He Xi continued asking, "Why did she do that? What deal did you have?"
This time, Slag's spirit didn't need Bruce to "remind" him. In front of the "Mistress's mistress," he was exceptionally obedient.
"The deal was simple," it answered hollowly. "She paid part of the fee upfront and promised to pull the manor guards away on the night of the attack. Her demand was... to kill the painter Vio Bell and the baron's adopted daughter, Jasmine."
The targets were Vio Bell and Jasmine?
Even He Xi found that answer surprising.
He'd thought Helena and the baron had fallen out over their relationship, or that she simply coveted the baron's nonexistent wealth.
He continued asking, "What happened after that? What exactly happened that night?"
"Vio Bell was dealt with as requested. But on our way to find Jasmine, the baron stopped us.
"After we dealt with the baron, Jasmine disappeared."
As soon as Slag finished speaking, Jasmine's spirit let out a heart-wrenching wail.
"Father... he... he did it to save me..."
All her resentment and confusion turned to remorse and grief in that moment.
She'd always thought her father had died because of her "betrayal." She never imagined he'd given his life to protect her.
He Xi looked at Jasmine's violently wavering spirit and gently comforted her. "This isn't your fault, Jasmine. You were the victim from beginning to end."
In Jasmine's diary, he'd read that Vio Bell had come from the royal capital, Lingang City.
Barton had also said earlier that Baroness Helena was from Lingang City as well.
Could they have known each other before?
With that thought, he immediately asked Jasmine to confirm it. "Was Vio Bell the tutor Helena brought in?"
"Yes..." Jasmine's voice was full of pain. "That woman said... said I had a talent