Chapter 472
After the case was reported to Salvador, he appointed Patrick, head of the Ministry of Justice, as a special investigator to examine the matter in Brightmoor District. Ivy accompanied him. The fact that the investigation was being conducted by a special investigator personally appointed by the king would naturally stir doubt among the enraged populace.
Kyle also made a rare public statement, outlining the case's ambiguities. Previously, scholars had condemned the situation, fueled by public anger and a desire for justice for the deceased and to uphold traditional family roles and authority. However, after Kyle's statement, the scholars' certainty wavered. They now hoped the special investigator would uncover the truth, allowing the deceased to rest in peace.
Yuvan hadn't anticipated this outcome. He believed the review would be rejected or the case returned for re-examination, irreparably damaging Rafael's reputation and potentially costing him his position as head of the Supreme Court. Instead, a special investigator was sent.
"I underestimated Rafael," Yuvan said coldly.
"Don't worry, Your Highness. No matter who investigates, they won't uncover the woman's threadworm," another replied.
Yuvan stated, "In that case, Rafael will be cleared. Whether the guilty woman is sentenced to death will be determined by the special investigator, Mr. Lloyd from the Ministry of Justice. His ruling is final; there's no need for Supreme Court review. He has the authority to execute her without further process. Even if the poisoning is revealed later, Rafael will remain unaffected."
Furthermore, Yuvan wished to avoid opposing the Lloyd family, especially with Sylvia in the palace. The Lloyds had a history of public service, and a deep investigation could easily implicate him. He needed to proceed cautiously. Having waited years, he couldn't afford mistakes.
He suppressed his dissatisfaction and said slowly, "If the threadworm remains undiscovered, at least it won't implicate the governor of Brightmoor District." That governorship was a connection he'd carefully cultivated for years and couldn't jeopardize.
"Rest assured, Your Highness. No one will find the threadworm; I control them," Wayne said confidently.
Chapter 472 (Bonus)
The special investigator arrived in Brightmoor District at the end of April. The case's notoriety prompted Patrick to begin a swift, transparent investigation, allowing public observation to build confidence. The deceased's family was known for virtue and charity, earning community respect.
Attendance was carefully controlled, limited to respected elders, scholars, and a few ordinary citizens. This decision, made on Rafael's advice, ensured transparency for a thorough reinvestigation.
When Ivy burned a specific herb before Lola, the accused, a tiny, nearly invisible threadworm emerged from her nose. Thinner than a hair, white, and nearly transparent, it was visible only up close. Since Lola had eaten with her family, the threadworm's introduction into her medicine was clear. Patrick ordered the arrest of James, Lola's physician.
Interrogation was unnecessary. Witnessing this spectacle, James immediately confessed, revealing that six months prior, a man had paid him a gold ingot to add a powder to Lola's medicine. The man claimed it wasn't poison and even took some himself. He said he knew Lola had been ill for a long time and couldn't bear to see her suffer.
Though James suspected a lie, the gold and witnessing the man take the medicine swayed him.