Chapter 193
Crown Prince Gueuze was deeply financially entangled with Verdic Evans. The crown prince required more flexible funds than other nobles, and Verdic had no reason to refuse him. Gueuze, despite his flaws, was exactly the type of man Verdic appreciated.
Gueuze had loaned large sums of money from Verdic, helping him pass numerous documents and laws. With the current king aging, much authority already lay with Gueuze. The final decisions were still made by the king, but Gueuzes influence was undeniable. The old king was merely holding out to pass the throne to Prince Lewis, against the odds.
Verdic was aware of Gueuzes hobbies.
Only a few knew of them: some direct nobles, a handful of servants, and people like Verdic who provided him with money.
Verdic had supplied him with countless funds and women, including some who wouldnt be missed if they disappeared. He ensured these transactions were discreet, involving several intermediaries. Once in Gueuzes hands, neither the money nor the women ever seemed to leave the palace.
To most, like the current king or Marquis Penceir, Gueuzes excesses were abhorrent. But to Verdic, they were a welcome weakness. Gueuzes scandals, though worrying to his immediate circle, didnt seem so severe to Verdic.
Enjoying murder or being a sexual deviant wasnt a significant problem. While most deviants couldnt hide their nature, Gueuze at least knew how to conceal it. His victims were often foreigners, prostitutes, or catamites. If he found their appearance appealing, hed turn them into objects of pleasure.
To Verdic, this was irrelevant.
Gueuze maintained a reasonably good relationship with Verdic. Most royals and nobles wouldve liked to trample him for his money, but Gueuze at least reciprocated the financial favors.
Thats why Verdic wanted to deny the truth.
It couldnt be Gueuze.