The enforcement team worked with remarkable efficiency. Within an hour, Huxley, Warrick, and Percival had been brought back to the castle.
Per Austin’s instructions, Axel made sure the three met briefly upon arrival, though they were given no opportunity to speak to one another. Afterward, they were taken to separate rooms and were guarded individually.
Due to their status, the enforcement team treated them with respect, offering them tea and wine. However, they weren’t allowed to leave their rooms and had to wait for Austin to summon them.
Warrick was confined to Room A1, Huxley to Room A2, and Percival to Room A3.
Their rooms were right next to each other, separated only by thin walls. If they stepped out, they would see one another, but none of them knew how close they were.
This, of course, was all part of Austin’s plan. He knew that extracting the truth from these three cunning foxes would require unconventional tactics.
Inside Room A1, Warrick sat calmly, sipping his tea without a hint of concern.
He had anticipated being questioned by Austin and had prepared for it in advance.
As long as Austin had no evidence, Warrick saw no reason to worry. To him, the questioning was nothing more than a formality.
Next door in Room A2, Huxley appeared just as composed, acting as though none of this concerned him.
The assassin had been sent out of West Lucozia, and Jovian’s body had been incinerated. Even if the enforcement team turned West Lucozia upside down, they wouldn’t find a single clue.
Besides, he and Warrick had already coordinated their plan. As long as they both remained silent and claimed ignorance, this whole situation would blow over.
Even with his noble status, Austin couldn’t take action against them without solid evidence. Doing so would be reckless-inviting a potential backlash from the government and stirring unrest among the people.
Meanwhile, the mood in Room A3 was starkly different.
In contrast to the calm demeanor of Warrick and Huxley, the white-haired Percival appeared restless. He paced back and forth across the room, hands behind his back, his face clouded with worry.
Although he hadn’t been directly involved in Jovian’s death, he was one of the few who knew about it. What troubled him most was that he had dinner with Jovian the night before his disappearance. That alone was enough to make him a suspect.
His biggest fear now was that if Austin misunderstood the situation and thought he was behind Jovian’s death, things would get complicated.
“Damn it… How did I get roped into this?”
Percival thought bitterly. If he had known that things would escalate this far, he never would have gotten involved in the first place.
Austin was seething with anger and had even called in the enforcement team. If they uncovered anything suspicious, Percival knew he would be in deep trouble.
Even if he survived the investigation, his career would be ruined. After all, he had been involved in more than a few corrupt dealings and abuse of power during his many years in the government.
Austin sat quietly inside the secret room as he observed the trio’s behavior through a surveillance screen.
Warrick and Huxley were unnervingly calm, as though they had anticipated this.
It didn’t make sense because no one could stay so composed after being taken by the enforcement team. Either they were truly innocent with nothing to hide, or they were confident they wouldn’t be caught.
After observing for a long moment, Austin ordered, “Bring Warrick in first.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Axel responded and quickly left the room.
Austin rose and slipped back into the meeting room through a hidden passage.
A short while later, Axel entered with Warrick in tow.
“Your Highness, it is my privilege to stand before you,” Warrick greeted with a respectful fist salute.
“Sit,” Austin said with a nod.
“Thank you,” Warrick replied, taking a seat with an air of composure.
Axel poured tea, all the while keeping a wary eye on Warrick.
Rumor had it that Warrick had mastered the Steelheart Technique to perfection. He could easily behead an opposing commander in the midst of battle. Such a powerful figure, if he rebelled, would undoubtedly pose a serious threat.
“Mr. Prescott, do you know why I’ve summoned you here?” Austin asked calmly.
“I don’t. Please enlighten me.” Warrick’s expression was neutral.
“My friend went missing last night, and his whereabouts remained unknown. I suspect he’s been murdered, and I’m currently investigating the matter. I’d like to know if you have any information about this,” Austin said bluntly.
“Your Highness, are you implying that I’m involved?” Warrick raised an eyebrow.
“According to my investigation, my friend met with you last night before he went missing. Do you have anything to say about that?” Austin said coldly.
“I walk on the straight and narrow, Your Highness. I would never engage in such underhanded dealings. Besides, I had no grudge against Jovian, so why would I want to kill him?” Warrick countered.
“I never mentioned my friend’s name. How would you know he’s called Jovian?” Austin suddenly shot back.
“I…” Warrick was momentarily speechless but quickly continued, “The only person who met with me last night and is also acquainted with you is Jovian, Your Highness. Was I wrong to assume it was him?”
“You seem to have done your homework.” Austin let out a mirthless chuckle.
He continued, “Mr. Prescott, you know my temperament. If you confess and tell me the truth, I can spare your life. But if you insist on your stubbornness and resist to the bitter end, don’t say I didn’t warn you about my cruelty.”
“If I am guilty, I will accept my punishment. But before that, I ask that Your Highness show me the evidence. If you’re planning to charge me without proof, I won’t stand for it. I assure you, neither will the soldiers of West Lucozia,” Warrick responded firmly.
“Very well. If you want to play this game, I’ll play along.”
Austin waved his hand and ordered, ”
Escort Mr. Prescott back to his room. Bring in Mr. Thatcher.”
