Chapter 852
Even though Amelia's death was ruled a suicide, the Royal Citadel investigated the possibility of foul play. Gregory, a Royal Citadel official, could not participate due to his familial connection.
Anthony's inquiries revealed conflicting opinions of Amelia. Viola called her selfish and lazy, while Barrett described his late sister-in-law as understanding. Rebecca was harsher, labeling Amelia a poisonous, gluttonous, deceitful woman, a disgrace to the Warren family. Aurora, rarely seen outside Blessed Haven, simply said, "Who cares?" The servants described her as kind but easily deceived and bullied. Charlotte wept, calling Amelia a poor soul trapped by her circumstances. Benjamin, however, could offer no description, recalling only her quiet care for him when he came home drunk from social gatherings. He found her dull and boring.
The investigation concluded Amelia's suicide stemmed from mistreatment, but legally insufficient evidence existed for conviction. While she had been slapped and made to kneel, these acts did not meet the legal threshold for a charge of mistreatment. Though legally unpunishable, public outrage heavily criticized the Warren family—a familiar occurrence they had weathered before.
Amelia's funeral was a quiet affair. Lily, representing Carissa, offered flowers and prayers, a gesture of goodwill after a year as sisters-in-law. Despite the foreboding atmosphere at Valor Estate, no one obstructed her. Placing the flowers, Lily softly said, "May your spirit watch over your children, Madam Amelia," before departing.
Regardless of genuine mourners, the funeral proceeded under a heavy atmosphere. The burial was rushed, an attempt to dispel the somber mood. Rebecca, having earlier taken Snowdrop Pills, felt tight-chested from recent events but experienced no serious consequences from the medication.
A light snowfall heralded a harsh winter. Salvador appointed Thomas, rather than Tyler, as commander of the Capital Army and overseer of military outposts. While seemingly sudden, this decision followed a period of observation. Salvador had initially worried about closer ties between the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team and Prince Rafael, who had rescued them. However, Thomas's absence from the city during the Eleanor treason investigation, coupled with his lack of excessive contact with Hell Monarch Estate and the team's disinterest in alliances, demonstrated his stability and suitability for leadership. He avoided the desperate pursuit of connections common among power-hungry individuals.
The Oversight Department targeted Jonathan, Benjamin, and Barrett. Salvador sighed, noting that whenever he considered reappointing Barrett, chaos ensued. With the Warren family under scrutiny, he chose to send Barrett for martial arts training, delaying his return to court. In a fit of anger, Salvador issued a royal edict stripping Benjamin of his post and declaring his permanent unemployability.
This blow devastated Rebecca, who raged through the night and considered discarding Amelia's memorial plaque. Viola felt uneasy, despite denying involvement in Amelia's death; the memory of their arguments lingered. News of Barrett's training and Thomas's promotion further intensified her bitterness.