Chapter 717

Salvador hadn't anticipated uncovering such treasonous material. He'd expected only vile palace secrets, but this was far worse. He initially wanted to intervene but hesitated to directly order action concerning Harmony Palace. Therefore, he subtly influenced events during the Emberfest Festival.

He wasn't sure anyone would act against Eleanor that night, but recent rumors were rampant. Whispers claimed Samuel's courtesan was the daughter of a concubine from Eleanor's household. After investigating, Salvador learned Henry had dealings with the Lester family, a prominent merchant clan. Coincidentally, a Lester daughter had visited Hell Monarch Estate several times.

These fragments didn't form a complete picture, but, as in previous years, Eleanor had invited high priests to pray at Harmony Palace during Emberfest. Kyle's arrival in the capital just before the festival was also noteworthy. Salvador recalled past conflicts between Carissa and Eleanor, speculating the grand princess's sordid affairs might be linked to the Lester family.

He didn't know Carissa well, but understood her strong sense of justice. If the Lester family sought her help, she might have assisted them if dissatisfied with Eleanor. Most importantly, Daniel's wife and children were missing, presumably kidnapped. If Eleanor were responsible, Carissa wouldn't stand idly by.

That was Salvador's reasoning. However, he never imagined finding weapons and armor, especially the significant gunpowder stash, in Harmony Palace.

Rafael, quickly processing the information, decided against feigning ignorance. "I will carry out your order, Your Majesty."

Salvador turned to the prime minister. "Jeremiah, you may leave. I have a few words with my brother."

Jeremiah rose. "I will take my leave, Your Majesty, Your Highness."

"Safe travels, Mr. Murray," Rafael said, saluting.

Jeremiah glanced at the prince but said nothing and left.

Once the door closed, Salvador looked at Rafael. "Have a seat. Let's speak openly. Tonight, my brother…"

Rafael sat. "Alright."

Salvador fixed his gaze on Rafael. "Tell me, did you dispatch those assassins tonight?"

Rafael rose and knelt. "Yes, Your Majesty, I bear the blame."

Salvador's expression hardened. "Did you discover her treasonous intentions early on? Why didn't you report to me? Did you think I wouldn't believe you?"

A bitter smile touched Rafael's lips. Without evidence, how could he convince Salvador? He feared stating his suspicions would be met with angry rebuttal. He kept these thoughts to himself.

Maintaining a serious demeanor, he replied, "I didn't discover any treasonous intent. Tonight's actions weren't deliberate; they were sudden. Carissa's uncle was abducted leaving the city, and soon after, his wife and children went missing. We suspected Aunt Eleanor." Rafael paused, gauging Salvador's reaction. Seeing none, he continued, "We suspected Aunt Eleanor because, returning from rescuing the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team, I encountered Carmen, claiming to be the daughter of Lord Henry's concubine, Melanie Lester. She resembles Carissa's mother, which caught Aunt Eleanor's attention. Aunt Eleanor took Melanie back to promise her to Henry as a concubine. Carmen and her sister, Celeste—Samuel's courtesan—were born from this union. Carmen said Aunt Eleanor ordered her to disrupt my relationship with Carissa, but Carmen refused and confided in Carissa, asking for help to rescue her mother. She also informed me about the dungeon."

"So, you devised your plan for the Emberfest Festival, yet claimed it wasn't deliberate?" Salvador said, his eyes cold.

"No. We couldn't discern the truth. Carissa and I would never act recklessly, especially since Aunt Eleanor is our aunt and a revered grand princess. Acting against royal authority without verification is something I'd never do," Rafael explained.

Salvador's expression softened slightly. "So, it was because of Daniel and his family's disappearance?"