The Fountain Pavilion before dawn still held the lingering warmth of the previous night, spring water flowing like a silver ribbon in the faint light. Evelynn and Lucian slowly roused from their intense embrace, her head resting on his chest, her closed eyes still carrying the afterglow of tenderness. The depth of night had given way to the pursuit of truth—their private moment temporarily ended, with graver duties awaiting.
In the interrogation chamber, wall lamps burned soft and steady. The letter carrier was first brought in, strapped to a high-backed chair in tattered robes, yet still sneering: "Truth? Truth is just a chain leading to the next lie." Evelynn ran her hand along her scepter, voice calm. "Without chains, where do plots come from? Tell me—who did Sorren collude with in private?"
The letter carrier hesitated. Karina stepped forward, speaking softly but firmly: "His Highness requires the truth, not needless cruelty. If he denies it, my shadow guards will verify." The man's face changed, and he finally gritted out: "He colluded with Old Noble Lord Saris. They set up an altar under the south city's ancient well, exchanging blood potions for support. They planned to unleash poisoned arrows on the capital during the grand ceremony, forcing His Highness to revoke the Holy Confederation decree."
This uncovered a new mastermind—Lord Saris, one of the capital's most formidable old powers. Evelynn took a deep breath, ordering Lothar to produce the private letter leaked from Saris' manor, then summoning Kalman's deputy for confirmation. The deputy trembled on the edge of his silver restraints, but finally confessed in a low voice when confronted with irrefutable evidence: "Saris baited with 'noble privileges' to rebuild the old order, promising me a generalship in the Western Border Guard. If the coup succeeded, we would divide the realm."
As truth emerged in the candlelight, Evelynn turned slowly, her gaze piercing, voice resolute: "Saris and all traitors will be listed for national wanted. Today's interrogation is not only a judgment on you but also the end of the old order."
After the interrogation, she and Lucian led several Silver Oath Knights to the south city's ancient well. By the time they arrived, the altar had been dismantled overnight by shadow guards, leaving only mottled bloodstains. Evelynn picked up a ritual coin engraved with Saris' family crest, staring into the well's depths with a mix of coldness and relief.
After a moment's pause, Lucian stepped to her side, draping his cloak over her shoulders gently. "Your Highness, you broke the game with wisdom and courage, and judged with mercy. Are you weary?" Evelynn placed the ritual coin in her cloak pocket, replying softly: "The path of destroying the old and establishing the new is endless, but for now, let's enjoy a moment of peace."
Moonlight spilled by the ancient well as they embraced again in the quiet south city garden. Lucian held her close, his palm gliding down her back to undo the last button, pressing her nearer. Evelynn ran her hand over his chest, murmuring: "In your arms, I fear no undercurrent or plot." He answered with a deep kiss, his fingers tracing the soft line of her collarbone.
The spring's murmur, night wind, and their gentle breaths merged, silk and skin weaving a symphony of warmth and safety. Their lips danced in the moonlight like two intertwined beams of holy light, forging the most private and powerful covenant beneath the capital's reconstruction.