Chapter 568

Helen had just left when Salvador arrived. After paying his respects to the Queen Dowager, Victoria handed him the carrier pigeon note.

“Carissa left the city last night and specifically instructed your aunt to deliver this note to the palace for you,” she said.

Salvador glanced at it and smiled. “If she left in the middle of the night, it must be something important. There’s no need to inform me of every detail.”

Victoria replied, “She’s a woman carrying a deputy commander’s emblem. Her leaving the capital in the middle of the night warrants informing you.”

Salvador nodded, his face showing subtle concern. “I hope Lawrence will return safely.”

It was a surprise to discover that Septimus was Lawrence. The Marquis of Elderglen’s family was indeed a family of military nobility. Even though many younger generations had turned to civilian roles in recent years, some always carried on the family’s legacy of honor and resilience.

Victoria watched him, wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent. Some things, once spoken, could only deepen her son’s suspicions.

Oliver’s report arrived at the prime minister’s office, stating that the Hell Monarch had disappeared after reaching Simonton City.

Jeremiah reviewed the report and pushed it aside. He knew very well that Rafael’s purpose in Simonton City was not negotiation, but to rescue Septimus.

Several days later, another report from Oliver arrived. Jeremiah read it with great excitement and immediately went to request an audience with Salvador.

Salvador read the report and was overjoyed. “Eleven people—it was actually eleven people! And they have all safely returned to Simonton City!”

Jeremiah’s voice choked with emotion. “Yes, thanks to Your Majesty’s blessings, they all made it back to Simonton City.”

Salvador was thrilled and immediately issued an order. “Bestow rewards! Substantial rewards! Derek, summon the Minister of Protocol and his deputies to prepare a welcoming ceremony for these heroes. Also, the Civil Minister…”

As Salvador gave the orders, he paused, looking at the list. “Joshua and Benson—these two are Richard’s sons.”

Jeremiah replied, “Your Majesty, we should inform each family. The eleven men won’t be returning to the capital immediately. Lawrence’s injuries are severe, and may delay their return.”

Salvador looked at a name on the report, then at Jeremiah. “Thomas Farrell—Thomas’s wife married Barrett, correct?”

Jeremiah suddenly remembered. “Your Majesty, Thomas’s wife returned to her family long ago. She remarried as the third wife of a Prince.”

“I see.” Salvador said little more. That small matter did nothing to diminish his delight.

Chapter 568

“Derek, send someone to inform each family individually. There’s no need to visit the Farrell family—they should already know. As for the two from Stonebrook District, draft an edict for the governor of Stonebrook District. Have him inform their families first. After the rewards are bestowed upon their return to the capital, they can return home to reunite with their families.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Derek accepted the order and withdrew.

Jeremiah took his leave, choosing not to show Oliver’s initial report to Salvador. It might seem like a simple statement, but it was essentially a complaint. Even presented to Salvador, it wouldn’t significantly harm the Hell Monarch.

However, Jeremiah worried that certain matters could be rehashed later. Oliver didn’t know about the rescue mission, as Rafael had kept it secret, likely for discretion and confidentiality.

But if Salvador considered it, he might misinterpret Rafael’s silence as distrust toward Oliver, leading Salvador to believe Rafael had gone missing intentionally. If the Hell Monarch distrusted Oliver, did that imply dissatisfaction with the king for taking command of the Hell Monarch Army?

So, it was best to keep this report from Salvador to avoid unnecessary complications.

Given the proximity of the government ministries to the prime minister’s office, Jeremiah planned to inform Richard personally.

When Richard saw Jeremiah arriving at the Ministry of Protocol, he hurriedly gathered his staff to greet him.

Jeremiah smiled. “Carry on with your work. I’m here to speak with Mr. Cooper about a private matter unrelated to official duties.”

Richard was somewhat puzzled. The prime minister was visiting him for personal matters?

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