Chapter 191 | 04. Wouldn’t it be enough?

Chapter 191 | 04. Wouldn’t it be enough?

That woman. Is she not Carynne?

Thats right. This is Carrie, not Carynne. I met her by chance in the forest, and weve been cohabiting ever since.

And youre saying theres no one to prove Carries past as she has no family.

Her family has departed from the world, so what can we do?

They were in front of the dinner table, having a meal, yet for everyone around them it felt like theyre about to choke from this intense pressure.

Verdic and Raymonds voices were firm, unrelenting.

Carynne watched them while sipping her water. The cold water infused with floating lemon slices was refreshing.

Verdics voice had remarkable projection. It didnt tire easily.

Look at the portrait! That woman has the exact same appearance!

Verdic pointed accusingly at Carynne, his voice even rougher compared to when he was addressing Raymond.

Are you still going to deny it despite that woman being exactly identical to Carynne? And can you prove that this woman existed before the day Carynne went missing?

Why should I prove anything to you?

Carynne watched Verdics face contorting as Raymond replied as such. It seemed like Raymond was also sticking with the Carrie pseudonym.

And to add, this meal is fine. However, Mister Verdic, judging by the freshness of the meat, it seems youve used my hunting grounds. Thats quite troubling.

The food youre eating right now has been prepared by my chef. What are you trying to say?

Then I shall stop eating, and you may leave.

So immature

However, Raymonds petty and illogical sarcasm seemed to have affected Verdic greatly. The mans face went completely red with anger.

Breathing heavily, he struggled to respond.

Then, Raymond added something unexpected.

Fine.

What?

Mister Verdic Evans. I will grant you permission to investigate my domains postal service.

Now, of all times?

Carynnes eyes went wide. The permission Raymond was granting was clearly just bait. There was no real intel to find there.

By now, Verdic should know that he wouldnt be able to glean anything from it.

But this house, I still

Still what?

He was just another piece in their games, a mere bag of money. Thats how they treated him.

This made Verdic cautious in dealing with people. Many nobles who despised him in public would send letters asking for loans. And despite being drug-addled, Crown Prince Gueuze was surprisingly healthy.

He was in his prime, virile, and the laws regarding royal succession were extremely hard to change. It was unrealistic for the current, ailing king to amend them.

That old king clung to power with a near-delusional stubbornness, but changing the future set for Crown Prince Gueuze was impossible.

Verdic had thus bet on Crown Prince Gueuze.

He provided women, money, and services to the crown prince, occasionally making deliberate requests. More often than not, these efforts were of little help, but it was necessary to create opportunities for the crown prince to flaunt his superiority.

Crown Prince Gueuze was young, healthy, and killed only those whose deaths wouldnt cause much trouble.

His cruel and bizarre tendencies didnt significantly concern Verdic. The crown prince was the most likely candidate for the future king, and it made sense to align with that future. Taking unnecessary risks was out of the question.

And his choices proved to be right.

In the end, the crown prince killed his own son.

Should I offer my condolences or congratulations to him?

Tears by day, congratulations by night, please.

Verdic snorted in derision.

As the funeral is likely to be a simple affair, I presume theres no need to attend?

Yes, but he has sent a messenger desiring a congratulatory gift.

Tell him Ill sponsor the exhibition he plans to organize.

Understood.

As someone who deeply loved his child, Verdic couldnt comprehend Crown Prince Gueuze. But then, understanding the crown prince was likely impossible for most people.

Verdic sighed, penning a letter to his estate.

The crown prince planned to inaugurate a world exhibition immediately after the funeral. Naturally, a significant portion of the funding was expected to come from Verdic. He felt a headache coming on, thinking of ways to minimize losses.

And one more thing.

Whenever those words were spoken, it rarely boded well. Verdic looked at the messenger.

His Highness wishes to see the woman presumed to be Carynne Hare.

This isnt the time for that.

He had just killed his son, yet Marquis Penceir remained a formidable adversary. The marquis had defended the borders for many years, commanding a substantial military force.

He believes it might assist in your confirmation.

But that woman is currently with Baron Raymond Saytes. And since hes formally retired from the military, extracting her from him wont be easy.

His Highness isnt demanding immediate action. He mentioned that things might be settled by next spring.