Warrior's Serenade

Chapter 1227

Once the investigation into the gentlemen's retreat was concluded, Carissa personally entered the palace to

deliver her report. She was unaware that Kylie had lodged a complaint against her, intending only to report on

the matter at hand before visiting Victoria.

When Salvador heard that martial-trained Sandorian spies had been hiding within the gentlemen's retreat, he

was visibly shocked. His expression immediately grew serious.

Carissa refrained from mentioning Gerald's frequent visits to the gentlemen's retreat. The investigation had

made it clear that Gerald's visits were purely for leisure, and he deliberately concealed his identity. Otherwise, he

wouldn't have gone to such lengths to disguise himself in that ridiculous manner.

From what she overheard, Gerald's conversations revolved solely around frivolities, with no mention of court

affairs or suspicious behavior. Thus, there was no basis to suspect any breach of security.

Claire, who had eavesdropped on the courtesans’ private discussions, noted that they referred to Gerald as "the

old ghost" behind his back. They spoke of him with disdain, complaining about his frequent visits. If not for his

generous tips, it was unlikely anyone would have entertained him at all.

Since it was clearly a matter of personal indulgence, Carissa saw no reason to report it. Moreover, it appeared

Gerald hadn't recognized that sof the courtesans were Sandorian. The Sandorians had been deliberate in

their selections, choosing men with striking features that suggested an exotic allure without fully embodying

Sandorian traits.

Most of them, in truth, were children born of unions between the people in the Southern Frontier and Sandorians.

Strictly speaking, they were half Starhaven by blood.

The Southern Frontier had been under Sandoria's control for so long and had only recently been reclaimed in the

past two years. These people have been hiding in the capital for four or five years, which means their master

was from Sandoria. "These individuals were smuggled into the capital when Eleanor was still around, disguised

as merchants traveling with trade caravans," Carissa explained. "Eleanor arranged for their new identities and

placed them in the gentlemen's retreat. "She believed it to be no more than a flesh trade. Moreover... The

gentlemen's retreats were established under her orders because it was exceptionally profitable. When Eleanor

fell from power, Lord Schmitt couldn't bring himself to shut it down." Salvador felt both angry and uncomfortable

hearing this. "I once heard a rumor that the Marquis of Glandale had a liking for young men. The reason he didn't

close the gentlemen's retreats might be because of that."

Carissa replied carefully, "That may be part of the reason. However, based on my investigation, neither Eleanor

nor Lord Schmitt knew that these Sandorian spies were trained in martial arts. They likely assumed the

newcomers were merely seeking fortune.

"In truth, these spies have been gathering information through the loose tongues of certain nobles over the

years. However, they've struggled to transmit their findings back to Sandoria. This was revealed during our

covert surveillance of their private conversations. Sof them have even proposed devising a plan to leave

the capital and return to their homeland."

"So, they've been posing as spies in the capital all this time," Salvador said, anger flickering in his eyes.

"Eavesdropping on the secrets of nobles? It seems my court has quite a few officials who enjoy visiting the

gentlemen's retreat."

Speaking about this with Salvador made Carissa feel a bit awkward, but since it was an official matter, she knew

it had to be addressed.

"According to my investigation, not many truly indulge in such preferences. Most go out of curiosity, seeking

ty."

In essence, they were bored of ordinary pleasures and wanted something more thrilling. For those who had

reached a certain level of wealth and status, everyday indulgences were no longer satisfying. They craved the

extraordinary.

Another factor lay in the restrictions

placed on officials. Although the

court didn't explicitly forbid visits to entertainment parlors, such

activities were frowned upon as

improper. Civil officials, in particular, were wary of being caught in a compromising situation. After all, many

frequented

wn

brothels-especially the idle, undisciplined scions of noble

families. These young men were the

most unpredictable, prone to

reckless chatter that could lead to

trouble.

The gentlemen's retreat, however, was different. It had strict standards, high entry fees, and clientele carefully

screened. Those deemed suspicious were barred entry altogether. Salvador's face darkened with displeasure.

"Do you have a list of names?"

"The investigation hasn't been ongoing for long, so we've only identified a few officials currently in office,"

Carissa replied.

"Any former retainers from Goldencrest Palace?" Salvador asked sharply, referring to those who had served him

during his tenure as crown prince.

Carissa hesitated briefly before answering truthfully, "Yes."

Salvador slammed his hand on the table. "Outrageous!"

The former retainers of Goldencrest Palace had been his loyal supporters when he was the crown prince, and

many now held important positions in his administration. Carissa thought he would demand their names, but

instead, he refrained-likely out of consideration for their past loyalty.

After a tense pause, Salvador issued

his orders coldly. "Take the Capital Guard and the Garrison Unit to raid all these gentlemen's retreats. Go at

night. Detain everyone present and bring them to the Capital Guard headquarters to be jailed for two days. As

for the Sandorian spies, hand them over to the SuprCourt."

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