Chapter 969

Barrett still couldn't believe it.

"Grand Princess Lisandra is against the war," he said. "If a female official close to her is doing this, wouldn't it directly contradict her stance? She'd never agree."

Aurora let out a cold laugh. "It seems she may have no choice."

Barrett was shocked. "What do you mean? Are they trying to undermine Grand Princess Lisandra?"

Aurora's expression hardened. "How should I know? Mrs. Lester told me, but she didn't give details. I don't even know the female official's identity! I didn't believe her at first, which is why I asked so many questions. But she promised to help me escape if I cooperated. Because of you, I didn't press Dominic. They may not care about me anymore. However, regardless of my confession, I fear their plan will proceed. That means I still have a chance."

After his initial shock, Barrett looked at her intently. "You didn't change your confession because of me. You know they're untrustworthy, and you're worried they'll betray you once they're done with you. That's why you're turning to me. Don't pretend you're doing this for my sake. You still want me to pay the price. I'll need significant compensation to help you."

Aurora showed no guilt, even when he saw through her. "This is something you owe me, Barrett. Nothing is free. You started this, so you're responsible."

Barrett felt a chill. "Did I start this? Didn't I take responsibility? When you were captured on the Southern Frontier, I defied Carissa's orders repeatedly to save you. I even took your punishment. How can you be so shameless?"

Aurora's expression turned cold. "Don't bring up the past! This is your doing, not mine. I never forced you. You chose to be with me. You gave up your military merits to marry me, abandoning Carissa. Everything was your choice. Don't act wronged. If you didn't want it, no one could have forced you."

Barrett, furious but a poor arguer—always losing fights with Aurora—fell silent. He'd asked his questions. "Fine," he said. "Just wait."

He left and immediately relayed everything to Rafael.

Rafael listened, his expression puzzled.

Chapter 969 (Continued)

A female official? Why a female official?

The path to becoming a female official in Westhaven was incredibly difficult. They only survived with Lisandra's support. Without her, the triennial selection process might not continue. To betray Lisandra so blatantly—wasn't that destroying one's future?

"Do you think she was telling the truth?" Rafael asked. "Or lying?"

Barrett hesitated. "I don't know. I can't tell when she's lying."

Rafael's gaze was unreadable. No wonder Salvador uses Barrett! he thought. This man can't understand the woman beside him, let alone guess the king's intentions. He's the perfect scapegoat.

"Did she say 'female official' or 'maid'?" Rafael clarified.

Only three female officials had arrived this time. Investigating them wouldn't be difficult. A maid would be much harder.

"She said 'female official,' but…" Barrett hesitated, unsure if Rafael wanted his opinion.

"Go ahead," Rafael urged, impatient.

Barrett took a deep breath. "But I don't think it's a female official. In Westhaven, female officials rely on Grand Princess Lisandra. If she's sidelined, they wouldn't benefit."

He felt insightful, unaware Rafael had already considered—and perhaps surpassed—this. The female official idea wasn't impossible; Lisandra's power was waning.

Rafael stood. "Good. Thank you."

Barrett watched him go. Was that… acknowledgment?