While Lei Zhen was listening in to the conversation between Kate and George, in the Marquess' Mansion, things were getting hectic.
A noble-looking man was walking around in a circle, his facial appearance darkened as he fumbled around his fingers.
"Come on, where's the spy report? Don't they know how anxious I am?" The noble-looking man said anxiously.
"Marquess Randal, now is not the time to panic. We'll need to figure out a solution fast now that the black mage is captured." Another nobleman said.
Despite his wordings though, the nobleman was equally frightened by this incoming wave. One mishap and all of their wealth, plus their lives would be forfeited.
Sometime later, a servant came rushing in as he went on his knee in front of Marquess Randal.
"Enough of the formalities." Marquess Randal quickly said when he saw what the servant was about to do.
"Just tell me the current situation now." He commanded.
The servant nodded its head and proceeded to explain the overall situation, including the fact that George was summoned into Princess Kate's office.
By the time the servant finished relaying everything, Marquess Randal collapsed near the couch and his face turned ashen white.
"I-It's over… Princess Kate even summoned George. That damn black mage must have spilled everything." Marquess Randal started muttering, feeling lifeless.
Just when he thought things couldn't get any worse, a loud announcement came from outside the mansion.
"Reporting in! From Princess Kate, Marquess Randal is hereby summoned to meet her at the Royal Palace. There shall be no delay!"
Instantly, Marquess Randal's legs became like jelly as he stared at his other companions.
However, the moment his eyes laid upon them, all of them would actively try their best to avoid his glance.
Their intention was being made clear- you got caught, not us, so don't drag us in it.
Marquess Randal gnashed his teeth in anger when he realized how quick they were to throw him under the bus, and without hesitation at that.
'Who said we were in the same boat? Ride or die together? Now you're all just pushing me to die alone.' He cursed inwardly.
Alas, he was helpless by the situation since Princess Kate had only summoned him. If he dared to rat out the others, then death would be the easy path out for him.
Sometime later, Marquess Randal weakly headed out of his mansion and followed the messenger back to the Royal Palace.
Throughout their journey, Marquess Randal kept trying to think of a way to save himself.
And by the time he arrived at the entrance of the Royal Palace, Marquess Randal subtly saw George leaving.
"George!"
Marquess Randal yelled out, ignoring the messenger that was behind him.
George raised an eyebrow before realizing it was Marquess Randal that called him out. His expression remained the same as he calmly nodded his head in a form of gesture.
Afterward, he turned around and prepared to leave, unwilling to interact with him further.
Right now, he was in muddy water as well, so there was no chance he would try to help Marquess Randal out.
Meanwhile, Marquess Randal took this as an insult to him and his rank.
Without hesitation, Marquess Randal ran toward George, grabbed him by the collar, and whispered, "Did you reveal anything to Princess Kate?"
George made a side glance at the messenger that was following Marquess Randal before and snickered coldly.
pαndα`noνɐ1--сoМ "What do you think, Marquess Randal?" George said coldly, pushing away and fixing his collar in the meantime.
"I suggest you confess straight up to save your petty life. Otherwise, Princess Kate would show no mercy and fill Yors Castle with blood soon." He added, leaving the ashen face of Marquess Randal alone.
While leaving though, George made a slight nod at the so-called messenger who was the right-hand man of Lei Zhen, Howard.
Unlike Marquess Randal who remained ignorant of the identity of Howard.
George knew very well that Howard was like the eyes of Lei Zhen because of his role as the head of the Defense Ministry.
Anything that Howard heard or saw would be reported back to Lei Zhen, so Marquess Randal's action before was idiotic. A brainless action that would only result in his demise to increase further.
'Hmph, if you're smart then you should have taken my hint earlier. Otherwise, don't blame me for being heartless because of your tiny brain cell.' George thought to himself.
This small incident was but a small breeze though given that Lei Zhen and Kate were calmly chatting in the Royal Palace.
"Things have now become easier since we have managed to rope George in. As for his daughter's offense, we can be a bit lenient, but the crime that George committed cannot be excused." Lei Zhen explained once he finished analyzing the situation.
George's action alone in assisting the corrupted nobles resulted in numerous innocent citizens suffering, with some of them even losing their loved ones.
Those cannot be compensated in any form of money no matter what. Human lives were lost and there was no way of reviving or replacing them.
Kate nodded her head in agreement.
"Sigh, once a person commits a mistake. It would be a blessing if they can get a chance of redemption." She said in a dispirited manner.
Now that King Francis had practically given her much of the authority to manage Yors Castle, she finally understood the struggle her father had gone through in the past.
Most of the time, she was forced to make difficult decisions. Decisions that would affect the whole of Yors Castle based on her judgment.
"Rest assured, Princess Kate. Before I leave, I'll make sure you will become a great queen that is admired by millions." Lei Zhen calmly said.
Kate wanted to nod her head but paused when she recalled his words.
"W-Wait a minute, what do you mean before you leave?" She asked stutteringly.
Seeing her anxious expression, Lei Zhen remained silent for a few seconds.
Taking a deep breath, he said in a soft tone, "After we captured or executed most of the corrupted nobles, I'll most likely leave Yors Castle to explore the world."