Published: July 4, 2025
Ryo, Abel, and Wana Shee returned to the Dragon Spring Residence.
It was about time for Captain Li Chuu to bring the report from the Censorate.
As the three arrived, Captain Li Chuu from the White Flame Army showed up immediately.
Ryo and Abel entered the room they were borrowing, along with Captain Li Chuu.
It was decided that Ryo and Abel would convey the information to Wei Feng and the others.
Of course, Wana Shee couldn't join them.
However, Wana Shee happily secluded herself in a room provided by the Dragon Spring Residence, wanting to compose a song inspired by her recent experience in the Plum Blossom Garden.
Perhaps melodies were overflowing in her mind...
“To get straight to the point, Captain Shou Shikuu's assessment is that it's undoubtedly true that Earl Matan was being manipulated,” said Captain Li Chuu.
“All right!”
When Captain Li Chuu spoke, Ryo made a small fist pump.
With this, they had gained the support of the investigation leader... it was a fist pump born from that conviction.
“Regarding the evidence, a very small amount of Bolanta's poison was detected from the inside of his clothing.”
“That's the one for manipulation, right?”
Captain Li Chuu's report made Abel nod this time.
The investigation seemed to be heading in a positive direction.
“Also, it seems that Earl Matan had no memory of the incident when he was attacked and disarmed. This is one of the characteristics when Bolanta's poison is used, so it can't be helped. Additionally, the soldier from the Forbidden Army who was disarmed during that time...”
Here, Captain Li Chuu hesitated.
Both Ryo and Abel frowned.
It seemed an unpleasant report was about to come.
“Last night, he reportedly hanged himself in his cell.”
“What!?...”
“Seriously...? ”
Ryo and Abel shook their heads slightly at Captain Li Chuu's report.
At that moment, Ryo asked for confirmation.
“Was it really... a suicide? Or could it have been a staged murder...?”
Yes, that is a common tactic!
Silencing witnesses!
“To be honest, I can't say for sure. There didn't seem to be anything suspicious to doubt the suicide, but the soldier reportedly spoke quite actively during yesterday's interrogation. And now, suddenly, a suicide...”
“I see. And how did he respond during yesterday's interrogation?”
“Right before Earl Matan disarmed him, the soldier said he felt his limbs going numb. Then he collapsed to the floor, and that's when Earl Matan took the sword from him.”
“Hmmm...”
Captain Li Chuu's explanation left Ryo with an indescribable expression.
Logically, it makes sense to think that something like poison or a paralyzing agent caused the loss of strength.
However, when considering all this...
“Everything around Earl Matan seems to be methods that will eventually be exposed.”
Abel stated clearly.
In other words, the aim isn't to frame Earl Matan and bring him down but to temporarily remove him from the public eye and the marriage relations with the sixth prince Lyun.
“Today, they likely intended to harm the princess, and that seems highly probable.”
“Yeah, I think so too.”
Ryo confirmed, and Abel nodded.
“Um... harm the princess?”
Captain Li Chuu seemed unaware of what had happened today, so the two explained to him.
“I see... indeed, that seems quite likely.”
Captain Li Chuu nodded.
“However... the fundamental problem remains.”
“What is this fundamental problem?”
Abel tilted his head, and Ryo asked.
“Why is Princess Shio Fen being targeted?”
“Oh, indeed. To say it bluntly, even if the princess were to die, there wouldn't be any issues within Darwei. The sixth prince Lyun might be saddened, but that would be all, right?”
Ryo's merciless observation made Abel nod, though he frowned.
What Ryo said was indeed valid.
Captain Li Chuu continued speaking.
“Yes, I thought so too, but then I remembered Earl Bashu, and it made me wonder.”
Earl Bashu refers to Roshu Ten.
Though he was attacked by Earl Matan Von Dobre this time...
“Earl Bashu is the advisor for setting up the new residence for the sixth prince Lyun.”