Chapter 709 (+25 BONUS)

On the ground lay bundles of arrows, several crossbows, rows of knives and swords, and a selection of bows. Several large barrels were stacked in one corner. As Rafael approached, the pungent scent of gunpowder wafted toward him. The barrels were tightly sealed and covered with multiple layers of material; yet, the unmistakable smell of gunpowder lingered.

The area around the barrels was unilluminated; the only light source was the dungeon entrance. Rafael turned as Eleanor's household soldiers arrived. Their eyes widened in shock at the flickering light illuminating the dungeon. Many froze, momentarily forgetting to confront the assassins.

Rafael, sword drawn, swiftly dispatched several household soldiers. He then spotted Barrett entering with several capital guards. Barrett had barely assessed the situation before charging toward the assassins, weapon raised.

Rafael and Barrett exchanged blows. Barrett was momentarily distracted by their eye contact in the dim light. Seizing the opportunity, Rafael dashed up the stairs, taking three steps at a time, and swiftly exited the dungeon.

Barrett, wide-eyed and heart pounding, paused to assess the surroundings. Taking a deep breath, he exchanged glances with the other capital guards.

"Find Lord Brown!" he exclaimed, shaking off his astonishment. "Lord Lewis, the Garrison Unit's chief, is also here. Locate them quickly!"

The dungeon door slammed shut behind him. Eleanor descended, her gown trailing, a sword clutched in her hand. She raised it, pointing it at a capital guard attempting to leave to find Michael.

In a cold, commanding voice, she declared, "No one is allowed to leave."

The capital guards recoiled, apprehensive.

"Kill them," Eleanor coldly ordered her household soldiers as she moved deeper into the dungeon.

Only five capital guards, including Barrett, faced nearly thirty household soldiers. While these soldiers had proven ineffective against Rafael, they were more than capable of handling Barrett and his four companions. The household soldiers raised their weapons, aiming at Barrett and his men. However, many were shocked by the contents of the dungeon. Such items were strictly forbidden for private possession; doing so was tantamount to treason.

Fear gripped the household soldiers—fear of exposure and of Eleanor's potential to silence them permanently. Seeing the dungeon door close, Barrett realized Michael might not reach the entrance in time, even if he stormed the western courtyard. They might all die.

Chapter 700 (+25 BONUS)

That man in black had to be Rafael. He had exposed the secrets of Harmony Palace. How dare he abandon them to face the consequences? Anger boiled within Barrett.

"Go! Kill them!" Eleanor shouted, her voice laced with fury. "What are you waiting for? If they live, you all die! This is a crime punishable by death and confiscation of your families' properties!"

The household soldiers let out battle cries, weapons raised, as they advanced. Barrett knew he and his four capital guards were not particularly skilled. He took the lead, his blade clashing against another weapon, sending a shockwave through his hands.

Knowing several opponents were formidable, he took a deep breath. If he wasn't careful, this could be his end.

"It's useless!" he shouted amidst the chaos. "The capital and garrison guards are here. They'll arrive any moment. You're unaware of the danger you're in! Don't cause your own demise!"

"Kill Barrett first!" Eleanor barked, gripping her sword tightly. [The following sentence appears to be incomplete or corrupted in the original text and has been omitted.]

She held the sword with incredibly steady hands, acutely aware that fear was pointless. She had always been ruthless, and even death held no terror for her. She would not yield until the very last moment. Only one thought consumed her: if she survived this night, she would stop at nothing to kill Rafael and Carissa.

Barrett was besieged, and the other capital guards were already wounded. Though he fought valiantly and injured three household soldiers, the remainder focused solely on him. A sense of foreboding crept over Barrett—he might die. Yet, this fear ignited a fierce courage within him. Recent troubles at home had driven him to hone his martial arts skills, and he had made notable progress. He fought like a lone wolf, tapping into his most ferocious and valiant aspects.

Chapter 710

(No text provided for Chapter 710)