Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1354

After the group entered the city, Michael was momentarily distracted by another merchant caravan arriving at the gates. He made sure to inspect them thoroughly, confirming that there were no issues before allowing them to pass.

As he turned back, he noticed the merchant caravan was following closely behind the group he had just checked. Among them, a familiar figure caught his eye-a figure whose silhouette seemed unmistakable. It resembled Carissa's martial uncle from the Pathfinders Guild.

The man's name was Everett, if Michael recalled correctly. But then again, the face didn't match. He thought about it for a moment, but the resemblance was only in the figure. The features-absolutely not. Still, Michael felt uneasy and decided it was worth investigating further.

He instructed a few men to follow the caravan and watch for any unusual activity. An hour later, they reported back that the group had settled in a manor on Eastland Avenue. That area was known for being home to powerful lords and nobility. Even a wealthy merchant couldn't easily buy property there. After having his men check, Michael discovered that the house had once belonged to a distant royal relative, an honorary prince from a different family. The place had been vacant for some time, with no one living there. It was rumored that the former owner had moved away years ago.

Though nothing seemed to connect them directly to anything suspicious, Michael couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He tried to put it out of his mind, but found himself unable to. His thoughts felt muddled, and he realized how exhausted he was. Days of endless checks and duties had left him with a foggy mind, crammed with information he could hardly keep track of anymore.

"That manor is next to Willowbrook Estate," one of his men mentioned.

Michael's eyes narrowed immediately. "Keep an eye on it. Or better yet, pay them a visit."

He recalled Carissa's advice anyone connected to Willowbrook Estate should be watched carefully.

Later that evening, after further inquiry, it was confirmed that the manor did indeed belong to the distant royal family's heir. After losing the hereditary title, he had been doing business outside. With the chaos in the outside world, he decided to return to the capital for a while to hide.

checking the merchant caravan earlier-rich silks and jewels. It seemed they were returning with their treasures to

while the capital

come up, Michael didn't

and treasures, hidden in secret compartments within each chest, lay their true

estate had

that weeds had overtaken the yard, and the furniture was covered layers of dust. They hadn't

from Michael,

SV

moved around, clearing the place out, while Adrian and Everett

This place is

than someone else's gilded palace," he

one, then Carissa needed one too.

frown creasing his brow. "We have so many chests with secret compartments, yet he couldn't find them.

that's him.

Adrian continued, still displeased. "One small slip-up could mean disaster for all of us.

measure, there's no one fit for