Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1323

Violet smiled and muttered something about the dullness of it all, then checked in with Bun and Cynthia before leaving the estate.

She made her way straight to the Capital Guard headquarters, where she found Carissa waiting for her.

Carissa pulled her inside and asked, "Well? Did you find anything?"

Violet replied, "There's movement at night—almost like patrols—but I never see anyone during the day. It's as if they vanish the moment the sun rises. I checked most of the courtyards in Willowbrook Estate, and there was no sign of anyone living there. I even looked in the servants' quarters, and the number of beds matches what Chaya told me about the staff."

Carissa thought for a moment. "Could there be hidden passageways or secret rooms? The curfew is in place now. No one's supposed to be out after nightfall. If what you heard is true, then these people must be living at Willowbrook Estate."

"If there are hidden rooms, that's another matter altogether," Violet said. Then, remembering what Bun had found in the kitchen, she added, "The kitchen is preparing food for over a hundred people every day."

Carissa's eyes brightened. "Then we just need to keep an eye on where these meals are being sent, and we'll know, right?"

"That's a good idea," Violet replied, feeling a bit foolish for not thinking of it herself. "Bun should be keeping an eye on that now. He's reliable these days."

Carissa smiled with pride. Everyone had grown up.

"Has there been anything odd with Prince Hayden or Chaya?"

Violet answered, "Nothing unusual from what I can tell. But yesterday, when we were walking through the courtyards, five men were watching us. They definitely know martial arts. I asked Chaya, and she said they're here to protect Prince Hayden."

"Do they live in the servants' quarters?" Carissa asked.

"Yes, they live with the staff," Violet replied. "Aside from them, I didn't notice anything strange. As for Prince Hayden's confidant, Sonny, I heard he's been with him for years. He has no family left in the countryside, so he's staying on to take care of Prince Hayden in his old age.

"Oh, right. There's also a new steward. His name is Gordon. He looks to be about 50 to 60 years old, and he's quite kind and amiable."

Carissa nodded. "I know of Sonny. He's worked with Prince Hayden for a long time. But this new steward doesn't sound familiar. Does he look like he knows martial arts?"

Violet thought for a moment. "I don't think so. He seemed frail, and his hands were shaking. Chaya told me he's treated like part of the family here, though."

Ian nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. Ms. Spencer moved in yesterday. She also brought along two companions from Meadow Ridge."

Salvador pondered this new information. What was Carissa thinking, sending Violet there? Could it be that she suspected Hayden?

Willowbrook Estate had no household soldiers, and Nicholas rarely came to the capital, preferring to stay quietly in his fief. He had been thoroughly investigated and found to have little connection to the current situation. His interactions with Yuvan were few.

Both of them had royal blood, but they only communicated on the rare occasion of weddings or funerals, never for the New Year or other festivals. After the death of Yuvan's former princess consort, Nicholas hadn't even visited Valken, and he had certainly not attended the wedding when Yuvan married Molly.

Still, Salvador couldn't afford to trust Nicholas completely. The man was highly respected in Nerovia, where his fief was located. That was why years ago, Salvador had issued the command for Hayden to return to the capital and retire.

"Ian," Salvador said, his voice serious, "look into whether Nicholas has left his fief recently."

"Of course, Your Majesty. I'll send someone immediately." Ian bowed and withdrew.