Chapter 783

Carissa felt no relief even after leaving Onkspire Estate. She still had to face the Quinton family tomorrow. Beyond them, she also had to deal with Hayden, to whom Eleanor had sent someone.

Carissa didn't plan to bring the Capital Guard to Hayden's residence, Willowbrook Estate. Instead, she intended to visit him with Rafael in the evening and update him. After all, the elderly prince had returned to the capital alone, his descendants all serving in distant territories.

However, Salvador remained understandably cautious, especially since Eleanor's backer remained unidentified. Without proof, the king would be wary of all his vassals.

That night, Rafael and Carissa arrived at Willowbrook Estate, Rafael carrying a gift to maintain appearances. The old prince certainly knew how to enjoy himself. After dinner, the household songstresses performed for him, serenading him with music.

When they arrived, Hayden was reclining on a lounge chair, eyes closed, tapping a rhythm on the armrest. A veiled songstress played a string instrument and sang. Her voice, clear as a nightingale, was sweet and alluring.

Her slender, fair fingers glided over the strings, each pluck and strum filling the room with pure, ethereal music, like streams flowing through high mountains. The music was enchanting, seemingly melting away one's troubles.

Rafael and Carissa listened from the doorway, captivated despite not recognizing the piece. When the song ended, Hayden opened his eyes, and they entered.

"Coming so late—hardly seems like good news," Hayden greeted with a smile.

Rafael raised his gift with a grin. "Great-uncle, since when is a gift not good news?"

Carissa smiled and greeted Hayden politely, "Good evening, Great-uncle."

Hayden's eyes narrowed as he looked her over, a smile spreading across his lips. "Ah, here's our kingdom's first female official—bold and spirited, every bit a match for the men."

"You flatter me, Great-uncle," Carissa replied with a smile.

"Sit down!" Hayden said, waving.

The songstress bowed and left with her instrument. Servants streamed in, bringing coffee, pastries, sweets—everything they could possibly need. Having traveled for hours, Rafael and Carissa happily relaxed, sipping their coffee and enjoying the delicacies.

Hayden seemed in fine spirits. Glancing at Carissa, he said, "I asked Rafael to bring you here ages ago, yet you only come now. Makes me wonder about your sincerity. There's another reason for your visit, isn't there?"

Rafael chuckled. "Nothing escapes your sharp eyes, Great-uncle. Yes, we're here because of the treason case. Eleanor sent someone to your estate. Are you aware?"

Hayden's smile became smug. "Whether I knew or not makes little difference. Here, the only thing she can do is eat and drink her fill. She can't leave the estate."

Chapter 713 (+25 BONUS)

"Well, that's a relief," Rafael joked. "Your estate truly is a place of privilege."

"A place of privilege indeed," Hayden sighed. "When she arrived, she declared her identity and immediately begged me to send her away. She said I was too old and smelled like an old man. Imagine that!"

"My whole life, no one's dared insult me like that. Outrageous! So, out of spite, I treated her to the finest food and drink, and now she's gained quite a bit of weight. I'll have her brought out to show you how well she's been pampered."

With that, Hayden called out, "Bring our plump lady out here, so she can perform her act for the prince and princess consort!"

Rafael and Carissa exchanged a surprised glance. Declaring her identity and begging to be sent away immediately? Wasn't the woman worried about her biological mother?