"Your Highness, I apologize but your humble servant doesn't understand."
"I think the emperor knows it very well. Anyone who becomes associated with the Bu Clan would eventually be loyal to him since the clan has supported him for years. This has been the Bu Clan's custom so they wouldn't just be able to survive but maintain their status in the society. They will never favor any prince and will always be loyal to the emperor. The only reason why the emperor would ask Francis to be associated with the Bu Clan on purpose is to intentionally fool others. The Bu Clan also knows this and Francis knows it too. I'm quite sure that the only one who is unaware is Felix," Matthew patiently explained with eyes as dark as the night.
Felix had lived in comfort all his life. Even though he had dealt with Hoffman, he was still too young to be taken out of his bubble. Guidance from the empress didn't help him as well. He only became more close-minded. On the contrary, Francis, who had not been valued in such high regard, had at least gained the support of Sherry and her family. Moreover, Francis was intelligent. If it were not for his poor health, the emperor would have made him the crown prince instead of giving the position to Felix for so long.
"Your Highness, should we investigate Prince Francis then?"
"No, that's not necessary for the time being," Matthew said while he shook his head. Francis had created a persona and fooled everyone for so many years. Even though he knew his life would be threatened if he stayed in the Imperial Palace, he could still live in there and reached twenty years of age. The man on the throne had never been a warm and kind person. Francis was very clever to live so closely with him.
However, now that Francis had revealed himself to be the one behind all of this, there was no need for Matthew to investigate him further. After all, it was only a matter of time until Francis would show his true colors. Matthew had thought that Harper would feel upset when she found out that Francis was actually cunning and manipulative. But she reacted so normally, as if she wasn't angry or troubled at all. It even seemed like she had already known it.
"Is everything all right in the mansion?" Matthew casually asked. Although he was almost sure that Francis wouldn't do something untoward, he was still worried that the man would lose control and do something irreparable.
"Everything is fine. Lady Gianna is doing great as well in Prince Allen's mansion. Except for the servants who take care of her day in and day out, no one else is allowed to get close to her. Lady Casey is protecting her carefully," Barry replied.
Only then did Matthew feel relieved. If there was anyone whom Harper was worried about in the imperial capital, it would be her personal maids and Gianna. Matthew's mansion was heavily guarded and it was almost impossible for the outsiders to hurt anyone inside. Allen's mansion didn't seem to be heavily guarded, but he was a very cautious man. His son, Clark, was also very mindful. Matthew was confident that they wouldn't let anything terrible happen to Gianna.
"And the situation in the Holy Chant Temple?"
"It is not long until Master Chodak has fully recovered," Barry responded, assuming that Matthew was asking about Chodak. After all, he was hurt because of Harper and he even broke his right hand. In this regard, Chodak could almost be seen as a savior. However, Matthew didn't think so.
"I don't care about him! What happened to Charles?" Matthew asked while he looked at Barry intensely.
"He's doing good. I heard he's very obedient with the teachings of the Holy Chant Temple," Barry replied while he subtly raised his eyebrows upon hearing Matthew's question. Since Chodak saved Harper at the cost of his right hand, Barry had no idea how would Matthew return the favor. However, even as a monk, Chodak was a cunning man. It was very likely that he saved Harper with a hidden agenda in mind.
"By the way, Your Highness, We just received news that someone sneaked into the mansion. The intruder didn't steal anything or hurt anyone. However, we're not sure if we didn't lose anything. We are waiting for you to return so you can check yourself and see what we may have missed," Barry informed Matthew with so much fear and hesitation. It was a surprise he could still form complete sentences.
When Matthew heard that, he narrowed his eyes and thought deeply. The only thing that other people wanted from his mansion was probably the Black Flag Token. However, even if others got a hold of it, they wouldn't be able to manipulate the Black Flag Army as long as Matthew was still alive. 'But who would have the courage to sneak into my mansion?' Matthew could not help but wonder.
"Which parts of the mansion had been searched?" he asked.
"Your study, Lady Harper's room, your room, and Lady Harper's dowry," Barry replied. In all honesty, he was a little confused. He didn't understand why would anyone want anything among Harper's dowry.
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