Chapter 107 Patrick Drunk Reveals Her Identity?
The court theater troupe they'd invited was performing an interlude on stage.
Below, Cressida tilted her head slightly toward Marshall.
"The incident where Little Duke was nearly injured by fireworks reminded me that the sulfur and saltpeter used to make fireworks are also ingredients for gunpowder."
Marshall nodded as he listened, his gentle eyes fixed on Cressida's face.
Cressida continued: "And materials like saltpeter and sulfur have always been strictly controlled resources in our country."
Marshall seemed to understand what she was getting at.
"I thought of that too. There's only one way the assassin could have obtained saltpeter and sulfur—the Royal Fireworks Bureau. While there are civilian workshops that make fireworks, they all must register with the Royal Fireworks Bureau, or it's a serious crime."
"After Anthony was attacked, I immediately questioned the Royal Fireworks Bureau. Their gunpowder inventory numbers were normal, nothing suspicious."
Cressida nodded slightly: "But Your Highness Marshall missed one place."
"What?"
"The Royal Armory. I once accompanied Cameron at the military fortress. Some gunpowder can't be used due to various problems. Usually these defective products are sent back to Emerald City to be handled by the Royal Armory."
More and more officials gradually gathered around to hear her speak.
Marshall's brow furrowed.
Cressida said: "Gunpowder sent back to the Royal Armory is supposed to be dismantled and disposed of, but if someone wanted to interfere, stealing the materials would be much easier. At least no one would check where the already discarded gunpowder went."
Patrick felt this wasn't good. He immediately tried to stop her.
"Cressida, you don't understand how things work in government. Don't talk nonsense."
Cressida was usually so careful and proper—why would she dare say such things today?
Marshall stopped Patrick: "Ms. Hamilton makes a good point. Mr. Hamilton, there's no need to be nervous."
Then Marshall, looking thoughtful, turned to Cressida: "Are you suggesting the assassin took discarded gunpowder and extracted the materials after dismantling it to make the fireworks?"
Cressida's eyes were calm, with a faint smile on her lips.
The officials around them all perked up their ears, waiting for what she'd say next.
"The assassin matter is for Your Highnesses and the ministers to investigate thoroughly. What I want to say is that the Royal Armory has never had a clear process for handling discarded gunpowder, which gave others an opportunity."
"When Cameron was still alive, he said that even though this problematic gunpowder couldn't fire with full power, it could still be useful as material for improving firearms. When I saw Little Duke's assassination attempt, I remembered what Cameron had said."
Marshall's eyes lit up: "Improving firearms? Did General Hamilton mention a specific method?"
Cressida shook her head regretfully: "Cameron didn't have time to explain before he..."
The ministers who heard this all let out sighs of regret in unison.
"If we could improve our firearms, our elite troops would be unstoppable!"
"Yes, what a shame. Why did General Hamilton, such a once-in-a-century military genius, die so young? Such a loss!"
Everyone expressed their regret.
Marshall also looked regretful, but he bowed to Cressida: "What Ms. Hamilton has shared will benefit our country greatly. I must thank you."
He raised his glass in a toast, and the ministers beside him also looked at Cressida with new respect.
Finally, they all went to praise Patrick.
The compliments made him giddy with pride.
In his happiness, Patrick drank several more cups and laughed continuously.
From the corner of her eye, Cressida saw several ministers from Miguel's faction also discussing this matter. She calmly looked away.
She had basically told Miguel directly that she had the ability to improve military technology—if he didn't want it, she'd give it to someone else.
Halfway through the banquet, Patrick was already drunk.
Cressida made a round of the women's section, where Mabel introduced her to several ladies from prominent families.
Jessica whispered in her ear: "Not a single girl from the Gomez family came. They just sent gifts. Clearly they're still angry."
Cressida patted her hand: "Don't worry about them."
Noah hurried over: "Mrs. Mabel Hamilton, Ms. Cressida Hamilton, Mr. Patrick Hamilton has gotten into an argument with someone. If this continues, they're going to have a real fight."
Cressida frowned.
She'd never liked how Patrick acted when drunk—he always showed his true nature after drinking.
Noah said that before Patrick had his title, he had a superior named Ryder Nelson. The two didn't get along and had a bad relationship.
Patrick had just been arguing with Ryder.
When Ryder came to toast Patrick, Patrick actually mocked the Nelson family for not having boys to inherit the family business.
Patrick had drunk too much and didn't realize he was offending people. Ryder naturally got angry and argued back, bringing up Michael's mental condition.
Ryder and Patrick went back and forth, each hitting the other's sore spots, just short of coming to blows.
Mabel said: "Let's go check on them quickly."
When they reached the men's section, it was already noisy.
In front of Marshall and Joseph, Patrick's face was red with anger as he said to Ryder—
"You're mocking my son? Do you know my daughter Cressida's martial arts skills are top-level in the kingdom!"