Once the investigation into the gentlemen''s retreat was concluded, Carissa personally entered the pce to deliver her report. She was unaware that Kylie had lodged aint against her, intending only to report on the matter at hand before visiting Victoria.


    When Salvador heard that martial-trained Sandorian spies had been hiding within the gentlemen''s retreat, he was visibly shocked. His expression immediately grew serious.


    Carissa refrained from mentioning Gerald''s frequent visits to the gentlemen''s retreat. The investigation had made it clear that Gerald''s visits were purely for leisure, and he deliberately concealed his identity. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have gone to such lengths to disguise himself in that ridiculous manner.


    From what she overheard, Gerald''s conversations revolved solely around frivolities, with no mention of court affairs or suspicious behavior. Thus, there was no basis to suspect any breach of security.


    ire, who had eavesdropped on the courtesans'' private discussions, noted that they referred to Gerald as "the old ghost" behind his back. They spoke of him with disdain,ining about his frequent visits. If not for his generous tips, it was unlikely anyone would have entertained him at all.


    Since it was clearly a matter of personal indulgence, Carissa saw no reason to report it. Moreover, it appeared Gerald hadn''t recognized that some of the courtesans were Sandorian. The Sandorians had been deliberate in their selections, choosing men with striking features that suggested an exotic allure without fully embodying Sandorian traits.


    Most of them, in truth, were children born of unions between the people in the Southern Frontier and Sandorians. Strictly speaking, they were half Starhaven by blood.


    The Southern Frontier had been under Sandoria''s control for so long and had only recently been reimed in the past two years. These people have been hiding in the capital for four or five years, which means their master was from Sandoria. "These individuals were smuggled into the capital when Eleanor was still around, disguised as merchants traveling with trade caravans," Carissa exined. "Eleanor arranged for their new identities and ced them in the gentlemen''s retreat. "She believed it to be no more than a flesh trade. Moreover... The gentlemen''s retreats were established under her orders because it was exceptionally profitable. When Eleanor fell from power, Lord Schmitt couldn''t bring himself to shut it down." Salvador felt both angry and ufortable hearing this. "I once heard a rumor that the Marquis of ndale had a liking for young men. The reason he didn''t close the gentlemen''s retreats might be because of that."


    Carissa replied carefully, "That may be part of the reason. However, based on my investigation, neither Eleanor nor Lord Schmitt knew that these Sandorian spies were trained in martial arts. They likely assumed the neers were merely seeking fortune.


    "In truth, these spies have been gathering information through the loose tongues of certain nobles over the years. However, they''ve struggled to transmit their findings back to Sandoria. This was revealed during our covert surveince of their private conversations. Some of them have even proposed devising a n to leave the capital and return to their homnd."


    "So, they''ve been posing as spies in the capital all this time," Salvador said, anger flickering in his eyes. "Eavesdropping on the secrets of nobles? It seems my court has quite a few officials who enjoy visiting the gentlemen''s retreat."


    Speaking about this with Salvador made Carissa feel a bit awkward, but since it was an official matter, she knew it had to be addressed.


    "ording to my investigation, not many truly indulge in such preferences. Most go out of curiosity, seeking novelty."


    In essence, they were bored of ordinary pleasures and wanted something more thrilling. For those who had reached a certain level of wealth and status, everyday indulgences were no longer satisfying. They craved the extraordinary.


    Another factory in the restrictions


    ced on officials. Although the


    court didn''t explicitly forbid visits to entertainment parlors, such


    activities were frowned upon as


    improper. Civil officials, in particr, were wary of being caught in apromising situation. After all, many frequented


    wn


    brothels-especially the idle, undisciplined scions of noble


    families. These young men were the


    most unpredictable, prone to


    reckless chatter that could lead to


    trouble.


    The gentlemen''s retreat, however, was different. It had strict standards, high entry fees, and clientele carefully screened. Those deemed suspicious were barred entry altogether. Salvador''s face darkened with displeasure. "Do you have a list of names?"


    "The investigation hasn''t been ongoing for long, so we''ve only identified a few officials currently in office," Carissa replied.


    "Any former retainers from Goldencrest Pce?" Salvador asked sharply, referring to those who had served him during his tenure as crown prince.


    Carissa hesitated briefly before answering truthfully, "Yes."


    Salvador mmed his hand on the table. "Outrageous!"


    The former retainers of Goldencrest Pce had been his loyal supporters when he was the crown prince, and many now held important positions in his administration. Carissa thought he would demand their names, but instead, he refrained-likely out of consideration for their past loyalty.


    After a tense pause, Salvador issued


    his orders coldly. "Take the Capital Guard and the Garrison Unit to raid all these gentlemen''s retreats. Go at night. Detain everyone present and bring them to the Capital Guard headquarters to be jailed for two days. As for the Sandorian spies, hand them over to the Supreme Court."