Chapter 1357
The oppressive summer heat weighed heavily on the spirit, stoking an inexplicable irritation. Hayden, clearly affected by the weather, barely touched his dinner. After a few cursory bites, he pushed his plate away, announcing his intention to practice calligraphy in the study to clear his mind. He gestured for Chaya to follow, and they left the room. Chaya, however, ensured she carried two heaping plates of snacks; she wasn't about to go hungry.
Nicholas, still disguised as Gordon, watched Hayden go but made no move to stop him. Hayden's movements were inconsequential—they were already being monitored. Nicholas had far more pressing matters to attend to.
Back in his room, Nicholas locked the door and methodically prepared. He donned his stealth attire, then sat before a mirror. Opening a small wooden box, he revealed an array of lifelike facial masks. Carefully removing his Gordon disguise, he selected a new one, its craftsmanship so seamless that even close inspection wouldn't reveal its artificiality. Though he would later conceal his face with a black cloth, he meticulously blended the mask's edges at his jaw and neck with pigments matching its tone. Even if the cloth were removed during a struggle, his true identity would remain undetected.
A knock interrupted him. Covering his face with the black cloth, he called, “Come in.”
A shadowy figure slipped inside, moving silently.
The figure whispered, “Your Highness, Kyle and Jacob have taken Travis to Capital Guard headquarters. They seem aware of tonight's plans.”
“It’s fine.” Nicholas’s voice, no longer Gordon’s, resonated with confidence and authority. “When shall we depart? How many men?”
“Not yet,” Nicholas replied, closing the wooden box and rising. He selected a sword from a nearby rack, its blade gleaming faintly in the dim light. “Even Adrian himself is no match for me. A handful of minor players are a mere nuisance.”
He paused, a thought striking him. “What about the occupants of Russell Estate next door? Thoroughly investigated?”
The shadowy figure nodded. “Yes, Your Highness. Descendants of the Russell family, a collateral branch, not direct heirs. They’ve resided in Jinshire, trading goods, returning recently due to bandit disturbances. They forced entry, breaking the door lock. They rarely leave, only to purchase essentials.”
Russell Estate’s proximity facilitated investigation. A weight settled in Nicholas’s chest when the estate’s door opened, prompting him to order inquiries. He nodded. “Even if Adrian returns, he wouldn't choose Russell Estate.”
The Russell family, once esteemed, had suffered setbacks, growing disillusioned with the court. Adrian, particularly, avoided associating with noble children, Carissa being the sole exception. Their glory days were long past; their royal estate designation removed, leaving only a dilapidated property.
Nicholas, driven by curiosity, had previously infiltrated the estate, finding only neglect and overgrown weeds. The desolation spoke volumes—Adrian loathed the place, neglecting even its upkeep. If in the city, Nicholas reasoned, Adrian would prefer the Glimmering Tower or Hell Monarch Estate.
One of his Shadow Guards interrupted, inquiring about the strike time.
Nicholas replied, “Tonight's chaos means heightened alert. The early hours, when willpower falters and drowsiness sets in—between three and five—will be ideal for the assassination.” He waved a hand. “Rest now.”
As the guard bowed and left, Nicholas added, “Keep watch on Russell Estate. Report any movement.”
Despite his confidence, Nicholas took no chances. Carissa's death was crucial. Though not a battlefield genius, she was Hector's daughter, Rafael's princess consort, and commander of the Mystic Army—its backbone. Her fall would disrupt the army, buying Nicholas the crucial time he needed.
At Capital Guard headquarters, the atmosphere was relaxed. Mats were laid out in the main hall for rest, one person maintaining watch while others slept. Watch shifts rotated hourly; staying awake all night was unwise, especially with the assassins' arrival uncertain. Still, they were well-trained, mastering inner force techniques which heightened their senses. Even in deep sleep, the slightest threat would awaken them.