Just as Jacob feared, many people secretly tried to pry information from the servants of Hell Monarch Estate. Fortunately, they had been warned in advance, so no matter what was asked, they all claimed to know nothing.

But the tighter the people in the estate kept their lips sealed, the more fueled suspicion. This entire affair was far too unusual.

A king leaving the palace was nothing like stories depicted-where a ruler could simply disguise himself and slip into the streets with a handful of guards to observe the lives of his people.

Even when visiting the households of nobles for a joyous occasion, the king's arrival would be announced well in advance. The host family would have time to make proper arrangements. Some even built new gardens or refurbished their homes, laying down soft carpets, planting fresh flowers, and preparing lavish feasts to welcome him.

For a king to leave the palace in the dead of night to privately visit a vassal's estate, traveling by carriage and accompanied by only a small entourage, was utterly unthinkable. Especially when its master, the Hell Monarch, was away at the Southern Frontier.noveldrama

And during this time, the Hell Monarch's princess consort, Carissa, was recuperating at home. Previously, the king had frequently summoned her to the royal study under the guise of discussing state affairs. But had it truly been about matters of governance? It was impossible not to let one's mind wander.

Yet in matters like these, blame rarely fell upon the man-let alone the king.

If Salvador had done anything improper, then surely, it was because he had been bewitched. It was no wonder that during all those nights spent alone with Carissa in the royal study, he had never once stepped foot into the harem.

No one dared to speak of such things openly, but behind closed doors, the whispers were endless. Naturally, the women in the harem had caught wind of the situation. Salvador might not have visited them in some time, but an event as significant as his secretive midnight departure could never be kept under wraps.

That day, during the morning gathering at Everspring Palace, Sylvia and Grace who normally refrained from reporting harem affairs-spoke in detail about the matter.

When they finished, Sylvia hesitated for a moment before cautiously adding, "Your Majesty, have you heard about His Majesty leaving the palace in the middle of the night? Please advise him to prioritize his safety and not give wrongdoers a chance to take advantage.'

The gathered concubines immediately knelt, echoing Sylvia's plea.

Kylie took her cup and sipped the coffee slowly, allowing the warmth to settle her racing thoughts.

She had been searching for an excuse to question Salvador. Now that the concubines themselves had come to her with their concerns, it was only right for her, as the queen, to ask him directly-if only to put the hearts of the women in the harem at ease.

Kylie deliberately remained silent, watching as the tension in the hall grew. A few lower-ranked

concubines had even begun to sob. Even so, the queen simply frowned and continued sipping her coffee. Finally, someone blurted out, "For His Majesty to visit Hell Monarch Estate in the dead of night when the Hell Monarch himself is at the Southern Frontier... Surely, this will stir up rumors."

The cup landed sharply on the table.

Kylie's expression darkened as she snapped, "Silence! There's nothing going on between His Majesty and the Hell Monarch's princess consort! Who dares to spread such slander?"

The room fell into an immediate hush.

Seizing the moment, Kylie pressed further, her voice sharp with indignation as she said, "Who has been gossiping behind closed

doors? Is this what you whisper net

about in secret? Outrageous! These accusations not only insult His Majesty's wisdom but also tarnish Lady Carissa's reputation.

"His Majesty visited Hell Monarch Estate to consult with Mr. Spencer on important state matters. If you doubt me, then go ask His Majesty yourself! But in Everspring Palace, I will not tolerate such reckless talk."

With that, Kylie dismissed them all.

Sylvia and Grace exchanged

glances, finally feeling somewhat reassured, Having spent years in the palace, they knew Kylie's

temperament well. No one car ne

more about this matter than she did; she was merely looking for the right excuse to act.

That afternoon, Kylie took Lydia with her to the royal study to request an audience. Since the queen's house arrest, she had not seen Salvador This was her first time formally seeking an audience after having been released.

Salvador had just finished drinking his medicine when he granted her entry.

Kylie stepped inside, curtseying properly as she apologetically said, "During my time in confinement, I have reflected on my mistakes. I will not make the same mistake again."

Salvador knew she had visited Connor and had merely been reprimanded by Victoria, so this so-called reflection was nothing more than a formality.

"Sit," he said flatly, neither accepting nor rejecting her words. He would hear her out first.

Kylie thanked him and wasted no time in recounting the morning's events. She repeated the harem's gossip but with a carefully exaggerated twist-implying that Carissa harbored improper intentions. When she finished, she sighed, her face full of worry. "I have already silenced the women, but I fear that while I can quiet their tongues, I cannot ease their troubled hearts."

Salvador's expression darkened. He hadn't expected his reckless decision to bring Carissa such trouble. He slammed his hand on the table, his voice thundering through the hall, "Absurd. Absolutely absurd! What nonsense-they dare suggest Carissa has improper intentions?"