Chapter 706

Surprisingly, Jacob and the others were unconcerned about what would happen at Harmony Palace that night. With the assassins on the move, they would surely breach the dungeons. Given the many high priests attending the sacred ceremony at Harmony Palace, the Capital Guards and the Garrison Unit would likely be heavily focused on guarding the area. Jacob’s people would create a diversion, drawing the guards' attention once the assassins were spotted.

Once inside Harmony Palace, the assassins would head straight for the dungeon. They knew the layout and the location of the dungeon entrance.

However, Carissa was puzzled. The queen dowager had sent food offerings to support Eleanor, attracting a large crowd. Victoria wouldn't act so arbitrarily; Carissa had never known her to do anything like this. The only person who might orchestrate such an arrangement was Salvador.

With Janice having been sent back to the Royal Management Department for questioning, it was only a matter of time before she revealed Eleanor's involvement. Was Salvador's heightened attention on tonight's ceremony a result of this? But what could such attention accomplish? It would merely attract more people.

After pondering this, Carissa asked, "Is the goal to draw in those closely associated with Grand Princess Eleanor? After all, she wouldn't invite them if she had no established relationships with them."

Jacob frowned. "I worry the king might suspect something significant is happening at Harmony Palace tonight. While your theory is a possibility, I suspect His Majesty's true intention is to uncover the palace's secrets."

"Is it possible he knows about our plans?" Violet asked, surprised.

"Hard to say," Jacob replied, turning to Violet. "His Majesty is not only suspicious but also a mystery. It's also difficult to determine if he has people within the Hell Monarch Estate. We've repeatedly screened for spies, but our checks are useless if someone is deeply embedded."

"Even if he does," Carissa replied, "it wouldn't be surprising. At least, no one else is present during this discussion. Only the four of us know."

Kyle interjected, "Intuition! I've had private conversations with the king. He's clever and perceptive."

"Intuition?" Carissa echoed, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. A ruler's intuition," Kyle said. "You might not believe it, but those in power possess a unique sense of perception. Of course, this intuition isn't based on nothing—it's pieced together from various bits of information."

Jacob nodded. "You should also be aware of the recent unrest among the citizens, Lady Carissa. The people are clamoring for a shrine to be built for Prince Rafael. Even though we've sent people to praise His Majesty, subtly including praise for His Highness, I'm sure His Majesty is displeased."

Chapter 706 (+25 Bonus)

Carissa nodded. "Plus, Janice's situation is precarious. My uncle's wife and children have also gone missing. All these events, combined with tonight's ceremony at Harmony Palace, might lead him to believe the public outcry was orchestrated… If so, he might suspect someone is planning something."

"Exactly!" Jacob chuckled. "If that's the case, it's a good thing. Even if he knows Grand Princess Eleanor and her associates initiated tonight's activities, the outcome will only confirm to His Majesty that His Highness dislikes the external praise and doesn't want a shrine. He might even expose the issue within Harmony Palace and remind His Majesty that his true concerns shouldn't lie with the Hell Monarch's household, but rather with others."

"And since you two married, the Hell Monarch's household has been following the rules. No arrogance, no cliques, and certainly no excessive dealings with powerful families. The king's wariness towards you should have eased somewhat," Kyle added.

Violet turned to Carissa. "Well, they do have a point. Men often understand men."