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The fact that the investigation was being conducted by a special investigator personally appointed by the king, and one who was the head of the Ministry of Justice no less, would manage to stir some doubt among the enraged populace.
Kyle, too, made a rare public statement regarding the case, outlining its ambiguities. Previously, the scholars who had condemned the situation had done so fueled by the public’s anger. Their passionate outcry was driven by a wish for justice for the deceased, and to protect traditional family roles and authority.
But now that Kyle had spoken up about the case’s doubts, the scholars also changed their tune. They no longer asserted anything with certainty, but expressed hope that the investigation by the special investigator would bring about the truth so that the dead may rest in peace.
Yuvan had not anticipated such a result.
They believed that either the review would be rejected or the case would be sent back for reexamination. Regardless of the outcome, Rafael’s reputation would be irreparably tarnished, and he might even lose his position as the head of the Supreme Court.
Yet, they had sent a special investigator to investigate instead.
“I underestimated Rafael,” Yuvan said coldly.
“Don’t worry, Your Highness. No matter who investigates, they won’t uncover that the woman has a threadworm in her brain.”
Yuvan said, “In that case, Rafael will be cleared of any involvement. Whether or not the guilty woman is sentenced to death, it’s the special investigator who will determine her fate. Do you know who this envoy is? It’s Mr. Lloyd from the Ministry of Justice. Once he makes a ruling, there’s no need to report it to the Supreme Court. He has the authority to execute her without further review. Even if the poisoning is revealed later, Rafael will remain unaffected.”
Moreover, Yuvan didn’t want to oppose the Lloyd family, especially with Sylvia within the palace. The Lloyd family had a history in public service, and if the investigation were to dig deep, it could easily lead back to him.
One must take things step by step. Having waited so many years, Yuvan couldn’t afford any mistakes with this matter.
He suppressed his dissatisfaction, and said slowly, “If the threadworm remains undiscovered, at least it won’t implicate the governor of Brightmoor District.”
The governor of Brightmoor District was a connection he had carefully cultivated for years. It was not something he could afford to jeopardize.
“Rest assured, Your Highness. No one will be able to trace the threadworm. I am the one controlling them,” Wayne said with confidence.
The special investigator arrived in Brightmoor District at the end of April.
The case had attracted widespread attention, prompting Patrick to launch a swift investigation as soon as he arrived. He even allowed the public to observe the investigation, aiming to provide transparency and reassurance. After all, the deceased’s family had been known for their virtue and charity, earning the deep respect of the community.
Naturally, not just anyone could attend. Only select respected elders and scholars from the local community, along with a few ordinary citizens, were allowed to observe.
The decision was made on Rafael’s advice. Since a thorough reinvestigation was necessary, it had to be transparent, allowing the public to witness the truth for themselves.
So, when Ivy lit a specific type of herb in front of the accused, Lola, everyone watched as a tiny, nearly invisible threadworm wriggled out of her nose. The threadworm was thinner than a strand of hair, white, and nearly transparent. It was almost invisible unless seen up close.
Since Lola had been eating with her family, it was clear that the threadworm must have been introduced into her medicine. Patrick ordered the arrest of James, the physician who had been treating Lola. There was no need for an interrogation. Seeing the spectacle, James was so frightened that he immediately knelt and confessed.
He revealed that six months ago, someone had approached him. The man had given him a gold ingot and instructed him to add a powder to Lola’s medicine. The man claimed it was not poison, and James had witnessed him taking the medicine himself.
The man said he knew Lola had been ill for a long time, and that her family had been virtuous and kind. He couldn’t bear to see her suffering, so he provided what he claimed to be good medicine. Although James suspected it was a lie, the allure of the gold and seeing the man take the medicine himself led him to agree.
To demonstrate the potency of the Soulgrip Threadworm, Ivy ordered a chicken to be brought in. She made it swallow the threadworm, and then used medicinal smoke to stimulate the threadworm’s power. The crowd watched in astonishment as the chicken went wild, pecking at anyone it encountered and flying frantically around the courtroom in a frenzied display of aggression.
Even the most renowned local fighting rooster, which was brought in to challenge the erratic chicken, lost an eye in an instant.
The chicken only calmed down after Ivy used more medicine, and it slowly threw up the Soulgrip Threadworm.
“This creature is called the Soulgrip Threadworm, and it’s controlled by someone. When Lola ingested it, it was merely an egg. These eggs are resistant to high temperatures. Once inside the body, it will travel through the bloodstream to the brain. This process generally takes about six months, which aligns with James’ account. Now that the threadworm has matured, anyone who is exposed to the activating substance or comes under someone else’s control will display erratic, crazed behavior,” Ivy explained.
As the crowd stared in shock, Patrick stepped forward and said, “So, someone intended to harm this family and had plotted meticulously. Lola was merely a tool in their scheme and is also a victim.” The crowd was in an uproar.
Ivy cleaned up the scene, and turned to the terrified James. “You were lucky. The person who poisoned Lola didn’t anticipate that anyone could extract the threadworm, or they didn’t think anyone would investigate in this direction. That’s why you weren’t killed. But your situation has stirred suspicion. You’ve always been Lola’s physician, and that gold ingot wasn’t easy money. It might have cost you your life.” James broke into a cold sweat, and collapsed onto the ground.
As the sun set and night fell, Ivy’s carrier pigeon returned to Hell Monarch Estate with a brief message [First step successful, second step continues to unravel.]
In other words, Patrick wouldn’t return soon. Ivy had a mission, and hinted to Patrick that the huge public reaction and the stir among the people suggested that someone might be pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Patrick was also eager to achieve results. He didn’t want to be perceived as holding his position only because of Sylvia. If it turned out that someone was orchestrating the chaos from behind the scenes, causing a nationwide uproar and public outrage, uncovering the full extent of it could make him a hero.
Sophie was sitting nearby and working on her embroidery. She saw the pigeon courier, and remarked, “By clearing yourself from this case and uncovering the truth, you’ve achieved a double win.” Rafael watched as her needle moved swiftly, forming the outline of a duck. After a moment of distraction, he replied, “It’s more than that’s a triple win. The whole court knows I insisted on a reexamination and sending a special investigator. If someone is trying to bring me down, I’ll turn their schemes to my advantage and enhance my popularity further. Let them fume.”
Sophie smiled gently, and continued her embroidery.
Rafael, curious, asked, “Who is this duck for?”
Sophie answered, “It’s for Leona’s child. As the child’s aunt, I need to show some thoughtfulness.”
Rafael looked at her gesture, and said with some difficulty, “It’s thoughtful, indeed, but I think buying something might be better—perhaps a gold locket or a necklace? If want to make a gift, we have. embroiderers in the estate. Your skills are suited for weapons, not needles. This seems like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.”
Sophie gave him a look, and said, “I know you’re implying my embroidery isn’t that great, but Lily says I’ve made a lot of progress, and I actually enjoy doing this.”
Rafael thought to himself that while Sophie may enjoy it, it was a pity she lacked talent.
Rafael inquired about Leona, “How is she now? Is she feeling better? Samuel’s dismissal should have made him tone down his behavior, right?”
Sophie shook her head. “With all his talk of true love, how could he possibly change? Not only has he not toned down, he doesn’t even visit Leona’s quarters anymore.”
“True love?” Rafael frowned. “Isn’t that term completely tarnished? What about his other concubine? The merchant’s daughter, the one whose dowry was used to redeem the courtesan.”
“Since Nora entered the estate, she’s barely even seen him.” Sophie stopped her embroidery, her face showing irritation. “Nora is only seventeen this year. Given her family background and the difference in status with the Earl of Gracehold’s family, it’s nearly impossible for her to escape that cage. Isn’t she just another victim of her family’s schemes? Did she really want to marry Samuel as a concubine?” “Outside, that’s indeed how they speak of her,” Lily said as she personally brought in some soup.
Sophie replied, “I know. They say Nora is seeking to elevate her family status by becoming a concubine of an earl’s household, and that she married him willingly. But whether she was truly willing or not, who cares? Who pays attention to what a woman thinks or desires? Who cares if she might just want to find a stable, ordinary husband and live a simple life?”
Rafael was touched by her words. “You have had almost no interaction with Nora, yet you speak on her behalf. You truly empathize with women, unlike some who speak of righteousness but actually devalue women the most.”
Sophie was taken aback, suddenly reminded of Freya.
Freya had previously boasted in front of Sophie that she was a model for women everywhere, claiming she wanted to fight for women’s rights. Yet deep down, Freya held women in contempt.
Lulu entered to report, “Lady Sophie, Lady Alana has arrived.”
“Quickly, show her to the sitting room,” Sophie said, rising quickly.
If Alana had come this evening, something must be afoot.
Alana and Leah had occasionally visited to discuss matters, but they generally chose daytime rather than evening or night.
Although Rafael had not had much interaction with Alana during his time at Meadow Ridge, they had become acquainted after she arrived in the capital, and they were aware of each other’s affiliations.
Thus, Rafael felt there was no need for any formalities between them. Since they were both from Meadow Ridge, he said, “I’ll accompany you. If she’s coming this late, it must be important.” Alana was seated in the sitting room, and the servants had brought her coffee. She ignored its scalding temperature and drank it, clearly extremely thirsty.