Chapter 38: Curt
Over the past few weeks, the investigators sent by Spade and the Duke asked Ashton this question a lot. None of them was able to get a reliable answer.
It was actually beneath Spade to approach the criminal personally because, as Emperor, he only needed to order his subordinates to do things for him. This was why, while he was focused on the investigation, he never did the interrogation himself.
Spade’s patience had run out, and he couldn’t wait any longer, especially when he heard that the threats against Arren hadn’t been lifted. He needed to know who the enemy was right out of the suspect’s mouth.
Sure, he might have gotten a clue from the Duke, but that wasn’t enough. He wouldn’t feel at ease knowing that someone was hiding like a fucking mouse on his turf. Spade would not tolerate any enemies right under his nose.
He also knew that Ashton was a minor figure and that there was no way he had been exposed to any vital information, but information, no matter how minor, was still a clue. It was enough to start on something.
Ashton stiffened, and his cries slowed until they were just faint sniffles. If it were any other day, Ashton would scoff and remain silent. This time, it was clear that things were different. His mind had been broken for a long time, and the Emperor himself was the one who questioned him. He may have had a crooked personality, but the monarchy and hierarchy were deeply ingrained in his being.
When it was Spade who asked this question, the only thing that came to his mind right away was the answer.
"I... I’m not sure... it was Curt who gave me the drugs back then..." Ashton struggled to form his words as if something in his mind was mentally opposing him. Spade remained silent and watched him through it all, his brow furrowed.
With difficulty, Ashton continued his confession. His weak mind seemed to be used against him: "...I didn’t know their plan at first, and I only need the ecstasy. Then... Curt threatened me, saying he wouldn’t give me any more unless I did what he said. Fuck, I can’t do anything because I fucking desperately need that ecstasy. Then... he told me—I only needed to drug the son of Duke Katz... fuck, how was that possible? I don’t want to do it at first," Ashton mutters.