Semua Bab Her Graceful War Song: Bab 931 - Bab 940

Salvador paused the movements of his quill, his voice cold as ice as he said, "That statement wasn't wrong. I do intend to cultivate new generals, but I am no fool. Even if I want to raise new blood, I would never abandon the veterans who have served the country loyally for half their lives."Doesn't Rafael understand why I want to cultivate new generals? Though the Hell Monarch Army no longer answers to him, his prestige still commands respect. His unparalleled achievement in reclaiming the Southern Frontier stands as an immovable mountain, one I cannot shift by even a single inch. Yet, he dares threaten me."With a sharp snap, the red quill in his hand broke, the sound cracking through the tense silence. He threw it onto the desk, his expression darkening."I bet Rafael doesn't want to be accused of being a traitor, but what can I do about it if he truly has ambitious designs?" Salvador added.Anxious, Derek hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I am certain the Hell Monarch harbors no

The scribe meticulously recorded Aurora's words, which once again pieced together the truth as told by Zeke and the others.Aurora had proposed returning to Victory Pass to finalize the details of the treaty, but Liam had dismissed the idea and said it wasn't necessary. The terms had already previously been discussed between the two kingdoms, though neither side had agreed on them.Aurora had indeed seen the terms in question before. They were Starhaven's demands—a ceasefire, as well as the pushing back of the border to its original demarcation, using the base of the mountain outside Fawnrun City as the boundary."I was momentarily tempted by my desires. I thought that if I signed the treaty, I would claim all the credit," she confessed. "So, I had Marshal Liam pull his forces back about six miles and leave only 12 men behind. This served two purposes. First, it helped Barrett with his plan to burn the supply depot. Second, I needed to ensure my own safety and that of my soldiers af

Around noon the next day, the Westhaven envoys arrived in the capital. The Protocol Department and the Diplomatic Affairs Department made the arrangements for their reception and provided lodging at Concord Lodge.Westhaven's government system was similar to Starhaven's, though they did not have a position equivalent to the prime minister. Instead, they had a cabinet and various ministry departments that were similar to Starhaven.This delegation to Starhaven was led by Lisandra, along with Leroy, Westhaven's Defense Minister. They were accompanied by various cabinet members—Garrick Horton and Amos Bailey, both Secretaries of State; Klaus Reed, the Diplomatic Affairs Department Minister; and Icarus Mendez, commander of the Sovereign Guard.Also present was Harlan Fitzgerald, the guard captain of Lisandra's household soldiers, as well as two interpreters and three female officials. Since the names of the female officials had not been announced, their identities remained unknown. The

Leroy grew increasingly frustrated as he realized Salvador was deliberately ignoring him. To make matters worse, Rafael continued to exude an oppressive aura beside him, which only deepened his irritation. He could hardly suppress the urge to bring up the Victory Pass situation and settle it once and for all.As his anger burned, his thoughts were interrupted by Rafael's voice, "I heard Marshal Liam was injured. Is he fully recovered now?"Leroy broke his glare and replied stiffly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. My brother is no longer in any danger.""I thought he would be accompanying you today," Rafael said, his tone casual.Leroy's gaze turned icy. "Though my brother is no longer seriously injured, he sustained heavy wounds and is not fit for travel.""General Sullivan also suffered severe injuries. He was struck by arrows twice within a year, and has just recently turned 70. Yet, for the sake of our two kingdoms, he has come back to the capital from Victory Pass,

Icarus felt uneasy about the plan. Regardless of whether the Hell Monarch cared about his wife or not, this approach would never reveal anything useful. Not only was it pointless, it also carried significant risk."Mr. Stellwyn, I still believe this isn't a good idea. They will suspect we are behind this," said Icarus as he shook his head."What's wrong with that?" Leroy's eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger in his expression. "I want him to suspect us. If he truly wants war, this gives him a perfect excuse to ruin the negotiations and go straight to battle. If he doesn't want war, he'll pretend not to know and secretly rescue her. Either way, we'll know his true intentions.""The problem is that it may start a war. Grand Princess Lisandra has said she wants to avoid war between the two kingdoms," Icarus said carefully."That foolish woman is just like Liam, soft-hearted and indecisive," Leroy scoffed, pulling out an edict from his robes and handing it to Icarus. "Take a look at this