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Rafael’s brow furrowed. “Were they suicide soldiers?”
“Based on their fighting style, they weren’t. All of them were dressed as martial artists, but we couldn’t discern their specific martial arts techniques.” Sophie had been listening intently, and she didn’t understand at first. As she pieced it together, she realized they had sent people to assassinate Wayne. “Then, those people can’t be Yuvan’s. My suspicions were correct-Wayne has backing. Yuvan is merely a pawn in someone’s game,” Rafael said. “Who could it be?” Jacob frowned. “Prince Harvey? That doesn’t make sense.”
It wasn’t that Jacob underestimated Harvey, who was certainly ruthless. But in the past few years, he hadn’t cultivated enough influence or power. He had only been assisting Eleanor and Yuvan with their schemes. A man who hadn’t even managed to establish a household army, no matter how ruthless he was, could only strike from the shadows. He couldn’t possibly take control of Yuvan’s network, which had been built up over the years in Valken.
“Our people have yet to gain any ground. Are they continuing the pursuit?” Rafael asked.
“They’re still on the trail, looking for another opportunity,” Jacob responded.
Rafael gave a slight nod. “Then, keep pursuing. Whoever this is, they’ll have to show themselves eventually. Yuvan’s situation in the capital has changed, and it’s only a matter of time before Wayne’s backer makes their move.”
Previously, Yuvan had been in the capital to tend to Ruth’s illness, and his influence hadn’t waned. Much of his power had still been in his hands, including the networks he had cultivated in Valken, his wealth, weapons, private army, and local officials.
But now, Wayne had returned to Valken with news of Yuvan’s severe injuries. As long as they added a twist to the situation and tarnished Salvador’s reputation, there would certainly be someone ready to rise. That person would be the one who had been lurking behind Yuvan all along.
Yuvan probably hadn’t paid much attention to the person, thinking of them as merely a loyal follower.
“There’s no rush,” Rafael said, his gaze dark and focused, almost like a hunter lying in wait. “Scott, Wilfred, and Bruce have already moved on to Valken. Let’s see what they uncover.”
If power was to be shifted, there would certainly be complications. That person would undoubtedly emerge to take control.
“We can compile a list of officials in Valken and Stonebridge County, then analyze them one by one,” Sophie said.
Rafael nodded. “It’s unlikely to be any of the ordinary officials, but those serving as the deputy governors are worth looking into.”
Suddenly remembering something, he added, “Also, the Ebonflow and Frostwater branches of the royal family.”
“You’re right,” Jacob agreed.
A prince was generally not allowed to leave his fief at will, but it was different for other distant relatives of the royal family who had lost most of their power over generations. The court no longer monitored them closely, allowing them the freedom to move around.
However, in certain regions, if one truly had the ambition to build power, they could do so-especially when they had private business and trade. Here, the court could hardly intervene. Sometimes, with wealth accumulated, new ideas would emerge.
And when the opportunity arose-such as encountering someone like Yuvan, who as the son of Augustus, still held significant power-they might think that they could achieve something by aligning with him.
Violet had been leaving early and returning late lately. Even before the sun was up, there would be no sign of her. Yet, without fail, she would return to Skye Embroidery for an hour or so.
The workshop had gained a new addition recently-Eliza Carter, a woman cast out of her home. Her brother had offered to take her back in, but her sister-in-law disagreed. Not wanting to cause trouble for her brother, Eliza had instead chosen to come to the workshop. The two of them worked on embroidery and shared quiet conversations, never speaking of the past, only of the future. Violet quite enjoyed this peaceful atmosphere. On her occasional visits, she found herself chatting with Leona while Alana and Leah were also around. Their relationships seemed to grow closer with each passing day. Zoey also came by and happened to run into Violet that day, so they chatted casually for a while.
Violet knew that Cedric was training under Travis, and said frankly, “He’s diligent, but he lacks some natural talent. He’s more suited to being a scholar.”
Zoey wasn’t bothered by it, and smiled. “No matter. I don’t expect him to become a martial arts prodigy. I just want him to be strong enough so that if trouble ever comes, he won’t be caught unprepared.”
Her words, though light-hearted, struck Violet as oddly bitter.
If she thought about it, the concern was clear. The heir to a noble house would be well-guarded on the road. If he were traveling to visit relatives, he would be surrounded by attendants, guards, and servants in abundance. If he were to take the national examinations and be appointed as an official in a distant land, the entourage would be just as grand. The noble heir would have little to worry about in terms of hardship or danger.
The only ones who could truly be under threat and endure suffering would be those exiled.
Though the Earl of Silverstone’s family was no longer at the height of its power, it still held a prominent position-so why did Zoey seem to worry about such things?
Just as Violet was about to ask, Jane quickly entered. Not caring that Violet was present, Jane hurriedly reported, “Madam Zoey, Madam Luna sent someone to summon you. She asks that you return to the manor quickly. Madam Viola has tried to commit suicide!” Zoey shot to her feet. “Why? Was she saved?”
“She was saved… but… let’s talk as we go.”
Jane knew that family matters were not to be aired outside. In her panic, she had spoken hastily. Now, the details couldn’t be shared publicly.
Violet craned her neck, eager to hear why Viola had taken her own life. When she saw that no one was speaking, a sense of disappointment settled over her.
Zoey soon reached the workshop’s entrance and saw that Luna’s maid, Maya, was already waiting. The three of them climbed into the carriage together.
“Madam Zoey, Madam Evelyn hasn’t been feeling well these past few days,” Maya explained. “Madam
Viola decided to buy some Snowdrop Pills for her. She knows these pills are rare, expensive, and usually not sold. So, she went to Arcane Sanctum herself
“Unexpectedly, she ran into Mr. Silas Lewis. When she found out the Snowdrop Pills were unavailable, she begged him for help. She even cried in front of him, telling him about her difficulties.
“Mr. Lewis’ wife, who had come with food, saw this and caused a scene. She accused Madam Viola of past imprope conduct with Mr. Lewis Many people heard their argument, and Madam Viola was so ashamed that she went back and hanged herself.”
Zoey listened, her hands suddenly cold. She could hardly believe what she was hearing.
She had been arranging a suitable match for her daughter, hoping to settle the marriage soon. With this scandal, how could she possibly continue with it? Her whole body shook with anger.
“With all the servants in this house, why did she need to go out and buy medicine for Mother? If it was necessary to get Snowdrop Pills, she could have sent Luna! Why go to Mr. Lewis Doesn’t she have any ? shame? She should have turned and left as soon as she saw him. And she’s still not divorced, for heaven’s sake!”
Jane hurriedly comforted Zoey, rubbing her back. “Madam Zoey, being angry now won’t help. The matter’s already out in the open. We need to think about what to do next.”
“Do? What can we do?!” Zoey’s voice was cold. “The rumors among the common folk spread like water. Within a day, this will be all over the city!”
Zoey felt a chill spread through her heart. She had worked so hard to keep everything hidden and covered for Viola, only for her to expose it all herself.
By chance, Sophie was aware of Viola’s predicament.
Of all the unfortunate timing, she happened to be there.
Today, Sophie had been quietly monitoring the Garrison Unit’s patrols. Recently, there had been assessments for several tasks, and patrolling was one of them. Though the previous misconduct had been rectified, many merchants, seeing the patrols, still tried to flatter them by offering goods, much like before.
There had once been people assigned to watch over this, and though goods were confiscated, the effort had become lax. The patrols had grown more negligent, often stopping at coffeehouses to relax, a far cry from the discipline they were meant to uphold. Sophie had hoped to catch a group of them in the act, to set an example and deter others. Unexpectedly, she stumbled upon this situation instead.
She had just been passing by Arcane Sanctum and had stopped in to ask for a cup of water. From behind the faint blue curtain in the back hall, she had witnessed the entire event unfold.
At first, she had only heard Viola’s voice. Not wanting to run into her, Sophie decided to sit in the back hall. She thought Viola would simply buy her medicine and leave.
She had no idea that Viola was after Snowdrop Pills. When the shopkeeper told her they were out of stock, Viola refused to believe it.
At that moment, Silas arrived with a shipment of herbs. As if to make it clear that nothing was amiss between them, Viola greeted him. She even mentioned that she knew Arcane Sanctum kept a few Snowdrop Pills hidden away, and asked if he might do her a favor and sell her just one.
Given the crowd in the shop, Viola’s public request made it clear that Silas would deny her. To everyone’s surprise, his blunt refusal only upset her further. She began to cry, saying something about how they were once relatives and stormed out.
Coincidentally, Silas’ wife, Riley, had heard that her husband was bringing in medicinal herbs that day. So, she came with food for him and happened to witness the scene. An argument immediately broke out.
Through Riley’s outburst, Sophie learned some of the details.