Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1333

The man Gerald had asked Carissa to look into was named Clifford Murphy.

One of the Murphy family's ancestors had once fought alongside the founding king, earning the hereditary title of the Marquis of Doveshire. But for reasons unknown, Clifford fell out of favor with Sigmund, and his noble rank was reduced to the Earl of Paxford. After that, he moved out of the capital to live in seclusion near Ebonflow. By now, few in the capital likely remembered him.

"He never married, and the Murphy family business belongs to him," said Claire.

Carissa's eyes widened in surprise. "He's the one behind the Murphy family business?"

The Murphy family business in Ebonflow was known to be immensely lucrative. While it didn't rival the Spencer family, it involved many industries, with extensive connections.

There were many people in Starhaven with the surname Murphy, but since Clifford had long since secluded himself, refusing to see visitors, no one suspected that he was the true owner of the Murphy family business.

A well-established name, the Murphy family business had been around for over a century. Before Clifford left the capital, no one had known his family was involved in business at all.

Claire quickly explained, "The Murphy family business wasn't always his. When Mr. Murphy arrived in Ebonflow, the business was struggling. It had severe financial troubles and was on the verge of collapsing. At that point, Mr. Murphy bought the business."

Carissa sighed. "Everyone's hiding their secrets so well."

"But what's his motive?" Claire asked, puzzled. "He has no heirs, has severed ties with his relatives, and is at an age where he could be nearing the end of his life. Could he be holding a grudge and seeking revenge against King Sigmund for stripping him of his title?"

Carissa thought that was a possibility. Some people lived their lives only to get even.

But there was also the matter of why Sigmund had taken away Clifford's title in the first place. Who really knew that, aside from Gerald? And maybe Jeremiah too?

Carissa considered which of the two to approach to find out the source of Clifford's resentment. In the end, she decided to visit Jeremiah. Gerald's health wasn't great, and he seemed to have a special interest in Clifford. If he learned that Clifford was involved in treasonous schemes, he might act out of anger, endangering his life.

But there was something even worse to consider. If Gerald felt guilty for not helping Clifford and decided to aid him, that would truly cause chaos.

Later that evening, Carissa headed to Jeremiah's residence.