Chapter 677

Carissa interrupted. “You mentioned the performance troupe was repeatedly disrupted a few years ago. How exactly? Did she say anything?”

“Yes, scoundrels smashed their equipment. They bought replacements several times, only to have them destroyed again. It infuriated Lucas; he was nearly foaming at the mouth.”

“When did this happen?” Carissa pressed.

“She said five years ago, lasting about six months.”

“I see. Note that Eleanor might have visited Stonebridge County five years ago, or sent someone,” Carissa instructed Jacob.

Jacob nodded. “Thank you, Your Grace. I was so focused on Ms. Spencer’s story that I completely forgot we still need to investigate Grand Princess Eleanor’s so-called rescue.” He had never been so careless. He was too excited.

Violet continued: “After the troupe disbanded, everyone scattered for a few months. Jaina was alone, lost, and helpless. But Lucas returned due to health issues, and she stayed in Stonebridge County to care for him. She had family. She gathered herbs and hunted in the mountains. If she found something rare, she could sell it for a good price.

“At first, things went well. She earned money, using some for Lucas’s treatment and saving some for herself. She planned to save ten silver coins to rent her own place, as they lived in a crowded, shared courtyard—noisy, with only one kitchen. People sometimes stole her harvest.

“But while collecting herbs, she encountered bandits. Outnumbered, she couldn't defend herself. Eleanor happened to be passing by and ordered her guards to rescue Jaina. Seeing Jaina injured, Eleanor called a physician. During Jaina’s recovery, Eleanor also sent someone to care for Lucas and hired a physician, improving his health.

“This deeply touched Jaina, and she felt compelled to repay Eleanor’s kindness. However, Eleanor said they were fated to meet and that she liked Jaina. She wanted to bring Jaina to the capital and even contacted local authorities to ensure Lucas received care.

“So, Jaina followed Eleanor to the capital—to express gratitude for saving her and for the care given to Lucas. Jaina thought she would serve as Eleanor’s maid. Instead, Eleanor placed her in a separate courtyard for six months before moving her to Harmony Palace.

“After that, Jaina was rarely allowed out. When she did, she wore a veil or hood and was accompanied by four to six guards. Though she lived luxuriously, she had no money.

“She could stroll occasionally, receiving most news from Harmony Palace servants. Even Thomas’s achievements were recently relayed by a maid. Eleanor seemed to have intentionally instructed someone to mention Thomas in Jaina’s presence repeatedly.”

Violet continued with less significant details. For instance, one night at Harmony Palace, Henry entered Jaina’s room. He barely spoke before Eleanor’s people called him away; he never returned.

As for Jessica, Jaina had seen her only once or twice. Besides the maids and servants, she encountered no one else. However, she occasionally heard screams.

After listening, Jacob felt sympathy and anger. “Isn’t that house arrest? It seems Grand Princess Eleanor brought her back to be defiled by Henry, but changed her mind.”

Jacob was tormented. He desperately wanted to see his sister, but that was impossible. He couldn't inform his mother or grandfather; it would be unbearable if they found out and still couldn't see her.

All Jacob could do was send someone to Cloud County to fetch his father. He couldn't tell him Jaina had been found, only that there were leads, and ask him to come to the capital.