Chapter 656

Carissa was surprised. "Jacob has spies inside Valor Estate?"

"Yes. He has quite a few in all the estates within the capital, though some aren't as deeply embedded."

"Then why don't you tell him directly? Why tell me?"

Travis replied, "Ever since Kyle arrived, Jacob's been holed up in his study. I figured he was acting on Prince Rafael's orders. Wouldn't it be better if you went back and told Prince Rafael?"

Carissa was even more puzzled. "But why are the spies reporting to you? Are you in charge of this? Does Jacob trust you that much?"

Travis grinned proudly. "Of course! Did you really think I was just a drill instructor? Jacob said I might look rough around the edges, but I'm meticulous with details. That's why he put me in charge of the spy network."

After speaking, he performed a few midair flips and exited the room.

Carissa was speechless. She had always thought of Travis as a wild monkey—sure, he could train troops, but how could Jacob entrust him with the careful, delicate task of handling the spy network? If anything went wrong, the whole plan would fall apart!

Returning to Rafael's room, she mentioned Travis's report. "Did you and Jacob plant many spies in the major noble families?" she asked.

Rafael leaned back on the chaise lounge, pulling her onto his lap. "That's right. We placed them wherever possible, but their roles vary. Some infiltrated as servants, some gained the confidence of family heads, and others joined as guards."

"Things moved that fast?" Carissa was amazed, glancing at his handsome face. "So all this time, while things seemed quiet, you were busy setting up this network?"

Rafael remained calm. "We have many skilled people, but we can't openly send them to spy or monitor others. So we had to use this less-than-ideal method. But don't underestimate it—our people are well-trained."

"I can see that. Isn't Grand Princess Eleanor also placing people in noble families?"

"She's different. Those old noble families have strong principles. After all, their ancestors earned their titles through loyalty and service to the court. They have strict family rules. Unless desperate, they won't support a rebellion. Take the Earl of Gracehold's family, for example. Samuel might be corrupt, but the Earl of Gracehold family's loyalty to the crown is unwavering. Families like that can't be bought. If you can't buy them, you have to destroy them."

Carissa nodded. "I figured as much. Ever since Samuel left with Celeste and gained a reputation for abandoning his wife, the rising star in their family was ruined. Without a proper successor, the Earl of Gracehold family was severely weakened. Then, when Samuel went mad and hurt Leona, it incurred the king's wrath, and the family was blamed for failing to raise their sons properly. All their young men were demoted. Unless one of them rises like Samuel did, the Earl of Gracehold family is finished."

Chapter 656 (Continued)

"Exactly," Rafael said, a distant look in his eyes and a smile on his lips.

"Do you know which families Eleanor's daughters have infiltrated?"

"I have some ideas. Even Uncle Hayden's household has someone, but he's incredibly astute."

Carissa was shocked. "You're saying Eleanor sent someone to Uncle Hayden…to serve him?"

"The woman likely aimed to become his companion. Uncle Hayden's wife has been gone for years, and his son is a quiet county duke ruling in a remote part of the realm. Yuvan and the others want the support of local powers. If they can control Uncle Hayden, they'll control his son. After all, Uncle Hayden returned to the capital alone, without any children or grandchildren. Speaking of which, he mentioned last time that I should take you to visit him."

"What? Why didn't you tell me that? Let's go next time you have a day off."

Rafael sighed. His next day off? Again? At this rate, would they ever reach Richspire Peak before next year?