Chapter 752

Florence remained silent for a long time, fully aware that Eleanor could never compare to Melanie Sullivan. Eleanor's heart, she knew, was consumed by resentment. Had she married Hector and he disobeyed her even once, she would undoubtedly have created a cataclysmic scene.

Carissa continued, “You claimed concubines are lowly, while the Grand Princess is noble. Therefore, anything she does to them is considered a blessing. If I were to bestow such a ‘blessing’ upon you, would you kneel in gratitude, offering your fingers and toes for me to chop off one by one?”

Florence remained silent, her gaze fixed on the floor, unable to muster a response.

“Most of these so-called lowly concubines were favored daughters in their families. Whether from wealthy or common backgrounds, their parents likely spoiled them, just as you spoiled Grand Princess Eleanor.

“But they were abducted and met terrible ends within Harmony Palace. And you still think they should be grateful? Doesn't the thought horrify you? I don't know if vengeful spirits exist, but if they do, they must linger endlessly within Harmony Palace. No wonder rituals are performed annually during the Emberfest Festival to help those souls find peace. Have you ever dreamed of those deceased concubines and little boys, Florence?”

Tears streamed down Florence's face as she covered her mouth.

Carissa looked at her coldly. “You should respect life.”

With that, Carissa stood and left. Rafael emerged from behind the partition screen, following her out and instructing someone to take Florence back to her cell.

Florence stumbled away, her back hunched, her former dignity lost.

Carissa said, “Let her rest for a couple of days, but we still need to question her. She knows where Lord Henry's daughters have gone, the former haunts of Grand Princess Eleanor's trusted confidants, and the fates of the guards and servants who have been replaced.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll uncover everything,” Rafael replied.

As they approached the Supreme Court's front yard, Matthew rushed up to report, “We’ve found the box, Your Highness, Commander Sinclair. Inside is a small notebook. I took a quick look; it records the origins of every individual—names, ages upon arrival, and even the ages and causes of death for some.”

Rafael's expression darkened. “Let’s go!”

There were two notebooks. Carissa’s contained details of every child born—their sex and their mothers. Rafael’s held the histories, names, and ages of each concubine, along with how they entered the household.

(Chapter 752 continues)

+25 BONUS

After a thorough examination, they exchanged notebooks. Carissa discovered an entry for a girl named Wendy Lloyd, who had lost her fingers and toes. She was from Valken, the youngest daughter of a carpenter with three older brothers. Florence had noted Wendy's striking resemblance to Melanie Sullivan—an 80 percent similarity. She had been brought to Eleanor by Fiona at age fifteen and died at eighteen.

Carissa quickly scanned for Fiona's name, finding only a single entry. No other woman showed such a high resemblance to Melanie Sullivan; even Melanie Lester had only a 40 to 50 percent similarity. Some women bore only similar names.

Some women had been purchased, but most had been abducted—only five were bought outright. Carissa tallied the figures: 182 individuals total; 142 were dead, leaving 40 alive.

On the following page, Florence noted that not all the women had been Henry's concubines; some had been brought to Harmony Palace for Eleanor to torture and then kill. Some bodies were dumped in mass graves; others were cast into an ancient well.

Over the years, 28 male infants had been born, none surviving. There were 36 daughters; seven died shortly after birth, and others were sent away due to unattractive appearances. There was no record of those who survived and were raised well, such as Carmen and Celeste.

Rafael slammed his hand on the table in anger. “This is utterly insane!”