Allen's explanation was logical but full of self-justification: "As you said, I passed on your information because I was tempted by benefits and threatened at the same time. But I swear, I didn't lie. I only reported who you met and what you did. Today, out of sheer curiosity about Livia's true identity and who you were talking to, I took the risk of eavesdropping. When Lord Marcellus suddenly appeared, it made the meeting seem even more unusual. After all, you and Lord Marcellus rarely meet in public, let alone in your secret stronghold. So, I made up my mind to listen in and pass the information to the commander. As for the kidnapping today, I really don't know anything. I only provided information—I wasn't involved in anything afterward."
Allen looked utterly innocent, even pitiable, but his words failed to dispel the doubt in the room.
At that moment, a thought struck Livia like lightning. Something must have happened recently to prompt Eryx to take action, and the most notable event was her discovery of the pages about the "Holy Grail." Before that, she had noticed officers from the Second Army Group patrolling near each expansion site, as if searching for something. Could it be that they had found her and realized she had obtained something important? Perhaps they had followed her back to the castle and suspected that Marcellus had uncovered something. Judging by the kidnappers' reactions, they merely thought of her as a noblewoman.
Could the pages she lost have been stolen by them? But if they already had the pages, why go through the trouble of kidnapping her? Why demand the secret document? Or did they suspect Marcellus had more crucial clues in his possession?
Suppressing the storm of thoughts in her mind, Livia fixed Allen with a cold stare and asked sharply, "Wait a moment. The 'commander' you keep mentioning—are you referring to Eryx?"
The room fell into an eerie silence. Marcellus and Elias both looked up, momentarily stunned. Earlier, their fury and focus had been entirely on Allen's confession, causing them to overlook this crucial question. Livia's abrupt inquiry seemed to awaken them, yet neither showed any reaction that tied Eryx to the situation, suggesting they were just as in the dark.
Allen appeared confused by the question. "Eryx? No, why would you think I meant the General of the Second Army Group? I was talking about the general of the Seventh Army Group, Emma."
Hearing this, Livia's mind reeled. Emma? The Seventh Army Group's general was involved in this? Could this mean there was some connection between Eryx and Emma? Were they collaborating, or acting independently? The possibilities only added to her growing unease.
Outwardly, Livia maintained her composure. She lowered her gaze slightly, piecing together her deductions. If she recklessly implicated Eryx now, it wouldn't just fail to convince Marcellus and Elias—it might also make them question her intentions.
Marcellus, oblivious to Livia's inner turmoil, fixed his piercing gaze on Allen and asked coldly, "Are you sure you mean Emma? You'd better think carefully before answering."
Allen nodded frantically and replied in a rush, "Yes, Emma! It was definitely her people who contacted me. I just followed her orders. I've never had any dealings with Eryx."
Elias, his tone dripping with scorn, interjected, "What exactly did Emma say to you? What were her instructions? Or did she only want information from you?"
Allen hesitated, then murmured, "She just told me to continue passing on basic information about your movements, saying it would help better 'protect' and please you. She didn't give me any explicit orders beyond that. As for the kidnapping… that was something her subordinates decided on their own. I had no knowledge of it…"
Elias let out a cold laugh, his gaze brimming with derision. "No knowledge? Is that how you justify it every time you betray someone? By telling yourself you're only providing information, and everything else has nothing to do with you?"
Allen's lips trembled, but he couldn't muster a reply. He hung his head, looking like a man awaiting judgment.
Meanwhile, Livia's eyes narrowed slightly. Emma's name being dragged into this only made the situation more complex. If Emma and Eryx were indeed connected, the motives behind the kidnapping were likely far more intricate than they appeared. But Livia refrained from voicing her speculations, instead filing the information away for future investigation.
Marcellus's voice broke through the tense silence, cold and commanding: "Whatever Emma's intentions, you've admitted to your betrayal. From now on, you'd better prove you're still of any value."
Allen flinched and nodded repeatedly, stammering, "Y-yes, my lord. I'll do everything I can to cooperate…"
Livia stood silently at the side, saying nothing, though her fists clenched unknowingly. The mystery remained shrouded, but she knew the true conspiracy was only beginning to unfold.