Chapter 1128
Chapter 1128
Rafael didn’t care much about other people’s marital issues. He had only overheard the matter, and he casually mentioned it now that the topic had come up.
Cedric had been practicing for four full hours, not returning to Silverstone Estate until nearly late evening. For several days now, he hadn’t complained about being tired or found his training dull. Sometimes, he would even recite his lessons while holding the horse
stance.
Carissa often watched him in disbelief, finding it hard to imagine that he was Oliver’s son. Then again, remembering that he was Zoey’s son, it seemed only natural.
At that moment, Jacob hurried over and announced, “Your Highness, the intelligence report is back. It hasn’t been successful yet.”
Rafael wasn’t surprised and merely asked, “Was there someone secretly escorting them?”
“Yes, there were experts sent along the route. Three battles took place, but we didn’t gain much.”
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.”
Carissa 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. novelbin
“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,” Carissa 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.