Chapter 380: I'll Go
"Get through it safely?"
In the main hall, only Leonard and Simon were present. Hearing Leonard's words, Simon furrowed his brow.
"That's right. While you are in Eldora, I will voluntarily confess the Dutch matter to Father. Father will surely be furious, and I hope you can say a good word for me then."
Simon couldn't help but laugh. "Third brother, true to yourself, you don't wait for me to act; you want to confess first. Looks like you already guessed I would reveal this in court."
At that moment, Simon finally understood Leonard's purpose.
Since the Fletcher family moved part of their business to Brambleford, Prince Gal probably knew the Fletchers had told Simon about the Dutch. So he discussed it with Leonard.
Now Leonard also learned someone wanted to assassinate Simon, so he staged the scene at the castle gate.
If Simon died, he would not worry about anything. If Simon survived, he could use this matter to bargain with him, to keep him from reporting it. Otherwise, once Alaric knew, he would be very displeased with Prince Gal, even suspecting rebellion, and Gal's chance at the throne would be lost, along with his favor.
Leonard smiled bitterly. "Isn't it so? The Fletcher family has visited you many times and even supported your northern campaign. I don't believe Magnus didn't tell you about the Dutch."
"No need for the Fletchers. I know well. My fleet has met not only the Dutch but also the British." Simon said lightly.
Leonard looked at him in surprise again. He could not figure out Simon's real depth.
After a pause, Simon said. "Tell me what clues you know. I will speak for you before Father."
Receiving Simon's promise, Leonard sighed. "So far, only the Eastern Castle remains unsearched."
"The Crown Prince?" Simon's heart sank.
"I didn't say that. I only know the Crown Prince has a habit of pretending to be a reaver in the Eastern Castle for fun. So he likes to collect mixed-blood reavers." Leonard said with a slight smile. "I only learned this secret recently."
Simon's eyes shifted. He stood up. There was no more clue from Leonard. Now he could only start with the Eastern Castle.
But the Crown Prince was heir apparent. This time Ragner didn't dare lead a search there; no one dared without Alaric's order.
"In that case, I will go see Father now and ask to search the Eastern Castle," Simon said loudly.
Leonard also stood hurriedly. "I don't know about this. I hope you don't mention me to Father."
Simon nodded and ignored Leonard, leaving his mansion.
Watching Simon leave, Leonard smirked coldly. From the corner, the Minister of Revenue, Constantine, appeared.
"Your Highness, this two-birds-one-stone trick is really clever." Constantine laughed.
"Uncle praises me too much. This is just a small trick. Now that Simon is favored by Father, if Father learns this was the Crown Prince's doing, he will definitely decide to remove the heir. Without removing the Crown Prince, it's hard to calm Simon."
Constantine laughed. "What's better is Simon can cover up the Dutch matter for us."
Leonard chuckled,d but then his expression changed. Suddenly,ly he said. "But is this really the Crown Prince's doing? I feel this is not so simple."
"Whether the Crown Prince did it is no longer important. If assassins are found in the Eastern Castle, the Crown Prince's position will be lost." Constantine said.
Leonard slowly nodded.
Outside, Simon returned to the castle with his guards.
He wouldn't fully trust Leonard's words but believed he wouldn't joke about the Dutch matter. Now Leonard's words were the only clue.
At the castle, Simon went straight to the Imperial Study, where he met Ragner.
"Simon, the Left and Right Guards searched all of Eldora but found no trace of the assassins," Alaric said to Simon, troubled.
Ragner glanced cautiously at Simon and carefully said. "Your Majesty, there is still one place not searched."
"What place?" Alaric rubbed his temples in pain. Because of the assassins, all his plans were disrupted.
"The Eastern Castle," Ragner said cautiously.
Alaric suddenly opened his eyes wide. He looked at Ragner and then Simon. After a long moment, he said slowly. "I will go with you to the Eastern Castle."
"Father, the Crown Prince is the future heir. This is very sensitive. Let it go. I believe the Crown Prince wouldn't do such a thing." Simon said.
He did not expect Ragner to bring up the matter first. This saved him from having to say it.
But on the surface, he still declined a little, since this was sensitive. He did not want to appear to covet the Crown Prince's position.
"The Crown Prince is my son. You are my son. Since you believe the Crown Prince is innocent, what harm in searching? Let's go." Alaric stood and led the way.
The Eastern Castle was next to the Imperial Castle. Once a prince was promoted to heir, he would move into the Eastern Castle.
From then on, the Eastern Castle was like a small court.
From a side hall of the castle, the group entered the Eastern Castle. Hearing that Alaric had arrived, the Crown Prince immediately came out.
But when he saw Simon, his face changed immediately.
News of the assassination attempt had already reached the Eastern Castle. He was a bit secretly glad.
But now Alaric, Ragner, and Simon all came; this meant something different.
"Search!"
Alaric's expression was cold. Even if it was not an assassination on the Emperor, attempting to kill a prince was enough to enrage him. This was a challenge to his royal power.
Ragner responded and began searching the Eastern Castle; the Crown Prince's eyes were shocked.
"Father, this has nothing to do with me! Simon, are you framing me?" The Crown Prince shouted angrily.
Before Simon could speak, Alaric said. "This is my decision. The whole city of Eldora was searched. Why not your place?"
The Crown Prince's mouth opened in surprise. Cold sweat appeared on his forehead. His eyes followed Ragner searching around.
A father knows his son best. Alaric saw the Crown Prince's strange behavior and felt a chill in his heart.
At that moment, a soldier suddenly shouted. "He is a reaver hybrid! Seize him!"
Following the shout, the sound of clashing weapons broke out.
Alaric's face changed greatly. He kicked the Crown Prince to the ground and cursed. "Scoundrel! So it really was you. You disappoint me greatly!"
The Crown Prince looked confused and said urgently. "Father, it's not what you think!"