Page 2114

((The For-No-Reason-In-Particular Holiday Special -- page 5 of 8))
Hector was reluctant to say more about his suspicions regarding the Gaolanets. He didn't want to go throwing accusations around, but he also felt like the King should be made aware of what else he and Garovel had learned.

But then again, maybe it would be better to wait until he had more to reveal.

Agh.

He decided to go for it.

"There's something else," said Hector. "I should, uh... I should make it clear that I don't currently have any proof of this, but... I suspect that House Gaolanet has been somehow involved in multiple murders via poisoning."

The King's brow rose. "That is a serious accusation."

"I don't know if they're the ones doing the poisoning," he clarified. "They could just be caught up in the middle of something. But I do have evidence that the Vanguard was also involved."

"The Vanguard? Involved in what way?"

Hector explained about the secret room that he and Garovel had found with Vanguardian documentation. He also explained that it had been long abandoned and that the name Pauline Gaolanet had been found at the scene.

The King shut his eyes and held his forehead. "Pauline... Pauline... Pauline Gaolanet... Where have I heard that before...?"

The man really seemed to be concentrating, so even though it was taking a little while, Hector just waited patiently.

"Ah!" The King's eyes shot open, and he snapped his fingers. "Yes! I met her once. Years and years ago. Before I even met Helen. It was a marriage interview, as I recall."

Hector just blinked at that news.

"Very peculiar girl," said William. "I remember her piercing silver eyes, like she was attempting to look into my soul. Or she was on drugs. Honestly not sure."

Hector's expression scrunched up, but he also couldn't help laughing a little. "Your Highness, uh..."

"What? It was true. She kept trying to predict what my next words would be. And she got very upset with me when I told her she was wrong."