Chapter 618 (+25 Bonus)

Thomas laughed bitterly. "The rumors about my marriage intentions were spread by my order. I can't now retract that and claim it was to quell Viola's hopes, and that I have no intention of marrying. That would make me look like a hypocritical scoundrel."

Violet asked, "Then tell me, if you were genuinely considering marriage, would you consider Miss Young?"

"My dear godsister, how could I possibly be worthy of her?" Thomas repeated, then added, "Honestly, I don't know her well. She has a great reputation, but she's at least ten years younger than I am, and she would be my second wife. I can't subject her to that."

"She's happy to accept that," Violet countered.

Thomas chuckled. "How could she genuinely be happy? It's just a young girl's fleeting fantasy. As His Highness said, I should devise a graceful excuse to decline, so as not to embarrass the Young family or the girl herself. Violet, you're clever—why don't you help me think of something?"

Violet replied, "I'm not going to help you reject her. Like my godmother, I hope you'll marry and start a family soon to ease Viola's obsession."

"You little imp! You claim you don't want to marry, yet you're pushing me into it!" Thomas exclaimed, exasperated.

"Everyone says a woman has no path but marriage, but I refuse to believe that," Violet said, smiling at Carissa. "Besides, if I don't marry, Carissa will take care of me for life."

Rafael watched the sun set, his heart sinking with it. Today was not a pleasant outing. He sighed inwardly and stole a glance at Carissa. She seemed genuinely intrigued by the banter between Thomas and Violet, as if she cared deeply about Thomas's prospects of marriage. But she should focus on her own husband. He felt utterly dejected.

Thomas finally said, "Actually, many women claim they want to marry me, and I'm sure they'll change their minds soon. If you don't believe me, just wait and see. As for Mr. Young, it would be best for His Highness to send a reply. His response is his own affair."

Rafael said impassively, "Someone fetch Jacob."

Thomas couldn't handle Trevor himself, and Rafael wasn't good at lying. It was best to leave the delicate maneuvering to someone more adept. Thomas wasn't too concerned about the marriage matter; he had other issues to discuss with Rafael. He invited Rafael to his study for a private conversation.

"I've been investigating the assassination attempt at Valor Estate and have some findings. The assassin targeted Aurora, and the Capital Guards are on high alert…"

Rafael waved his hand dismissively. "I'm aware. Don't concern yourself with the investigation. Just wait for the king's assignment."

(+25 Bonus)

Chapter 618

Thomas frowned. "But now that we've returned to the capital, we have nothing to do. The assignment is taking forever, and it feels like we're wasting precious time." He couldn't stand idleness; it made him restless.

"I suspect the king may appoint you to Victory Pass or to oversee the capital garrison. General Xavier is aging; it's time for him to retire. However, the king is assessing your capabilities to determine your best placement."

"But General Sullivan is stationed at Victory Pass," Thomas pointed out.

"There are some matters…" Rafael began, then stopped. "I won't say more. Just refrain from investigating the Valor Estate assassination. I know the situation. Also, your team should limit contact with me for now. I called you today for personal reasons. In the future, I might have Violet relay messages."

Thomas was momentarily stunned, not grasping the implications. Rafael had saved their team—why wouldn't they be allowed to maintain contact? After a moment, the truth dawned on him. With the king's recent ascension and the unstable throne, it was natural to be wary of a prince with significant military accomplishments.

"Understood, Your Highness." Thomas nodded. "I'll wait patiently for my assignment."

He looked deeply at Rafael, a thought unspoken. No matter what, their team would always be part of the Sinclair Army. Every member of the Sinclair Army was loyal to the king and to the marshal. Rafael had been the marshal of the Sinclair Army, leading the Hell Monarch Army alongside them to reclaim the Southern Frontier—a feat of unparalleled significance.