“After you, Sir Prescott.”
With one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, Axel’s other hand gestured toward the door.
“Hmph!” Warrick shot a cold glance at Axel’s subtle movement and then turned to leave the meeting room.
Even if Austin had his suspicions, Warrick knew he couldn’t do anything to him without concrete evidence.
Axel escorted Warrick back to Room A1.
After closing the door, he went to Room A2 and led Huxley to the meeting room.
“Your Highness, it is my privilege to stand before you.”
Huxley entered the meeting room with a respectful salute.
“Mr. Thatcher, please take a seat.”
Austin’s face remained neutral as he gestured for Huxley to sit, then motioned for Axel to pour him a cup of tea.
“Do you know why I’ve summoned you here today?” Austin spoke calmly, and his words carried the same probing tone as earlier.
“Is it about Jovian’s disappearance?”
Huxley asked in return.
“Oh? It seems you’re quick on the uptake.”
Austin raised an eyebrow. “In that case, go ahead and tell me everything you know.”
“I’ve only heard rumors, but his disappearance has nothing to do with me.
If Your Highness summoned me here just for questioning, I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong person.” Huxley lowered his head slightly, and his expression was hidden.
“Really?” Austin let out a derisive laugh.
He continued, “Jovian was last seen with the three of you. Last night, he even had a dispute with all of you. You say it has nothing to do with you, but do you think I’ll believe that?”
“Your Highness, I swear everything I’ve said is true,” Huxley replied earnestly.
He went on, “Although I invited Jovian to dinner last night, I went home afterward and never left again. If you don’t believe me, Your Highness, you can ask my family.
They can vouch for me.”
“Mr. Thatcher, we both know better than to play these games. Don’t try to pull that on me.” Austin smiled and spoke coldly.
He continued, “I’ll give you one more chance. If you confess and admit your mistake, I’ll spare you. If you keep denying it, you’ll only bring ruin upon yourself and your family.”
“Your Highness, I’ve always been dedicated to serving West Lucozia and the royal family. I believe I’ve done nothing wrong. I beg you to investigate this matter thoroughly,” Huxley said humbly as he kept his head low.
“Don’t worry, I intend to investigate this matter thoroughly,” Austin replied coldly. “I gave you a chance, and you turned it down. There’s nothing more to say. Axel, escort him out.”
“Sir Thatcher, this way.” Axel didn’t say much and escorted Huxley out of the meeting room.
On the way back, Huxley frowned slightly and felt uneasy. He could tell that Austin was genuinely furious this time. If evidence were found, the consequences would be severe dismissal at best, execution at worst.
Though Huxley had coordinated with Warrick and handled the loose ends, he couldn’t shake the guilt. All he could do now was hope Austin found nothing and the matter would eventually blow over.
After escorting Huxley back to Room A2, Axel returned to the meeting room.
At that moment, Austin was lost in thought while holding his teacup. He could tell that Warrick and Huxley were in collusion, which was why they were confident that they could get away with it.
Given their skills and resources, they would leave no trace behind once they decided to kill someone. Even if the enforcement team were mobilized, it would be nearly impossible to find solid evidence.
Austin knew he’d have to take a different approach.
“Axel, release them,” he said suddenly after a long silence.
“Release them?” Axel looked confused. ” Your Highness, they’re the prime suspects. Why release them?”
“Since there’s no evidence, we can’t do anything to them for the time being. It’s better to release them and use a different approach to make them show their hand.”
Austin’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Make them show their hand? What does that mean?” Axel asked, growing more confused. He realized he was having trouble keeping up with Austin’s train of thought.
“Don’t question it. Just do as I say.”
Austin’s tone was heavy with meaning. ” I’m not just going to release them. I’m going to invite them to a grand feast. As for how it’ll play out, let me explain.”
He gestured for Axel to come closer, and Axel immediately leaned in.
After a few whispered instructions, Axel’s eyes lit up. He quickly understood, and his expression shifted from confusion to admiration.
“That’s a brilliant idea! I never would’ve thought of that. You’re a genius, Your Highness,” he praised.
“Enough with the flattery. Get to work,” Austin urged.
“Don’t worry, Your Highness. I’ll make sure it’s done perfectly. I won’t let you down,” Axel assured him before hurrying out of the room.
Austin sipped his tea, and his gaze fixed on the setting sun outside the window.
He murmured, “Good advice doesn’t change a stubborn fool. I gave you the chance to confess, but you didn’t take it. This time, don’t blame me for making an example of you.”
