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So, why did Rafael’s words feel like he was pushing for anything but peace?
“I’m sure both you and I need an opportunity like that, Mr. Stellwyn,” the prince added, almost lazily
Leroy studied Rafael, his eyes narrowed with scrutiny and confusion. Was Harvey intentionally deceiving him? But Harvey was now so tightly bound to his cause that there was no way he would have sent the wrong message.
Leroy’s determination for war came from his need for a chance to establish himself, and now was the perfect opportunity, With Dominic facing punishment, he was unlikely to survive, let alone retum to Victory Pass.
As for Rafael, who had been stripped of his military authority, he was left with only the position of Chief Judge. The marshal at Southern Frontier, Oliver, was practically useless, and the other generals at Victory Pass were no longer a threat without Dominic to lead them.
They all needed an opportunity?
Suddenly, Leroy’s thoughts sharpened. Of course a man who had been stripped of his military power had no other way to reclaim it but through war.
Starhaven might not want a war, but the Hell Monarch did. The Sullivan family wasn’t his bloodline. What did his princess consort’s grandfather matter to him? A man who had made great achievements like Rafael would never be content to go from a battlefield general to a position of courtly politics.
Leroy’s mind began to whirl. His desire for war stemmed largely from the knowledge that Rafael had been disarmed and unable to fight. But now, it was clear that the Hell Monarch was determined to regain that power. If he took command of Victory Pass, Westhaven wouldn’t have much hope of victory.
He watched Rafael’s knowing smile. Leroy feared no one in all of Starhaven, but Victory Pass was no longer the impenetrable fortress it once had been. Dominic was not a legend anymore. The only person who had ever truly defeated the Sandorians and recaptured the Southern Frontier was Rafael. In just three years, the prince had done what no one else had managed in all the years Starhaven had struggled.
As they talked, Lisandra remained unaware of their conversation. Sophie spoke to her quietly, distracting her. But judging from Leroy’s sour expression, Lisandra could tell the conversation between the two men was not going well.
Leroy was impatient by nature. Before coming to Starhaven, he had loudly called for war, as if victory was already guaranteed the moment they went to battle. Now, seeing him humbled and with his spirit dampened, it was clear that the person he truly feared was the Hell Monarch.
That was fine. Rafael’s presence alone was enough to keep him in check. Hopefully, his unease would help keep the upcoming talks in order and prevent his arrogance from disrupting the negotiations.
Sophie listened closely to Leroy and Rafael’s conversation, taking in every word.
It was true that they were doing everything they could to avoid war. However, they couldn’t let Westhaven be so certain that they didn’t want to fight. In particular, Leroy needed to think that it was only the Devin and Sullivan families who didn’t want war, while the Hell Monarch was eager to reclaim his military authority through battle. Sophie shifted her focus back to Lisandra, who was speaking fluent Stellish with ease.
*I’ve long wanted to meet you, Lady Sophie,” she said, her tone sincere. “So, I made sure to be assigned to this mission. One of the main purposes of my trip is meeting you.”
Lisandra had already said this once before, but now it seemed more genuine. It was as if it came from the heart, instead of the diplomatic flattery they had exchanged earlier.
Sophie smiled. “It’s also a great honor to meet you, Your Highness.’
Sitting close, Lisandra didn’t appear as exhausted as she had the previous day at the city gates. It seemed the rest had done her well. The dark circles under her eyes, faintly concealed by makeup, were now gone. However, despite her appearance, her overall state suggested she was older than her actual years.
Sophie knew that Lisandra had once been a regent who navigated Westhaven through both internal and external turmoil. The hardships she must have faced were not something the public knew. And despite knowing that tomorrow’s situation would be one of tense opposition, Sophie couldn’t help but feel respect for the grand princess.
After some brief pleasantries, the banquet began. Everyone took their places at the table, and the meal was served. The Westhaven envoys still sat on the right side, while Rafael and Sophie took seats together.
Victoria didn’t join the meal, having only come to meet with Lisandra to show her respect for the envoys. The king and queen were in attendance, and various princes and powerful officials filled the other seats.
Naturally, Harvey wasn’t present, nor was Heather. Yuvan attended with Fiona. In this setting, he wouldn’t bring Molly, even though she was his princess consort.
As the banquet progressed, wine flowed and glasses clinked. It created the appearance of a cordial relationship between the two kingdoms without any major grievances, Salvador made only polite remarks, such as wishing everyone an enjoyable evening, but said little else.
Between Sophie and Rafael, there was a palpable distance. They didn’t exchange any glances, and though they were sitting next to each other, their chairs were a noticeable distance apart. Leroy and Amos occasionally cast curious glances in their direction, trying to discem whether the distance between the couple was genuine or merely for show. It was important to know.
Their stance on war largely depended on the Hell Monarch, as everyone believed that with the apparent affection between him and his wife, Rafael would do everything possible to avoid conflict, especially for the sake of Dominic.
It was clear that Salvador didn’t want war either. Without the massacre of villagers and the killing of war prisoners on the record, it would be hard to justify an immediate shift to war if negotiations stalled. Such an abrupt escalation would seem unreasonable, likely sparking public outrage.
But what did the Hell Monarch have to fear? Public discontent wouldn’t be aimed at him. It would target Salvador. The other nations and tribes would call the king incompetent and ineffective, but the Hell Monarch would come through unscathed.
In fact, war was far more advantageous for Rafael, especially if he harbored ambitions of taking Salvador’s place. Reclaiming his military power would only serve his goals, with no real downside. As for marital affection, that was debatable. After all, Sophie was a woman who had wed and divorced once, and was not someone worth holding in particularly high regard.
Midway through the banquet, Leroy, who had been drinking heavily, stood up, claiming he needed to relieve himself. He motioned for Icarus to accompany him.
Derek arranged for Galen to guide them to the restroom. Upon arriving at the designated room, Leroy waved Galen away, instructing him to wait at a distance while he allowed Icarus to assist him inside.
Knowing his superior likely had something to discuss, Icarus only spoke up once they were alone, asking, “Mr. Stellwyn, is there something you wish to speak of?”
Leroy narrowed his eyes. “Commander Icarus, I couldn’t help but notice that the Hell Monarch seems indifferent toward his princess consort. Do you feel the same way?”
“It’s hard to say,” Icarus answered, unsure.
A sharp coldness flickered in Leroy’s gaze, almost like the glint of a blade. “Test it.”
“Test it? How?” Icarus asked, confused.
Leroy had already planned his course of action before coming to the restroom. He leaned in close to Icarus and whispered a few instructions.
After listening, Icarus was silent for a moment, his brow furrowed. “But… I’ve heard that Sophie is quite skilled in martial arts, and we’re currently in Starhaven’s capital. Won’t this be too risky?”
Leroy scoffed dismissively. “How strong can one woman be? You’re the strongest warrior in Westhaven. Don’t tell me you can’t handle one woman.”
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. This is the king’s true will.’
Under the dim light in the restroom, Icarus opened the edict, his brow furrowing as he read. Having served at court for years, he recognized the handwriting instantly. Edmund’s orders were clear. He demanded harsh terms, and if Starhaven didn’t agree, they were to leave immediately and formally declare war.
Icarus understood now. Edmund had originally wanted war, but had been persuaded by Lisandra to hold off.
If this edict was genuine…
Icarus’ eyes widened. “So, you’re not really testing the Hell Monarch. You mean to capture Sophie.”
Testing the Hell Monarch was just an excuse. Edmund wanted war. Capturing Sophie was the equivalent of returning the favor-just like how Freya had kidnapped Arthur and humiliated him.
Westhaven would use the same tactic to make the Sullivan family’s army at Victory Pass retreat.
“Mr. Stellwyn, this still isn’t a good idea. After capturing Sophie, we can’t just take her back to Concord Lodge,” Icarus protested.
Leroy’s eyes flashed coldly as he smirked. “Once we have her, we’ll send her to the back courtyard of Hartstone Estate, Someone there will take care of the rest. And you’ll have assistance as well, so don’t worry.”