
The Minister of the Astrology Department pointed an accusatory finger at the stunned storyteller and thundered, “Who sent you to defame the Duke of Northwatch’s household? The Sinclair family’s seven men all sacrificed themselves on the Southern Frontier! General Sinclair is a female general who has distinguished herself repeatedly in battle! She aided the Hell Monarch in reclaiming the Southern Frontier!
“Any loyal subject of our kingdom would only hold the Duke of Northwatch’s family in the highest respect. Yet here you are, spreading vile rumors and accusing General Sinclair of being disrespectful! What is your true intention?”
A loud voice called out, “Could it be that you’re a spy from the enemy country, deliberately here to defame General Sinclair?”
Another person chimed in loudly, “That’s very possible! Has everyone forgotten? The entire Sinclair family was exterminated by spies from Westhaven. He could very well be one of those spies hidden in our capital. We should report this to the authorities immediately!”
The storyteller, now thoroughly panicked, waved his hands frantically. “No, wait! I’m not a spy from Westhaven. I—”
“If you’re not a spy, then why are you slandering General Sinclair?”
“Exactly! What are your true intentions?”
“Surround him! Don’t let him escape!”
Shouting ensued as coffeehouse patrons moved forward to block the storyteller’s escape. He was trapped by the crowd, being pointed at and interrogated.
Frederick stood at the doorway of the private room on the second floor, observing with a cold smile as the storyteller was surrounded and questioned. He then slowly descended the stairs and left.
The Minister of the Astrology Department had come out personally to clarify the matter and had reported it to the authorities. Even if the case didn’t ultimately implicate Eleanor, it would still be a significant loss, as she would need to spend a lot of money to bribe these storytellers to end the situation.
But there were more than a few storytellers. The gossip spread all over the capital in just a few days, reaching every coffeehouse, tavern, street corner, and tree. Those who made money telling stories were all bought off.
If the authorities got involved and started investigating each one, things could get really interesting.
Frederick returned to Northwatch Estate and reported this to Carissa. Carissa was embroidering a handkerchief with Lily. Upon hearing the news, she merely smiled faintly.
“It’s good that it has been clarified.”
Today, Frederick had deliberately arranged for a few people to go to the coffeehouse. The loud questioners were part of his arrangement.
As for the Minister of the Astrology Department, it was not Carissa who had summoned him for clarification.
Recent rumors and gossip had been rampant, and the Minister of the Astrology Department knew that someone was stirring trouble behind the scenes. Such struggles were common in the capital, and he usually preferred to avoid unnecessary complications.
But this time was different. He had personally chosen the date for Carissa’s marriage. If it was claimed that Carissa was marrying during her mourning period, it would imply that he had chosen a bad date!
Thus, the Minister of the Astrology Department had come to the coffeehouse specifically to clear things up. He had informed Carissa in advance so that Frederick could mobilize people accordingly.
Reporting the matter to the authorities was also necessary. Without some deterrence, it would set a precedent for further exploitation, and things could spiral out of control.
The Royal Citadel’s governor was Anthony Klein. He was the elder brother of Carissa’s second sister-in-law. He was also the Marquis of Highcrest.
Since the Sinclair family’s tragic downfall, the Marquis of Highcrest’s family rarely had dealings with them. When the Sinclair family was annihilated, it was the Royal Citadel officials and the patrolling guards who handled the case. Anthony had been devastated when he saw the mutilated body of his sister.
The lack of interaction was not due to a lack of sentiment, but a reluctance to remember the lost loved ones. Especially painful was the memory of him finding his nephew Ryan’s body, whose head had been severed and mutilated. Every time Anthony thought of it, it felt as though his heart had been torn open and was bleeding profusely.
However, this case involved the Duke of Northwatch’s family. Coupled with the Minister of the Astrology Department having requested official intervention, Anthony took it very seriously. He issued orders for a thorough investigation to get to the bottom of the matter.
Coincidentally, Barrett’s second uncle, Gregory, was serving as a deputy governor in the Royal Citadel. He was also involved in the investigation.
The Warren family’s second branch had always been close to Carissa, unlike the first branch, which was at odds with her. Therefore, Gregory was determined to uncover the truth and clear Carissa’s name. He felt that the Warren family owed her, and this was a way to make some amends.