Chapter 731
Rafael frowned as he read Billy’s testimony. The man was clearly terrified of dying. He had confessed everything in painstaking detail: how Celeste seduced him, forced him to poison Melanie Lester, the drugs he used, the worsening illness, and even his prediction of Melanie's death. He also speculated on Celeste’s motives, suggesting she wanted to escape Harmony Palace by poisoning her mother.
Although Rafael hadn't been handling cases long, he immediately saw a flaw in the story. "If Celeste truly wanted to break free from Aunt Eleanor, killing her mother wouldn't help," he said. "There's a contradiction. Aunt Eleanor's control over Celeste hinged on her mother. If Celeste didn't care about her mother's life, she could have easily lived under Samuel's protection at Gracehold Estate, outside Aunt Eleanor's grasp. She could have swindled a sum from Samuel and disappeared; Aunt Eleanor wouldn't have found her easily. Besides, she's clearly not afraid to go all out—Billy is almost sixty."
Matthew, a veteran of the Supreme Court, replied, "Celeste was groomed for this from a young age. She's used to using her looks and body as bargaining chips. It's not surprising."
"Bring her in for questioning," Rafael instructed.
"I've already sent someone," Matthew said. "Lord Henry revealed she was at Weaver Coffee, but she'd left by the time we arrived. We're short-staffed."
The Supreme Court usually had ample staff, but a treason case was different. More people were involved, and if they didn't act quickly, key figures could escape. Eleanor had operated in the capital for years; she'd undoubtedly cultivated connections among officials. Otherwise, the money she spent on socializing would have been wasted. And considering the origin of the weapons and armor, many must have been involved in hiding them in Harmony Palace.
Understanding the manpower shortage, Rafael nodded. "I'll request a royal edict from the king tomorrow to borrow men from the Capital Guard."
Despite his workload, Rafael hadn't forgotten Carissa's appointment as commander of the Mystic Army. "I'll head back to my estate. You should rest too. I'll be back in an hour."
Harvey and Yuvan needed close watching, but there was no solid testimony linking them to the treason case. Salvador's stance was unclear, so his people at Hell Monarch Estate would handle this.
"Yes, sir!" Matthew rubbed his temples. "Take a break, Your Highness. I'll rest; then I'll speak with Lord Henry."
He used "speaking" instead of "interrogating" because Henry, despite appearing cowardly, was cunning. The slightest pressure resulted in fainting spells or complaints of illness. Since Salvador hadn't revoked Eleanor's title, harsher methods were impossible. Henry was still her prince consort.
Rafael understood. "I'll go to the palace tomorrow to gauge His Majesty's stance. A clear order will simplify our work."
"That makes sense," Matthew agreed.
Rafael extinguished two lamps, leaving one dim light, and grabbed his cloak. "I'll head back now."
"Safe travels, Your Highness," Matthew replied, following him out before resting and relieving Peter.
By midnight, Rafael reached his estate. Jacob arrived fifteen minutes earlier, after dropping off his family and eating. Although Rafael wanted to spend time with his sister, pressing matters prevented an overnight stay, so he returned to Hell Monarch Estate.