Viktor's public trial and execution were like a shot of stimulants, greatly boosting public morale while intimidating the Empress Dowager's remaining followers who harbored dark designs. In the aftermath, a number of low-ranking officials who had once attached themselves to the Empress Dowager came one after another to the Carnford Army headquarters to turn themselves in, confess their crimes, and expose the illegal deeds of others. Karl's policy of leniency also took effect. Those whose offenses were minor and who were willing to turn over a new leaf received merciful treatment; they were allowed to retain their positions and continue serving the new regime. This reassured most of the officials who had been trembling with anxiety, and they began to pledge their loyalty to their new master.
The situation in the Royal Capital was improving day by day. Yet the princess's whereabouts remained like a stone hanging over Karl's heart, preventing him from truly putting his mind at ease.
On the third day after Viktor's execution, Richter, director of the Intelligence Bureau, personally came to Karl's study. His face bore an unusual excitement that he could scarcely contain.
"My lord! We found her!" Richter said impatiently the moment he entered.
Karl sprang to his feet. "You found the princess?"
"We found her!" Richter nodded, but then an oddly troubled expression appeared on his face. "However... the circumstances are somewhat... unexpected."
Karl frowned. "What do you mean?"
Richter explained, "We tracked down the servant who took the princess away. He did not take her out of the city. Instead, he hid her in an abandoned old residence within the city. By the time we found the place, that servant was already dead—apparently silenced by someone. But the princess... the princess, she..."
"What happened to her?" Karl pressed.
"She... she seems not