Shortly after Marco expanded his mana and scrutinized the guest room, he retracted them.
"Pardon your uncle's sudden action." Marco apologized. "I didn't wish to leave any chance to fate that we might be eavesdropped on."
Leonard didn't give a response. There were multiple implications behind Marco's explanation.
On the one hand, it seemed that his uncle was worried about his safety and privacy. On the other hand, he was subtly hinting to him that his own palace wasn't safe and should be wary of the guards.
This kind of seed planting was very discreet but very poisonous. The old Leonard would definitely fall for it.
After all, the palace's safety and responsibility were mostly handled by Spencer. In other words, Marco was attempting to cause a rift between him and Spencer.
By planting a doubtful seed, Spencer might start to slowly lose his influence and possibly his right to remain by Leonard's side.
'I'd much rather believe in Spence whose life is under my control than a relative who didn't bother to show up at the investiture.' Leonard sneered inwardly.
Family, especially those of royalty or held considerable influence and power was the most fickle word ever.
"Anyway, what is the 4th uncle's purpose for visiting me today?" Leonard found a comfortable couch and sat down.
Seeing his composed demeanor, Marco was slightly taken aback.
'Was this nephew of mine always this composed and calm?' Marco knew that this nephew of his was the most cowardly and incompetent prince out of the other princes.
It was a complete shock and bewilderment to him when he received news of the emperor decreeing Leonard as the crown prince.
What was more alarming was that prior to the crowning, there was a poison attempt on his nephew.
From there, Marco thought it was some other houses seeking revenge and wished to ruin his nephew. Although he didn't appreciate his nephew much, given his poor track record, Leonard was ultimately still his nephew.
"Nephew Leon, I came here to inform you that the current household is divided because of your mother's exile," Marco explained.
Nodding, Leonard already learned about the news.
"I know, the family is having an internal conflict and many deaths have occurred already." He was unsure what Marco's intention was.
Was he trying to rope him into his side?
Just when Leonard was pondering about his intention, Marco suddenly laughed heartily. He lost his composure and seemed exhilarated.
'Is there a mental hospital in the capital?' Leonard wondered if there was such a facility. Maybe the pressure had been overwhelming his 4th uncle. Otherwise, why would he suddenly laugh like a maniac?
Amidst Leonard's confusion, Marco sat down on the couch and mused, "Ah, it seems like my nephew has been concealing himself very well. Appears to be cooped up in the chamber, but is still very informed."
"…"
Despite Leonard's silence, Marco dropped an astonishing news. "Those deaths were all people who deserved it. His Majesty didn't want our house to become greater than the other houses after your ascension. So what better way than to orchestrate a civil war in the house to deceive the public?"
Stunned, Leonard tried to regulate his emotions. He put on a petrified expression and questioned, "Are you saying our house's civil war is a fake? Nobody is actually trying to vie for the authority of the house?"
"Of course," Marco nodded and glanced at him with an intrigued look.
"I always thought nephew Leon is lacking a lot in terms of ability. But today, you showcased to me a behavior of wariness and cautiousness. Indeed, even family members should be cautious of each other, but we must also remember. Without family members, a house was destined to collapse. Our House Lawson will never self-sabotage ourselves to let the other wolves devour us."
After Marco's solemn declaration, Leonard scratched his head. He didn't believe Marco's words completely. But at the same time, he felt it was plausible because it would be foolish to lie so blatantly.
Just a small investigation from Spencer could easily verify the truth. Of course, the investigation might take time, granted that Spencer also believed his house was undergoing an internal conflict.
"If our house is really harmonious, then why was Spencer kept in the dark?" Leonard crossed his legs and questioned.
"Haven't Spencer gone out to investigate already?" Marco chuckled softly. "I reckon he will return soon and relay the news to you."
Seeing his confidence, Leonard didn't delve into this particular topic any further. Regardless of whether his words were true or false, once Spencer returns, the truth will be unveiled anyway.
"Then is uncle's intention for today's visit just to inform me that the house's internal conflict is a hoax for the imperial house to see?" He asked.
"That was initially my intention, but not anymore." Marco's eyes turned heavy.
"I didn't expect nephew to be playing a fool, so I won't need to beat around the bushes. The poisoning incident early this evening is orchestrated by someone from the imperial house. But it's a fact that our house turned a blind eye to the incident and allowed it to happen."
Silent, Leonard had already anticipated such a possibility.
To be able to carry the poison substance into his palace under the heavy surveillance of Spender without being detected—the culprit must hold a large power.
Moreover, the fact that his father learned of this incident almost immediately meant that he also knew who the culprit was.
"Pardon my offense, uncle, but do you also happen to know who the culprit was?" Leonard asked, his tone somewhat icy.
Facing his nephew's coldness and grand demeanor, Marco remained composed.
"The main culprit is untouchable. I hope nephew can understand this." He calmly said. As frustrated as Marco was toward this despicable scheme, he knew better than to pursue the main culprit.
Leonard also understood that trying to catch the main culprit would be a pipe dream. This was just the style of how this world operated.
While he was disappointed that he might have to drop the matter, Marco revealed. "Although we can't catch the main culprit, we can catch the middleman. My people have already informed me that the person who contacted your maid had fled to Velastra."