Chapter 644

At Hell Monarch Estate, Jacob reported the situation to Rafael in his study, then settled down to sip his coffee.

“So, Noah went straight to Uncle Yuvan’s residence after leaving Hartstone Estate?” Rafael raised an eyebrow. “Hah. It seems our suspicions were correct. They’re all working together with Aunt Eleanor.”

“Prince Harvey has been hiding it well. We never paid him much attention before,” Jacob said.

“I was at the Southern Frontier battlefield for the past few years, so I missed much of what happened in the capital,” Rafael said, analyzing the situation. “They haven’t gained enough power yet. Otherwise, they would have acted when my brother first took the throne. Back then, there was chaos at Victory Pass and a war at the Southern Frontier. My father's death and the ascension of a new king would have been their best opportunity.”

Jacob considered this, then shook his head. “That may have been their best chance, but not the right time. With internal and external strife, inheriting such a mess would have been a huge challenge for them.”

“It would have been a challenge, but they would also have had a higher chance of success,” Rafael countered.

Jacob explained, “Your Highness, that shows Prince Yuvan’s grand ambitions. He wants the throne, fame, and public support. That’s why he’s investing so heavily. Rebelling while the kingdom fought enemy kingdoms would have branded him a usurper, even if he succeeded. One who desires everything will inevitably end up with nothing. I imagine he regrets his choices now.”

Rafael agreed. “For now, let’s keep an eye on the situation and support Carissa’s plan to topple Aunt Eleanor. By the way, have we received any news from Westhaven?”

Jacob replied, “Marshal Liam was attacked and severely injured. He’s in a coma. He’s faced assassination attempts before and evaded them, but not this time.”

“Could we infiltrate his circle?” the prince asked.

“We have someone inside, but he’s a minor guard at Marshal Liam’s estate and wasn’t present during the attack. Even if he had been, it wouldn’t have mattered. There were many ruthless assassins. Marshal Liam is highly skilled, and his guards are elite fighters, but they still couldn’t avoid the ambush,” Jacob replied.

“What about Westhaven’s king? Didn’t they say he wouldn’t survive the summer? Autumn is almost over,” Rafael asked.

“There are many rumors; even Westhaven’s citizens don’t know the truth,” Jacob said.

“I see.” Rafael sighed. He hoped Westhaven’s king would live a little longer. Otherwise, once Westhaven’s crown prince ascended the throne, the situation in Starhaven would become dire, with troubles both inside and outside the kingdom.

Bonus Section:

After thinking for a while, Rafael said, “Help me send a message to Winona. See if her people can deliver some Snowdrop Pills to Marshal Liam.”

“Before I came, I entrusted a letter and the pills to Claire. She’ll arrange delivery,” Jacob replied, picking up his cup.

Rafael raised an eyebrow. “Are you trying to get ahead of me again?”

Jacob remained calm. “I just wanted to let you know I’m earning my salary with a clear conscience, Your Highness.”

Rafael laughed. “Seriously? You practically follow me everywhere, so why worry about that? If you need anything else, ask Carissa.”

Jacob smiled slightly. “I don’t want much, just a painting by Mr. Spencer.”

“An orchid painting? There are plenty.”

“If that were all, I wouldn’t bother you,” Jacob said seriously. “I want him to paint from a description.”

Rafael’s eyes lit up. “Your sister.”

Jacob’s gaze softened. “Yes. I haven’t given up searching for her.”

“She disappeared at seven. Eighteen years have passed; she’d be twenty-five now. Even if Kyle could paint her, it would be a painting of her at age seven. How will you search based on that?” the prince asked.

“Mr. Spencer has a unique skill. From a childhood likeness, he can deduce what someone might look like as an adult and incorporate it into the painting,” Jacob explained.

Rafael replied, “Okay, he has that talent. But your own painting skills are decent, and you couldn’t paint your sister because your memory is hazy. How can you expect to describe her well enough for someone else to paint?”

“Some details are hazy. When I try to draw my sister, I recall the sorrow that engulfed my family after her disappearance, and perhaps that makes me reluctant to delve too deeply into those memories. If Mr. Spencer were here, perhaps he could capture her on canvas based on my description. At least her face lingers in my mind, so maybe it’ll slowly come into focus,” Jacob said.