Chapter 323
“Sorry for the trouble.” Margaery followed him into the room.
At the very center, on an iron rack, she saw more than a dozen large boxes, all tightly sealed.
“Can they be opened?” Margaery glanced at the steward.
The steward hesitated a little, but still nodded. “We can take a look. It’s good to check them when we’re this close.”
“Right.” Margaery agreed, “We must ensure nothing goes wrong.”
The steward broke the wax and unlocked the seals on top, revealing more than a dozen neatly arranged boxes of explosives, and introduced, “It’s said to be genuine goods procured from the Ministry of War.
“With so much explosive, all we need is for the tunnel to connect. Place it below, and detonate it on New Year’s Eve. The entire state banquet hall will be reduced to ashes.”
Estelle clenched her fists at these words.
She and Callum were not born of the same mother, but they did share the same father.
Now, she could clearly sense the true weight of royal kinship, and what those princes vying for the throne were willing to sacrifice for power.
For the throne, Callum planned to destroy his own clan.
And all the civil and military officials would be implicated.
Such a cruel reality made her feel as if she were standing at the eye of the storm, amidst blood and carnage.
Only now did she deeply realize how much malice was hidden in Queen Mother’s words that whitewashed peace, in such an
environment.
Remaining ignorant among a pack of wolves would only make oneself a living target.
This was the love Queen Mother had given her over the years.
It was profound.
It cut her heart like a knife.
So, those who killed Nathaniel were not only Marcus and Callum, but also Queen Mother.
Estelle closed her eyes, her voice hoarse. “There are only thirteen days left until the New Year.”
The Royal Examinations begins tomorrow.
Seven days later, the Royal Examinations would conclude, followed by an intense period of grading, and then the New Year celebrations.
This should have been a day of great joy.
Now, her brother was dead, and Callum was about to blow up her home.
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9:10 pm P PPD
Chapter 323
“Yes, the New Year is coming soon!”
The same words evoked different feelings in different people’s hearts.
The steward’s eyes were full of excitement. “After New Year’s Eve, the world will change!”
Simon would die as well.
65 vouchers
Because by then, the fact that the explosives entered from here will be exposed to the public, Simon would be implicated and become the true culprit in the King’s murder, while he would change his identity and make a grab for the position of High Priest.
He could not help but feel excited.
Estelle pressed her lips tightly together.
After Margaery inspected the explosives, she said, “Seal them up.”
The explosives were sealed again; even the gaps in the wooden crates were sealed with wax, mainly to prevent underground moisture from seeping in.
The group left the room.
Margaery looked at the person digging and asked, “What place is above us right now?”
The steward took out a map, pointed at it for a while, and said, “We are currently under the Cold Palace. There is no one above, so we can dig here. But further ahead, that’s not possible.
“Further ahead, there are Imperial Guards on duty. Any noise is easily detected, so we need an opportunity.”
Margaery looked at the map, memorized it, and nodded. “Yes, either there’s no one above, or there’s a lot of commotion above, so we can mask the sound of digging tunnels.”
She spoke, looking at the person, “Wait for my message.
“There are too many things happening outside lately. Lord Sigurd will be extremely busy and won’t be able to come. I’ll handle the handover with you for the upcoming matters, so we’ll be seeing each other often.”
“Alright!” The steward nodded and couldn’t help but ask, “What’s been happening outside lately? I was afraid of drawing attention, so I didn’t dare come down the mountain. I’m really not clear about what’s going on below.”
Margaery sighed, “Prince Callum’s plan to poison the King did not succeed. Although our involvement has not yet been exposed, the situation remains extremely dangerous. We are like arrows on the bowstring, unable to turn back.
“Lord Sigurd is busy with the Royal Examinations. He must retain some capable people; we cannot truly wait until New Year’s Eve for everyone to be blown up. If the court is left empty, it will be troublesome for Prince Callum after his ascension, as there will be no one available to serve.
“Moreover, since the attempt to poison the King failed, someone must handle the aftermath.
“In short, he will be very busy.”
Margaery looked at him, “Do not go up there in the coming days. The secret passage will be temporarily sealed from the outside, and no one but me will come down.
“Also, do not attempt to go up, and do not make
any
noise.”
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6:10 pm P P P O
тр
Chapter 223
The award loaded fierified
Earlier, he had been excited, just waiting is enjoy du fruits of any der Tex Tee
Now, however, he felt as if he were ning on pins and neatles
“We truly knew nothing about what is happening surare he and Tant Signs fit of care down. I thought everything was gning monthly Thanks ponta for bringing the sent
Margaery noder “That is why I asked if there was moder exit Better of than o
“I see. The steward nodded. He found himself agreeing with Margery Thon mengi mate for
must always have a retreat.
“Let us do this: man, you life–and–death bond,
be responsible for the news from donate. Whether reassion keep each other informed and face everything ngeter
He patted Marg
e shoulder.
Margaery n
hat is certain.
“Rega
OP
success or failure, we will need our own people to look out for each other in the free c
expression, and every detail made it seem as if she truly were Mark
le realized she had truly underestimated Margaery.
n short, the group successfully investigated the secret passage and left openly from within they begated com for steward’s eyes showed a sense of camaraderie.
It was truly absurd.
It was not until they entered the Hall of Divinity and resealed the exit that Margaery revealed her face al tier people. Replace them with Imperial Guards in disguise, and have some of them stand quand here”
Phillipa stepped forward and
Margaery gave a brief expl Guards must engage dee exposing any flaws.”
She glanced at the
What about below?”
er the two exchanged information, Phillipa’s expression grew serious. The Imperial
ople they impersonate and get to know them well only them will they und
as has been captured. We also need to send word to Sigued about this, or be will
become suspici
re in person.”
Margaery pressed her brow and looked at Solon. Go notify Enoch and the others to keep an ers on hold for now.
we will have to wait until after the interrogation to know how to send word to Sagard
s has been doing recently
into the dense fr

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.