Chapter 654: He is just putting on a show

Ever since they were "invited" to this heavily guarded courtyard deep within the residence of Andrei Dagong Andrei, the wives and concubines of Vasily had felt a vague sense of unease.

This place was less like a residence for convenient care of a patient and more like a luxurious cage.

The primary wife, Anastasia, whispered anxiously to Darya, the one she trusted most: "Sister Darya, don't you feel that we don't look like we're here to take care of Vasily, but rather like we've been placed under house arrest?"

Darya sighed. She was more worldly-wise than Anastasia and smiled bitterly: "Sister, it's not 'like'—we are likely under house arrest. The guards at the gate appear respectful, but in reality, they never leave our side. We are even interrogated in detail about our destination just to leave the courtyard."

Anastasia's beautiful face was filled with confusion and anxiety: "But why? Vasily is the Chief Strategist whom even Andrei Dagong Andrei respects!"

Darya looked around vigilantly and lowered her voice: "Sister, have you forgotten? Andrei Dagong Andrei himself is unconscious, and it is Young Master Xie Ergai who holds power now. Besides, Vasily's secret identity..."

She stopped mid-sentence, seemingly having some reservations.

"Secret identity? What do you mean?" Anastasia's heart tightened, and she hurriedly pressed for an answer.

She loved Vasily deeply and had always believed her husband was merely a highly valued strategist.

After confirming there were no eavesdroppers nearby, Darya said in an extremely low voice: "Once, I accidentally saw Vasily conversing with a secret envoy from the Imperial Capital's Sacred Palace, and they were passing secret letters of incantations. It seems he is someone the Emperor had planted by Andrei Dagong Andrei's side long ago!"

"What?!" Anastasia covered her mouth in shock, her emerald eyes filled with terror: "This... if Young Master Xie Ergai finds out..." She simply dared not imagine the consequences.

"Judging by Young Master Xie Ergai's current stance, he seems to only want to seize power. Placing two people of such high authority under house arrest suggests he hasn't discovered this most fatal layer yet," Darya analyzed, though her tone was not optimistic. "Otherwise, I fear it wouldn't be as simple as house arrest."

The more they talked, the more panicked they became, feeling they could not just sit and wait for death.

After some discussion, they decided to seek out Xie Ergai's mother, Lady Ye Kajielinna, to see if she could help.

After all, the Grand Duchess was usually kind to others and was acquainted with them; perhaps she could mediate, or at least probe for some information.

However, when they arrived near the courtyard where Lady Ye Kajielinna resided, trembling with anxiety, they unexpectedly saw a scene that left them stunned.

That Katrilan, who was always cold as ice and dismissive toward Vasily, was currently standing under an ice-crystal flower tree, chatting happily with a mysterious wizard draped in a cloak and wearing face paint!

What made them even more incredulous was that Katrilan's perpetually frozen, beautiful face was now wearing a smile as warm as a spring breeze, and her eyes even held a hint of subtle fawning and admiration!

This was like a different person compared to the cold detachment she showed Vasily!

Anastasia and Darya looked at each other, seeing both shock and a trace of contempt in each other's eyes.

They temporarily suppressed their doubts and anger and found Lady Ye Kajielinna first.

After explaining their purpose, Ye Kajielinna elegantly took a sip of tea and explained in a flat tone: "You two need not panic. Xie Ergai inviting you here is indeed to better care for Strategist Vasily and my husband. As for that Master..." ===== CHAPTER 655 =====