His daughter, who had been chosen to become the future emperor's queen, had disappeared at such a critical moment. To Lord Stanford, it was nothing short of a bolt from the blue!
The disappearance of a noble young lady dealt a devastating blow to her reputation!
Especially since Laxala was the future queen.
This could become a stain anyone could use against her... Clearly, even with the emperor's approval, he would have to consider the royal family's reputation when faced with someone whose name had been tarnished.
Those old fossils in the Imperial Clan Council would make an even bigger issue of it.
"How many people know about this?" Lord Stanford asked, his face dark.
He had no idea how many people his son had sent to search during the two days he had been confined in the Imperial Palace... or whether the news had leaked.
"Don't worry, Father. I know what's at stake," Bomei Stanford hurriedly said. "They're all servants born into the Stanford household. They absolutely won't let anything slip... I've also dealt with the two female students at the Royal Academy who might know Laxala is missing, and I've arranged temporary leave for her at the academy."
"Good. You did the right thing." Lord Stanford looked at his son with some surprise... He had handled this unexpectedly well. Bomei Stanford looked deeply troubled as he continued, "But this isn't a long-term solution. If we can find Laxala soon, everything will be fine. I'm just afraid... Father, I actually have an idea."
"Let's hear it."
Bomei Stanford gritted his teeth, then took out an exquisite bottle. "Father, take a look at this."
"What is it?" Lord Stanford asked, startled.
"A Transformation Potion!" Bomei Stanford said solemnly. "It's the product that's been selling like hotcakes in Malindo's commercial district