Chapter 929

“What’s the point of presenting a false or incomplete confession to His Majesty?” Rafael retorted. “He’ll simply tear it up.”

Patrick sighed. “But we’ve interrogated her for days. We’ve used torture, yet she hasn’t yielded. We can’t use harsher methods for fear of harming her, and another round of questioning will likely yield the same result.”

Rafael’s gaze turned cold. “Then continue the interrogation. You know as well as I do, Mr. Lloyd, she must change her testimony. General Sullivan is not truly responsible—she is. If she refuses to cooperate, we’ll bring in Commander Warren for questioning.”

Patrick’s eyes widened. “Your Highness, His Majesty has not authorized the interrogation of Commander Warren. He has no intention of involving him.”

Rafael scoffed. “If General Sullivan is implicated, why not Commander Warren? Has His Majesty forbidden you from questioning him?”

Patrick hesitated. “While there’s no explicit order prohibiting it, there was no order to arrest him either.”

Rafael fixed Patrick with a piercing stare. “I didn’t say anything about arresting him. I said to bring him in. He was in charge of the Fawnrun City operation. Bring him in and question him. What’s the problem? If His Majesty questions you later, say it was my instruction.”

Patrick was puzzled. Rafael and his household usually avoided drawing attention to themselves, fearing the king’s suspicion. Now, Rafael was pushing for an interrogation without Salvador’s authorization—even naming Barrett. Wasn’t this inviting trouble? Why wasn’t Rafael concerned about provoking Salvador?

After considering this, Patrick said carefully, “Your Highness, I advise against getting too involved. If the interrogation yields new confessions, I’ll inform you immediately.”

Rafael’s expression hardened. “Didn’t you hear me clearly, Mr. Lloyd? If Aurora doesn’t change her confession, bring Commander Warren in for questioning.”

Patrick looked confused. “But what good will questioning him do? His Majesty clearly wants to protect him. Why provoke him now?”

“Because Commander Warren was in charge of the Fawnrun City operation,” Rafael replied firmly. “His testimony can prove General Sullivan didn’t authorize Aurora’s actions. It will corroborate the testimonies of General Sullivan, Zeke, and others, revealing the truth.”

Patrick chuckled, finally understanding. Even then, he thought it unnecessary.

“Actually, whether we question Commander Warren or not, the current testimony proves Aurora is lying. Her confession is unreliable. His Majesty should be aware of this and will handle it impartially. Westhaven should accept the truth,” he said.

Rafael shook his head. “Your ‘shoulds’ and ‘believes’ are filled with uncertainty. I want the truth clearly presented to His Majesty and the Westhaven envoys.”

Patrick paused, then understood. They hadn’t questioned Dominic yet; Aurora’s confession remained key. While Zeke and others contradicted Aurora, they lacked direct contact with Dominic, so their statements couldn’t completely disprove hers.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 929

Only Barrett’s testimony, if aligning with theirs, could counteract Aurora’s. At the very least, it would make the truth more believable.

However, Salvador clearly didn't want Barrett involved. Though Barrett should be questioned and held accountable, Salvador seemed intent on protecting him. What could Patrick do? As Minister of Justice, opposing the king would bring trouble.

Rafael saw his hesitation. “Enough. I’ll send someone to fetch him. You handle the questioning.”

Patrick complied. “Understood. Will you also speak to His Majesty, Your Highness?”

Rafael nodded, rising. “I’ll report to His Majesty now to spare you the trouble.”

Patrick exhaled in relief. As long as he wasn’t blamed, he was willing to help. He agreed Barrett shouldn’t be excluded.

Since Aurora’s arrest, Barrett had been nervous. He feared Carissa or Alistair might accuse him of helping Aurora escape.

He was also uneasy because he saw no way out of the Fawnrun City mess. He couldn’t understand Salvador’s protection, but with Dominic summoned to the capital, what chance did he have of avoiding blame?

After days of anxiety, Barrett’s worst fear materialized when someone from Hell Monarch Estate informed him the Ministry of Justice summoned him for questioning.

His heart sank. His fears were realized.