Joel, noticing that the Princess's hands were trembling as she held her teacup, hesitated for a moment before delivering the news.
He couldn't bear seeing the delicate and beautiful Princess, who resembled a fairy, overwhelmed by the harsh truth. However, he had already heard that some nobles in the kingdom were strongly opposing her.
'She is the Crown Princess. If she cannot accept this news, and if she cannot deal with those opposing her, then she is not fit to become Queen of this kingdom,' he concluded in his mind while bowing to her.
"Your Highness," Joel began with a steady voice, "I have learned that a small tavern in the capital was the first place to spread this rumor. My informant stated that the person who spread it initially was a worker there, who happens to be the sibling of a servant in Marquis Tobias's household."
Joel straightened his posture as he finished speaking, maintaining his composure.
Viana turned to look at him for a moment, reading the expression of this man she had only recently become acquainted with. She then placed her teacup back on the table.
But Joel remained calm, which led her to ask, "Are you certain?"
Without evidence, accusing someone associated with one of the prominent noble families, even if just a servant, could cause an uproar.
Moreover, they were known allies of Duke Callisto, who openly opposed Princess Viana ascending the throne.
She thought for a moment, then spoke again. "If what you're saying is true, we must gather proof."
Viana wasn't confident that they could obtain evidence regarding the rumor's spread. It seemed too vague, as any proof would likely rely on witnesses who could easily change their statements under threat.
However, there was one possibility that could allow them to use this accusation as a means of unraveling the larger case of kidnapping and slave trading.
She stood and walked toward her window, which was wide open. The fragrant aroma of the flower garden below her room reached her, momentarily easing her mind.
"Reyes," she called out while gazing outside at the colorful flowers in the garden.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Reyes, who had been silently present, stepped closer to the Princess and stood behind her, awaiting her next words.
"You attended the Royal Assembly for the formation of the Independent Committee, correct?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Reyes replied. He had already guessed what was happening but supported the Princess's decision to avoid rash accusations or actions.
"The individuals Joel mentioned, they were the ones who opposed the formation of the Independent Committee, weren't they?" she asked him.
"That's correct, Your Highness. They are likely the ones most invested in protecting the slave trade network they've been concealing all this time," Reyes confirmed, which was followed by the Princess letting out a deep sigh.
The fact that these nobles dared to act this boldly to protect their interests made her angry and disheartened.
They not only threatened the kingdom's reputation but also hindered efforts to create justice for the powerless.
Furthermore, this network had existed for years, and they also had ties to the Valendale Empire.
If she couldn't expose the network here, uncovering the one in Valendale would be nearly impossible.
Everyone in the room looked at the Princess with admiration. Despite her young age, only 18 years old, she displayed remarkable maturity. She had shown charisma and intelligence, proving her worthiness to be Queen someday.
A few days later, Joel returned with another report for the Princess, and she listened intently.
He had discreetly gathered information from his informants and discovered that not only was the servant sibling of Marquis Tobias involved, but several henchmen hired by certain Counts were actively spreading rumors in public places.
He had also apprehended a few of these henchmen, who were mercenaries by trade. Lacking significant skills, they took on whatever tasks they could for money.
"Oh, you've captured them?" the Princess asked, her eyes lighting up as she sat at her desk.
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Can I go meet them?"
"..."
Viana tilted her head when Joel didn't respond and asked, "What's the matter? Am I not allowed to meet them?"
Joel remained silent and simply looked at her face.
"Where are they being held?" she asked again, her tone becoming more insistent.
"Outside the capital, Your Highness. But you may not be able to endure it," he replied, his expression apologetic.
"What do you mean?" she asked, confused.
Reyes, standing behind the Princess, explained, "Typically, these individuals are already tortured to force them to talk, Your Highness."
Viana turned to Reyes, then back to Joel, who now nodded with a guilty expression.
"So? Why can't I meet them if they've already been tortured?" she asked, still pushing for an answer.
Joel and Reyes exchanged glances, with Reyes shrugging, prompting Joel to turn back to her. Her determined gaze challenged him.
He let out a long sigh before saying, "Your Highness, forgive me. You were raised in the palace. Perhaps you won't be able to withstand what you'll see."
Viana furrowed her brows and retorted, "Yesterday, I visited the place where the slaves were held. Why can't I handle seeing someone who's been tortured now?"
Joel remained silent, then sighed deeply. "Very well, Your Highness. I will take you to them once you are ready."
"I'm ready now," she declared, standing up from her seat and heading toward her room's open door. However, before she could leave, the door suddenly swung open wider, revealing Sina rushing inside.
Viana froze in surprise, prompting Sina to immediately bow apologetically. "Forgive me, Princess. I entered without informing you first."
"It's alright," the Princess replied with a chuckle. "What's the matter? Why are you in such a hurry?"
Sina straightened herself and explained, "Forgive me, Your Highness. Count Lazarus requests a meeting with you. He is waiting in the drawing room."
The excitement that had lit up the Princess's face moments ago as she prepared to meet the detained mercenary, who could be key to uncovering the slave trade case, vanished instantly.