Chapter 469

Yuvan twirled the emerald ring on his thumb, his gaze indifferent.

“That’s not enough. Continue spreading the rumor that Rafael, the Hell Monarch, is defending the woman to bolster his Supreme Court candidacy. Claim he’s defying public opinion for personal gain, emphasizing his lack of legal and administrative experience as a mere military man.

“Also, suggest that even the king is deceived by him. Rafael’s immense accomplishments and influence force the king to show him some deference.”

His subordinate asked, “Do you truly believe he’ll order a re-examination, Your Highness?”

“Of course he will, if doubts exist.” Yuvan offered a faint smile, a cold, bloodthirsty glint in his eyes. “I understand him well. He’s meticulous about human life. Anyone who values life so seriously will be extremely cautious. With such significant doubts, he cannot reconcile with his conscience if he doesn’t call for a re-examination.”

“Understood. I will proceed as instructed.” The subordinate saluted and swiftly exited, his cloak swirling around him as he disappeared.

Yuvan’s lips curled into a playful smile. “Rafael, I want to see his reputation ruined and ensure he never holds military authority again. I want the entire kingdom to believe he threatens the throne and that the king fears him—further discrediting the king.”

“Wayne!” he called.

A middle-aged man in a gray cloak emerged from behind a partition screen depicting a mountain landscape. He lowered his head deferentially. “Yes, Your Highness!”

Yuvan inquired, “Is there any way to detect the parasitic toxin within the woman?”

Wayne’s voice was grave. “It’s undetectable. It’s a tiny threadworm hidden in her brain. Even decapitation wouldn't reveal it. The threadworm only responds to my commands, and for now, the woman will show no unusual signs.”

Yuvan nodded slightly. “Good.”

“There’s no need for concern, Your Highness. The governor of Brightmoor District is one of ours. Even if the case is sent back for re-examination, it will be presented to the capital as originally planned. The delay will only inflame public anger, which benefits us.”

Yuvan’s eyes were cold and venomous. “This plan has been in the works for a long time. There must be no mistakes. With Kiera’s wedding in August, I will use the opportunity to return to the capital. Before then, Rafael’s reputation must be thoroughly tarnished, and Salvador must be labeled a foolish monarch.”

Wayne’s expression remained impassive. “Rest assured, Your Highness. This case is just the first step. If Prince Rafael decides to bypass a re-examination and directly execute the woman, we’ll have what we want. At that point, we will reveal that the woman was poisoned and driven mad by someone, making Prince Rafael a murderer of innocents. They still have the Westhaven matter to address.”

Yuvan toyed with the rim of his cup, his eyes dark with contemplation. “Yes, Aurora must not be allowed to live. She must be killed to prevent Salvador from using her to placate public outrage. I want the people of Westhaven and Starhaven to have no outlet for their anger, directing all their fury at Salvador and the Sullivan family.”

“Understood!” Wayne nodded. “But there’s no rush to act now. Currently, Marshal Liam is still obstructing the third prince… no, Westhaven’s crown prince now. We should deal with Marshal Liam first, and then move against Aurora.”

Yuvan raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. “You have confidence in killing Marshal Liam?”

“It is challenging, but it must be done,” Wayne replied calmly.

A flicker of ruthlessness appeared in Yuvan’s eyes. “Then proceed. If you need any resources or funds, just let me know.”

Wayne frowned thoughtfully before speaking slowly. “There were some underworld figures we could have used, but with so many martial artists arriving for the Hell Monarch and Lady Carissa’s wedding, using them might risk leaks.”

“That won’t do. Haven’t you trained any suicide soldiers?” Yuvan asked.

Wayne shook his head. “It is not yet time to deploy them. Training them is difficult, and losing them to Marshal Liam would be a waste.”

“Don’t worry about that,” Yuvan insisted, weighing his options. “Marshal Liam is an obstruction. Once he is out of the way, there will be no one to stop Westhaven’s crown prince. He is focused on avenging his brother and redrawing the borders. He’ll only work with me once Marshal Liam is dead.”

Wayne began to speak again, but Yuvan raised a hand to silence him. “Use the suicide soldiers.”

Wayne had no choice but to agree. “As you say, Your Highness.”

Yuvan added, “Keep the news of the spreading rumors discreet. Ensure Rafael does not find out that it is our doing.”

“Don’t worry, Your Highness,” Wayne replied. “News from Brightmoor District will not be connected to us, given the hundreds of miles between Valken and Brightmoor District.”

After a pause, Wayne continued, “Grand Princess Eleanor’s daughters have begun to infiltrate various prominent families. They’re bound to stir things up and create chaos. When that happens, these families will be too preoccupied with their own problems to offer any support to the court.”

Yuvan sipped his coffee, masking his earlier coldness with the naive, gentlemanly demeanor he usually portrayed. “That’s good.”