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Sophie paid a visit to Jeanette.
Though the concubine did not explicitly say that Sylvia was responsible for the loss of her child, she did remark, “Those who commit wicked deeds will always face retribution. No one can escape it.”
The words seemed not only directed at Sylvia, but also at Kylie.
As Sophie prepared to leave after questioning her, Jeanette suddenly spoke up, asking, “Your Grace, was it truly impossible to save Prince Connor?”
Sophie assumed Jeanette’s words were born of sympathy for Connor. But when she glanced at the concubine, she saw no trace of sorrow in her eyes, only a subtle glint of something resembling satisfaction.
It was an emotion she clearly tried to conceal but could not, as though Jeanette had achieved a long-sought revenge. Sophie chose not to respond, instead turning on her heel to leave.
Kylie had caused Jeanette’s loss, so it was no surprise that she wouldn’t wish for Connor’s recovery.
Sophie couldn’t fault Jeanette for her feelings. How could she, when she had not endured the same pain? It was not her place to admonish.
Though Sophie had planned to visit Laurel Palace, she changed her mind and decided to stop by Iridescent Palace first.
She had originally thought to delay this visit, for she had heard that Caden had been deeply distressed. The shock and grief had caused him to lose his senses, leaving him in a troubled state.
So, when she went, her intention was not to speak with Caden, but rather with Grace.
The evidence clearly absolved Grace of any involvement in these matters. Neither Jeanette’s loss nor Connor’s plight could be directly or indirectly linked to her. However, there was one thing that continued to trouble Sophie-the rumors that had circulated in the harem.
The first rumor suggested Sylvia had been responsible for the loss of Jeanette’s child, while the second implicated Kylie in the same act.
Both rumors had stirred a great deal of gossip within the harem, and it was the latter that had sparked the queen’s wild outburst at Laurel Palace. It was then that everyone in the harem had learned of the bitter rift between Kylie and Sylvia.
At present, the prevailing speculation was that Kylie’s outburst had provoked Sylvia’s vengeful wrath, ultimately resulting in Connor’s injury.
The harem was under strict governance; rumors without foundation were swiftly suppressed. Yet strangely, both these rumors had been allowed to spread unchecked, which suggested that someone was deliberately allowing them to spread.
If Sylvia were innocent, she might have spread rumors to shift the blame onto Kylie. But as it stood, she was far from innocent. She understood fully that Salvado net had exiled her to Laurel Palace because was aware of her actions. So, she hey would not have tried to cause trouble with Kylie.
It couldn’t have been Sylvia, nor could it have been Kylie.
But then, who could it have been?
Sophie made her way to Iridescent Palace with the hope of uncovering the answer.
Sophie believed Grace to be a very clever woman. The latter must have realized that even if she refused to provide the answer, the investigation would proceed regardless. The only question was how many would be caught in the crossfire.
Seated in the main hall of Iridescent Palace, Sophie observed the delicate, pale hands of Lyra as she served tea-hands that spoke of a life of comfort and privilege.
Grace appeared considerably more tired than usual, the dark circles under her eyes showing that she must not have slept all night.
She dabbed at her tears with a vel handkerchief, her voice thick with emotion as she said, “I never imagined such a tragedy would occur especially during His Majesty’s birthday celebration. It is truly heartbreaking. Even Lcan scarcely bear to think of it. I’m afraid both the king and queen must be… Oh, who could be so cruel?”
Sophie gazed at Grace’s reddened eyes. Her tears were genuine, and the sorrow in her expression was unmistakable.
“I hear Prince Caden was greatly frightened. Is he any better now?” Sophie asked.
Grace shook her head and sighed deeply. “He is much the same lost in his thoughts, unwilling to respond or even acknowledge anyone. I haven’t dared to tell him about Prince Connor’s death yet, for fear he would be unable to bear it.”
From Ryan, Sophie had learned that Caden’s bond with Connor had grown significantly stronger since they began studying together and practicing martial arts as a group. Whenever Caden had a special treat, he would think to share it with his elder brother. Likewise, Connor would always care for Caden, bringing him small tokens of amusement.
After Connor fell from his horse and was trampled, the scene was gruesome. Having witnessed it firsthand, it was natural for Caden to be terrified, but no one had expected it to affect him this badly.
Grace sighed again. “I know you have come to investigate at His Majesty’s behest, but might I ask you to refrain from questioning him for now? I am truly concerned that he will not be able to endure it.”
“You misunderstand, Lady Grace. I am not here to question Prince Caden. There is a matter I wish to discuss with you,” Sophie replied.
Grace seemed momentarily taken aback, her grip tightening on the handkerchief. “What is it, Your Grace? Do not hesitate to speak plainly.”
“Not long ago, the harem was abuzz with rumors. First, it was said that Lady Sylvia was responsible for Lady Jeanette’s miscarriage. Then, the rumor shifted, claiming it was Queen Kylie. You’ve overseen the harem for so long, Lady Grace. You must have some idea of where these rumors originated and who might have spread them, yes?” Sophie asked.
Caught off guard by the question, Grace’s sorrowful expression stiffened for a moment as she exchanged a furtive glance with Lyra. But she quickly masked the slip and regained her composure.
“The palace has always been rife with gossip. There is no need to dwell on such matters. Perhaps you might focus on the investigation into Prince Connor’s murder, Your Grace?” she replied.
“The queen dowager has ordered me to investigate thoroughly, starting from Lady Jeanette’s miscarriage. So, while the case of Prince Connor’s murder must be investigated, everything else must be looked into as well.
“You and Lady Sylvia have managed the harem for quite some time and must be well aware of its affairs, Lady Grace. Rather than making a big spectacle of interrogating palace staff, I thought it would be more efficient to come to you directly for answers. That way, we can avoid sending people to the Disciplinary Tribunal. What do you think?” Sophie said.
Her gaze swept casually over Grace and Lyra before settling on the latter’s hands. She smiled slightly and added, “Lyra, your fingers are quite lovely.”
The maid’s face turned visibly pale. She knew all too well what kind of harsh labor and punishments awaited at the Disciplinary Tribunal.
Rumors passed through many ears, but it wasn’t hard to trace them back to the source. It was just a matter of whether they wanted to make a grand affair of it. Grace understood that, and so did Lyra.
Grace remained silent. Naturally, she had ordered the rumors to be spread-first by Lyra, then through others under her command. They were loyal, but once brought before the Disciplinary Tribunal, no secret was safe. Who knew what else they might confess?
Weighing the risks, Grace let out a soft sigh and said, “Since you’ve asked, I have nothing to hide. Yes, I was the one who ordered those rumors to be spread. But I had no ill intent.
“As a mother myself, I understood Lady Jeanette’s pain at losing her child. So, I looked into it, hoping to get justice for her. At first, the trail led to Lady Sylvia. But as I continued investigating, I discovered Queen Kylie was involved as well. That was why the rumors surfaced twice.”
Grace let out another deep sigh. “In truth, you are mistaken, Your Grace. These are not rumors, they are facts. Perhaps you don’t understand why I haven’t shared my findings with the queen dowager and the king to have them render judgment. However, I must ask you to consider my position.
“Though I once held the authority to oversee the harem, I never won His Majesty’s favor. I dared not directly confront Lady Sylvia or Queen Kylie. Instead, I was left to employ methods that, though underhanded, were necessary to secure justice for Lady Jeanette’s child.”
Grace repeatedly insisted that she was only seeking justice for Jeanette’s unborn child, with no selfish motives whatsoever. On the surface, it aligned with her usual gentle and compassionate nature.
Of course, Sophie understood that as long as there was no solid evidence to prove otherwise, Grace’s explanation would hold up, even if everyone knew it was just an excuse. After all, while the rumors had driven a wedge between Sylvia and Kylie, they still had no clear connection to the attempt on Connor’s life.
Plotting against a prince was a crime punishable by death, while causing discord in the harem would result in a demotion at most. But as Caden’s mother, how far could Grace really fall? Even if she was stripped of her rank, it would only be a matter of time before she was reinstated.
After saying her piece, Grace felt much calmer.
However, Sophie wasn’t about to let it go so easily.
Instead, she connected the pieces and said, “So, that’s what their biggest conflict stems from. If anything happens to either Queen Kylie or Lady Sylvia, the other will be the first suspect. Is my reasoning wrong, Lady Grace?”
Grace’s eyes narrowed sharply as her gaze snapped to Sophie. She couldn’t deny her logic because that was exactly how these things usually played out.