Suspect

As the first rays of dawn stretched across the sky, Maxwell Duchy awoke to chaos.

The news of Edward Maxwell's assassination spread like wildfire.

The once-proud son of Duke Maxwell, a key contender in the heir selection ceremony, was now a lifeless husk in his chambers.

Servants screamed in terror upon discovering his withered corpse, while guards rushed to seal off the area.

By the time the Duke's officials arrived, the entire mansion had turned into a fortress, filled with nobles, knights, and cultivators seeking answers.

The Maxwell Family was in a state of crisis.

In the grand hall of the Duke's residence, the three remaining heirs of the Maxwell Family stood in silence.

Frederick Maxwell, the eldest and most politically influential.

Leonard Maxwell, the second son, known for his military prowess.

Christopher Maxwell, the third son, often underestimated but cunning.

Each of them had much to gain from Edward's death, and everyone knew it.

"Who among you ordered this assassination?" a senior noble demanded, slamming his fist against the table.

Frederick narrowed his eyes. "I gain nothing from my brother's death. My victory was assured."

Leonard scoffed. "Oh? And you think I would be so foolish as to taint my chances before the ceremony? If anyone benefits, it's Christopher."

Christopher smiled faintly. "Interesting. So we're all suspects now? How convenient."

The Duke's face was dark with fury.

"We will find who did this, and they will pay. No one moves freely until the investigation is complete."

While chaos brewed in the Maxwell Mansion, Strider observed from a quiet rooftop, sipping tea.

He had anticipated this reaction.

The Maxwell Family was already on edge due to the heir selection, and Edward's death was the perfect spark to ignite a conflict among the heirs.

Would they fight each other?

Would someone be falsely accused?

Would the Duke lose trust in his own sons?

Strider didn't care about the outcome—only that his mission was complete.

Silvia was now safe from Edward's schemes.

The Duke wasted no time deploying his strongest knights and investigators to uncover the truth behind Edward's assassination.

Edward's maternal family, the powerful Ainsworth House, one of the marquis family, sent envoys demanding justice.

They accused the Maxwell Family of internal strife and sabotage.

The Maxwell Duchy was now in turmoil.

The grand hall echoed with the angry voices of nobles debating the situation.

Some called for Frederick's immediate ascension, while others suggested postponing the heir selection until the murderer was caught.

The Duke, seated at the highest throne in the hall, finally spoke. His voice was cold and firm.

"Edward's killer will be found. Until then, none of my sons leave the mansion. The heir selection will proceed as planned. Any further disruptions will be dealt with severely."

His words silenced the room.

But beneath the surface, the political storm continued to brew.

Strider smirked as he watched from afar.

Everything was falling into place.

Edward's death had shifted the balance of power, and now the heir selection was more unpredictable than ever.

Would the Duke's eldest son Frederick take advantage of the situation?

Would Leonard use military force to assert dominance?

Or would the cunning Christopher outmaneuver them both?

Strider had no loyalty to any of them.

He was simply enjoying the show.

That night, as Strider relaxed in his residence, a knock echoed at his door.

Raising an eyebrow, he approached cautiously. No one should have known his whereabouts.

Opening the door, he found a cloaked figure standing before him.

"Strider Cromwell?"

His eyes narrowed. "Who's asking?"

The figure stepped inside, removing the hood to reveal a young woman with piercing silver eyes.

"My name is Vivian Ainsworth. And I believe we have something to discuss."

Strider smirked.

The storm was just beginning.

Strider leaned back in his chair, studying the woman before him.

Vivian Ainsworth.

Edward's cousin from the Ainsworth Marquis Family—one of the most powerful noble families in the Stoneheart Empire.

Her silver eyes were sharp, filled with suspicion.

Vivian wasted no time. "You were the last person to have an argument with Edward before his death."

Strider remained calm. "Is that so?"

She crossed her arms. "Don't play dumb. Multiple people saw Edward speaking to you and Silvia yesterday. It wasn't a friendly conversation, was it?"

Strider's expression didn't change, but inwardly, he was impressed.

She's quick.

He had expected someone from the Ainsworth Family to investigate Edward's death, but he hadn't thought they would come directly to him this soon.

"Many people argued with Edward." Strider shrugged. "He wasn't exactly well-liked."

Vivian's gaze didn't waver. "True. But you and Silvia were the last to confront him in public. And now, he's dead."

Strider knew denying everything outright would only make him more suspicious.

"You want to know what happened? Fine." He leaned forward slightly.

"Edward confronted Silvia and me outside the Duke's mansion. He made some rude remarks, and I told him to watch his words. That's all."

Vivian tapped her fingers against the table, considering his words.

"That's a very light way to describe it." She smirked.

"The guards say Edward was furious. He even tried to have his men attack you, but he stopped them at the last second."

Strider didn't react. He already knew people had witnessed the exchange.

"So? A simple argument doesn't mean I killed him."

Vivian narrowed her eyes. "That's what I'm trying to determine."

She continued, "Edward was powerful. Not strong enough to win the heir selection, but still a high-level cultivator."

Strider nodded.

Vivian's voice grew colder. "Yet, he was killed without making a sound. No signs of struggle. No traces of a fight."

She leaned closer. "Tell me, Strider Cromwell. Do you know anyone capable of such a silent assassination?"

Strider smirked. "If I did, would I tell you?"

Vivian's eyes flashed with something—amusement, curiosity, or danger.

"No. But I had to ask." She stood up, adjusting her cloak.

"For now, you're just a suspect. But if I find proof..."

Strider chuckled. "Then what? You'll kill me?"

Vivian smiled faintly. "We'll see."

And with that, she disappeared into the night.

Silvia poked her head out from the doorway, rubbing her sleepy eyes. "Who was that so late at night?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

Strider sighed and leaned back. "Vivian Ainsworth. Edward's cousin. She came to question me about his death."

Silvia's expression darkened. "Hmph! That bastard deserved it!" she muttered, clenching her fists. "If he were still alive, I would have beaten him myself for being rude to you and me."

Strider chuckled but warned, "Don't say that in public."

"Now, go back to sleep"

"Okay"