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“No, this is important. The man is closely connected to Prince Nicholas, and according to our investigation, all of Prince Nicholas’ charitable expenditures in Nerovia are funded by him,” said Claire.
The man Gerald had asked Sophie to look into was named Clifford Murphy.
One of the Murphy family’s ancestors had once fought alongside the founding king, earning the hereditary title of the Marquis of Doveshire. But for reasons unknown, Clifford fell out of favor with Sigmund, and his noble rank was reduced to the Earl of Paxford. After that, he moved out of the capital to live in seclusion near Ebonflow. By now, few in the capital likely remembered him.
“He never married, and the Murphy family business belongs to him,” said Claire.
Sophie’s eyes widened in surprise. “He’s the one behind the Murphy family business?”
The Murphy family business in Ebonflow was known to be immensely lucrative. While it didn’t rival the Spencer family, it involved many industries, with extensive connections.
There were many people in Starhaven with the surname Murphy, but since Clifford had long since secluded himself, refusing to see visitors, no one suspected that he was the true owner of the Murphy family business.
A well-established name, the Murphy family business had been around for over a century. Before Clifford left the capital, no one had known his family was involved in business at all.
Claire quickly explained, “The Murphy family business wasn’t always his. When Mr. Murphy arrived in Ebonflow, the business was struggling. It had severe financial troubles and was on the verge of collapsing. At that point, Mr. Murphy bought the business.”
Sophie sighed. “Everyone’s hiding their secrets so well.”
“But what’s his motive?” Claire asked, puzzled. “He has no heirs, has severed ties with his relatives, and is at an age where he could be nearing the end of his life. Could he be holding a grudge and seeking revenge against King Sigmund for stripping him of his title?”
Sophie thought that was a possibility. Some people lived their lives only to get even.
But there was also the matter of why Sigmund had taken away Clifford’s title in the first place. Who really knew that, aside from Gerald? And maybe Jeremiah too?
Sophie considered which of the two to approach to find out the source of Clifford’s resentment. In the end, she decided to visit Jeremiah. Gerald’s health wasn’t great, and he seemed to have a special interest in Clifford. If he learned that Clifford was involved in treasonous schemes, he might act out of anger, endangering his life.
But there was something even worse to consider. If Gerald felt guilty for not helping Clifford and decided to aid him, that would truly cause chaos.
Later that evening, Sophie headed to Jeremiah’s residence.
The estate was dimly lit. Jeremiah lived a life of frugality, with the lighting of his desk being the only thing he spared no expense for. When he learned that Sophie had come to discuss matters concerning Sigmund’s reign, he led her into his study.
Upon hearing Clifford’s name, he froze for a moment, his eyes distant as memories resurfaced. There was a trace of regret in his gaze as he spoke, “He was once the commander of the Royal Guard under both King Augustus and King Sigmund. At the time, the Mystic Army hadn’t been established yet, and the Royal Guard was under his command. He was highly favored by King Sigmund. They say a king has no friends, but King Sigmund was an exception.
“Mr. Murphy, being ten years or so older than King Sigmund, was not only a mentor to him but also a close friend. It’s said that King Sigmund learned his martial arts from him. Both Mr. Murphy and Lord Quinton served as King Sigmund’s teachers-one in martial arts, the other in literature.
Sophie listened intently, then asked, “So, even before King Sigmund became king, he already knew Mr. Murphy?”
“Yes, that’s right. Back then, Lord Quinton was still a senior tutor. Typically, tutors to the crown prince would be people with vast knowledge and wisdom, but Lord Quinton was an exception. He was only about 30 years old at the time, though I don’t recall the exact age. Mr. Murphy was about seven or eight years younger than him, I believe. Anyway, they were very close, with Mr. Murphy handling martial arts, and Lord Quinton taking care of the scholarly side.”
Jeremiah chuckled softly, tapping his temple. “I’m getting a bit foggy in my old age. Please bear with me, Your Grace.”
Sophie smiled gently. “No need to apologize. But what I’d like to know is why Mr. Murphy was stripped of his title.”
This piqued her curiosity. Sigmund had treated Clifford as both a teacher and a friend, a bond not to be taken lightly. Why did they eventually fall out, leading to Clifford’s title being stripped and his position taken away?
Jeremiah’s face darkened slightly and seemed reluctant to answer, clearly finding this a sensitive subject. “Why do you want to know?” he asked.
“It’s a matter of importance, not personal curiosity,” Sophie replied, her lips pressing into a thin line. She felt a little guilty in saying that, as there was a bit of personal curiosity mixed with her professional interest.
Jeremiah raised an eyebrow. “Have you asked Lord Quinton about it?”
“Lord Quinton might not be the most forthcoming on this matter, so I thought it best to ask you first. Is it something you also cannot reveal, Mr. Murray?” Sophie asked.
Jeremiah hesitated before nodding. “If it concerns important matters, then there’s no reason not to tell you.”
The topic was a delicate one, so Jeremiah took a few sips of his drink before continuing.
“To be honest, the truth of the matter is somewhat unclear. The official reason for Mr. Murphy’s loss of title was that he showed great disrespect to King Sigmund. In a fit of anger, King Sigmund stripped him of his noble rank. Later, he was given the title of a mere earl.
“There were rumors going around court that Mr. Murphy and Lord Quinton had some unclear and complicated feelings for each other. King Sigmund was intolerant of such matters. When he found out about it, he berated Mr. Murphy harshly in his fury. The loss of his title crushed Mr. Murphy’s spirit, and that was when he left the capital.”
Sophie had suspected something like that, though she had never imagined anyone who served so close to the king would let their personal feelings show so openly. Besides, she was sure Clifford knew Sigmund’s temperament. Such a lapse in discretion seemed out of character for someone so experienced.
Moreover, stripping someone of their title over a personal matter seemed like an overreaction. But now, hearing this from Jeremiah, it made sense.
Perhaps Clifford had truly regarded Sigmund as a friend, and the lack of subtlety was a consequence of that. It was also possible that as that kind of thing happened more often, Sigmund grew increasingly displeased, leading to the final fallout.
“So, do you think Mr. Murphy held any lingering resentment against King Sigmund when he left the capital?” Sophie asked.
Noticing her calm demeanor, Jeremiah realized she had likely already suspected this. His expression softened as he replied, “On the surface, no. But what was in his heart, only he knows. Or perhaps Lord Quinton knows.”
Sophie didn’t want Gerald to know, especially now when matters were so delicate. A lapse in judgment, even a small one, could throw everything into turmoil.
“Do you think anyone else, aside from Lord Quinton, might know?” she asked carefully.
Jeremiah pondered the question before saying, “Mr. Walker’s mentor, Edgar Whitley, likely knows. He served King Sigmund for many years, and after the king’s death, he was allowed to retire in the capital. Mr. Walker even bought him a house.
“He’s old now, but his mind is still sharp. He should remember the details from back then, though he doesn’t meet many people now. It would be best to have Mr. Walker take you to him.”
Sophie hesitated. She didn’t want Salvador to know about this just yet, especially since he had never been fond of Derek interacting with people from the Hell Monarch’s household.
“I’d rather not involve Mr. Walker. Would you be willing to take me to him, Mr. Murray?” she asked. Seeing that the hour was still early, Jeremiah nodded. “If it’s a matter of importance, we can go now.” Edgar’s modest home was located in the western part of the city, on the remote Harmonia Street. When they arrived in the evening, there were no lights on. They had to knock for quite some time before anyone came to answer.
The door was opened by an elderly servant dressed in grey, holding a lamp. He cast a brief glance at the two distinguished guests and seemed surprised by their appearance. Clearly, aside from Derek, few visitors came calling.
“Who are you seeking, my lord and lady?” the servant asked, eyeing Jeremiah and Sophie with curiosity. He didn’t recognize either of them.
Sophie quickly replied, “Please inform Mr. Whitley that the prime minister, Mr. Murray, has come to visit.” Upon hearing that it was the prime minister, the servant didn’t hesitate to usher them inside with great respect, not needing to report to anyone further.
The house was small, with a modest sitting room leading to bedrooms and servant quarters. A narrow corridor ran along the back, connecting the kitchen and the servants’ rooms. Aside from the old servant, there was a maid, who hurriedly poured drinks for them.
“Mr. Whitley has already retired for the evening,” the servant explained. “I’ll wake him.”
Before long, the servant returned, helping the elderly man out of his room. Edgar’s hair had turned completely white and his face was lined with wrinkles. However, his complexion remained unexpectedly rosy. His legs were unsteady, and though he was tall, his habit of stooping made him seem shorter than he truly was.
When Edgar saw Jeremiah, his face brightened and he started to kneel.
Jeremiah quickly stepped forward to help him rise. “Mr. Whitley, there’s no need for such formalities. Please sit.’
Edgar smiled, then glanced over at Sophie. His years of service at court had given him a sharp eye for distinguishing people of importance. Though she wore simple men’s clothing, he could tell at once that her status was not ordinary. He offered a respectful bow.