“According to Marcus’s words, recently, a barbarian wine has been supplied to the palace under the name Martin Blake.”

For a moment, Carson and Noah exchanged glances.

“Immediately send someone to the casino site.”

“Yes, understood.”

Noah rushed out of the office immediately to deliver the order.

“Continue explaining.”

At Carson’s command, Casey took a deep breath and began to explain again.

“In a place where the supply was made, there was a similar incident three years ago under the same name, delivering alcohol to the palace. So, without any suspicion, they supplied alcohol to the recent order. But that alcohol is now in this palace…”

“It’s not here.”

With a spit-like expression, Carson shook his head. Casey froze at his blunt words.

“It’s probably boiling in someone’s stomach.”

Carson, as if expressing his disbelief, tilted his head. When Noah, who had delivered the order, returned to the office, Carson shouted at him again.

“Go and find Marcus Knights.”

“I’ve already sent someone.”

“Immediately send the Knights of Mansueto to the mansion.”

“Yes?”

Unexpectedly given an order, Noah’s mouth involuntarily opened wide. Sending the royal knights to a mansion meant declaring him an enemy. It could mean an unexpected second rebellion might occur.

“Why have you reached such a conclusion now? May I ask?”

“All the former courtiers of the Hwanghugung came out of the hands of the Mansueto mansion.”

“It’s impossible to carry out such a task. There must be a reason to send the Knights. It’s practically declaring that the Duke of Mansueto has rebelled. Do you not know how important the justification is for the actions of the royal family? In the feudal society, it was a breach of contract. Even if the nobles united and formed an army against him, there was nothing to say. If by any chance Mansueto seized the upper hand, Carson would lose not only his throne but also his life.”

“Noah Timothy.”

However, when Carson called his full name, Noah immediately straightened his head.

“At your command.”

“Your opinion is not important right now. If I don’t bring Ines back to my eyes right now, no one will leave this Hwanghugung alive today.”

But this time, Noah did not step back.

“Your Majesty, especially in such situations, you should remain calm. I understand why you gave such an order. However, if Mansueto really orchestrated this, you should not act hastily. Securing the safety of the Empress is the top priority.”

Carson clenched his head at those words and collapsed onto the sofa.

It was a fact he had temporarily forgotten in the haze of judgment. Ines was in their hands. If he moved recklessly, she might be in danger.
“Dare… dare…”

Those standing beside the Emperor in his despair couldn’t even breathe properly.

At that moment, a knight entered.

“Marcus Knights is not in the palace.”

In disbelief, Carson stood up from his seat.

“What does that mean?”

“Marcus Knights left the palace immediately after announcing the Empress yesterday.”

“Where did he go?”

“He didn’t tell anyone.”

If he had left the palace right after the announcement, there was a high possibility that he moved to handle Ines’s order.

“Go to Halibin and search for him.”

“Understood.”

Carson stood up from his seat and left the Empress’s office. He couldn’t just sit there and wait for news.

If Martin Blake, the former courtier, was behind this incident, it was clear that the Empress and Mansueto were involved.

The Duke was undoubtedly expected to do something, but Carson never thought he would resort to such low and violent methods.

Carson mocked his own negligence.

Mansueto had been a high-ranking aristocrat since he was born. He had been at the top for decades without ever stepping down. Such a person being pushed to extremes was undoubtedly the first time.

There was no way the pride and beliefs of an aristocrat would remain in a shaken tree from its roots.

Why didn’t he anticipate that Mansueto would take a different approach this time?

Carson blamed himself as he hurried his steps. Those following him struggled to keep up with his brisk pace.

Now, without the Emperor’s permission, not a single person could leave the Hwanghugung. As if sensing the impending disaster, the palace residents held their breath, not making a sound, not even the smallest footsteps.