Chapter 702

Salvador's expression was a mixture of anger and confusion. However, Derek, knowing him well, understood that Salvador was furious with the Royal Management Department's incompetence. No one believed Heather could be behind this. Even if she were, it was inconceivable that she would bribe Janice with so much jewelry and money simply to speak favorably of herself. There was more to this than met the eye.

If Rafael hadn't suspected something suspicious, he wouldn't have sent the maid back to the palace. He must have discovered something but chose not to investigate further, opting instead to send her back to the Royal Management Department. This clearly indicated his desire to avoid entanglement.

Yet, the Royal Management Department had obtained no useful information after receiving the maid. How could Salvador not be furious?

With a grim expression, Salvador said, "Get the royal physician to keep her alive. Even if she's clinging to life, continue interrogating her."

If this matter wasn't resolved, Salvador felt an unseen hand manipulating events from the shadows—as if someone had laid a trap. He disliked this feeling immensely.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Derek responded and withdrew.

After another hour of interrogation, Derek returned with another report.

"Your Majesty, she named one person. She claimed Grand Princess Eleanor instructed her. As for why she implicated Lady Heather, she feared retaliation from Grand Princess Eleanor and was too afraid to speak the truth."

"Is she dead?" Salvador asked.

"The royal physician said she wouldn't last much longer. By the time I left, she was barely breathing. She's probably gone now."

"I see. Keep this matter quiet. Tell everyone from the Royal Management Department to remain silent. I will summon Rafael back to the palace tomorrow. It's been a while since we've had a proper conversation. As for Daniel, have someone investigate his whereabouts and report any news."

After Derek carried out the orders, he returned to the inner chambers where Salvador was. After refilling the king's cup, he was about to withdraw quietly when Salvador asked, "Do you believe Janice's accusation against Aunt Eleanor, Derek?"

"I'm only an old servant, Your Majesty. I wouldn't dare make wild assumptions, but… Janice was tortured, and in the end, she didn't appear to be lying. Do you believe her, Your Majesty?" Derek replied cautiously.

Chapter 202

"I do," Salvador said, tapping his fingers on the desk, lost in thought. "Do you remember the uproar about the miniature chastity belt sculpture? My aunt is a spiteful woman. The Duke of Northwatch refused to marry her years ago, and she still holds a grudge. I suspect she bribed Janice only after Aunt Helen left the palace for Hell Monarch Estate. Did Janice mention what messages she delivered to Aunt Eleanor?"

Derek replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. Each time she sent a message, she received a reward. For instance, she sent news about visitors to Hell Monarch Estate, whom Lady Carissa met, and what important matters were discussed with ladies of noble families. The most significant reward she received was for information regarding the Earl of Gracehold's family. Grand Princess Eleanor had Janice keep an eye on Lady Carissa to see if she would cause trouble at Gracehold Estate. Janice even relayed what the two female bodyguards from Meadow Ridge said when they visited Hell Monarch Estate."

"The Earl of Gracehold's family!" Salvador's gaze grew cold. "I heard Samuel took a liking to a courtesan, who happens to be one of Henry's concubine's daughters."

"That remains unverified," Derek replied.

"Is that so? But Aunt Eleanor hasn't stepped forward to clarify either," Salvador said with a meaningful smile. "Aunt Eleanor has always cared deeply about her reputation. It's unusual for her not to clear her name when it's been sullied like this."

Derek assessed the situation and carefully responded, "Yes, it is rather unusual… Perhaps Grand Princess Eleanor believes the rumors are baseless and not worth addressing?"

"The rumors are ridiculous, absurd, especially since I've never seen any cousins from Aunt Eleanor's household except Jessica. But if the rumors are true, what do you think would compel my aunt to act this way? Samuel is certainly not a capable man, but everything concerning the Earl of Gracehold's family has come to light because of that courtesan. What exactly does my aunt intend to achieve? Does she have a grudge against the Earl of Gracehold's family?"

Salvador chuckled, though his eyes grew colder.

"Of course, I'm speaking hypothetically, assuming the rumors are true."

Derek dared not say more and murmured, "I'm too dull to understand, Your Majesty."

Salvador shot him a glance and said coolly, "I've recently heard the common folk clamoring to build a shrine for the Hell Monarch. Even wise scholars across the kingdom are writing articles praising his achievement in reclaiming the Southern Frontier. Have you heard anything about this?"