Ten minutes later, Warrick was escorted out of Room A1 again.
Axel’s demeanor had completely changed since their first meeting, and he had become unusually warm.
“Sir Prescott, Lord Austin has concluded the investigation. It turns out this matter has nothing to do with you. We made a mistake earlier, and I apologize for any offense caused.” He smiled apologetically and spoke with a humble tone.
“Hm?” Seeing the fawning expression on Axel’s face, Warrick raised an eyebrow and looked surprised.
Just moments ago, the two sides had been at each other’s throats. What had caused such a sudden change?
“Did you really investigate it thoroughly?” Warrick asked tentatively.
“Of course! According to our findings, Jovian’s disappearance was the result of a personal vendetta from his enemies in Oakvale,” Axel said with a straight face.
He continued, “He was a tyrant and always stirring up trouble everywhere he went. He got what was coming to him. Lord Austin only launched the investigation to give the Ballard family some closure. Since this was a personal vendetta, it has nothing to do with us here in West Lucozia.”
“I see…” Warrick shot a meaningful glance at the people around him.
He thought to himself, “If I hadn’t personally disposed of the body, I might’ve actually believed your lies.”
“Sir Prescott, this was our oversight. You’ve been put in a difficult position, and to make it up to you, Lord Austin has prepared a banquet in your honor at the castle. He’d like to invite you to dine with him as an apology,” Axel said with a grin.
“Mr. Cruz, you’re being too modest. It’s only natural that I cooperated with the investigation at Lord Austin’s request. As for apologies, I don’t deserve any,”
Warrick replied coolly.
The sudden change in Austin’s attitude left him uneasy. What exactly was Austin up to? One moment he was using threats and persuasion and the next second, he was hosting a banquet. Was there another scheme at play?
“Lord Austin clearly feels guilty. It’s just a meal, after all. Surely, you won’t refuse His Highness’ hospitality, right?” Axel said with a sly smile.
“Well…” Warrick hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Since His Highness insists, it would be rude of me to refuse.”
“Sir Prescott, this way please.” Axel smiled faintly and enthusiastically led him away.
As they left, Percival happened to witness the scene. Seeing Warrick’s commanding presence and Axel’s overly warm demeanor, Percival frowned and unease twisted in his gut.
“Excuse me, was that Mr. Prescott who just passed by?” Percival asked the royal guard beside him.
“Yes, sir,” the guard on the left replied. ” The enforcement team is working to uncover the real murderer. Since Sir Prescott provided valuable intel, Lord Austin is hosting a grand banquet in his honor tonight.”
“Is that so?” Percival’s expression changed slightly, and his unease grew
“Shut up! Who permitted you to talk about this?” the guard on the right snapped. “If Lord Austin hears about this, you’d better pray he doesn’t make an example out of you.”
The guard on the left immediately lowered his head and fell silent.
Percival observed their exchange, and his heart felt heavy with unease.
Jovian’s death was obviously linked to Warrick, so why was he rewarded instead? What the hell was going on?
With a troubled mind, Percival followed the guards to the meeting room.
Austin sat at the center with an indifferent expression. Every movement carried an undeniable air of authority.
“Your Highness… I’m honored to stand before you today,” Percival greeted respectfully as he entered.
“Mr. Wentworth, do you know why you’re here?” Austin asked coolly.
“I don’t, Your Highness. Please enlighten me.” Percival lowered his head slightly, an uneasy feeling creeping over him.
“You truly don’t know? Or are you just playing dumb?” Austin’s expression was stone-cold.
“I-”
Percival was about to speak when a loud crash suddenly echoed through the room.
A teacup shattered at his feet, and porcelain pieces along with tea splashed across his legs. He jolted in shock and looked up-only to meet Austin’s icy, murderous gaze.
“Mr. Wentworth!” Austin barked. “You better tell me the truth. If you lie, don’t expect me to show mercy.”
Percival broke into a cold sweat, and he said nervously, “Your Highness, please calm your anger. I’m old, and my memory isn’t what it used to be. If I’ve offended you in any way, I beg your forgiveness.”
“Enough of your excuses!”
Austin stormed forward and glared down at Percival. He said coldly, “Someone came forward with a signed statement and accused you of killing Jovian and getting rid of the body. How dare you lay a hand on my guest? Do you have a death wish?”
At those words, Percival’s face went pale with fear. He dropped to his knees with a loud thud.
“Your Highness, I’m innocent. This is a false accusation.” Percival had a sorrowful expression on his face as he repeatedly cried out in protest.
“In my decades of service, I may have accepted bribes, but I’ve never killed anyone. Someone must be framing me. Please look into this, Your Highness.”
He repeatedly prostrated, his head banging against the ground. Each impact echoed loudly, and his forehead began to bleed, blood trickling down his face.
