Chapter 1348

Hayden let out a cold grunt, deliberately turning his face away from Nicholas. Nicholas stood tall and elegant, though he wore Gordon's face.

In a calm, steady tone, he said, "I will fulfill my promises. The riverworks project will be completed. There will be no bloodshed, no harm to the capital's people, no destruction of crops. And rest assured, Dad, I will not let you die. Once I claim the throne—as promised—you will ascend to the royal seat."

Hayden scoffed. "You're the picture of a devoted son," he said, his derision unmistakable.

Nicholas's gaze remained steady, his words sincere. "I have vowed, and I will keep my word. You will sit on the throne, ruling over all. No more threats from Sandoria, no more stagnation at the Westhaven border. The people will prosper, and Starhaven will flourish."

Hayden spat contemptuously. "You, an ungrateful traitor working with Sandoria and Westhaven, dare say such things? It sickens me."

Nicholas remained unflinching. "That was a temporary measure. Once you are crowned, I will turn the tide, expel the enemies, and ensure they never threaten us again."

Hayden's fingers itched, as if he wished to tear away Nicholas's facade and see if a wolf's skin lay beneath this gentle exterior. How could he say such things with a straight face? How could he have such a heart? The Southern Frontier had been reclaimed at great cost; countless soldiers had fallen, their bones forever buried in that land. And now, Nicholas wanted to hand it over? If the Southern Frontier fell to Sandoria, was it truly so easy to retake? Or was he planning to gift it to them? To Nicholas, the land held no value; only the throne mattered.

"You alone are a traitor! Don't use my name to further your ambitions! You've concocted a clever plan, haven't you? The common people will call me the traitor, the rebel. History will remember me as the man who betrayed the kingdom, while you gain a reputation for devotion."

Hayden knew his son better than anyone. Nicholas spoke of benevolence and righteousness, yet his actions threatened the nation's foundation. If truly devoted, Nicholas would have remained a county duke, living a life of idle wealth.

"Say whatever you wish, Dad. You likely won't understand this devotion. Rest assured, Violet and the others will leave safely," Nicholas said calmly.

Hayden's fury flared. "Dare you prevent their departure, and I'll expose your schemes!" His eyes burned with rage.

Nicholas simply smiled, unruffled. "Even if you expose me, it matters little. The king already knows, and the capital checkpoints are tightly controlled. They await my entry. They hope the riverworks project is completed, and the Royal Astronomer forecasts heavy rains this year. The river channels are essential. Besides, once you ascend, this will be a political achievement for you—something to gain the world's respect."

Hayden's fiery gaze seemed to scorch him. "You're well-prepared, but you won't succeed."

Nicholas's smile never faltered. "What use is preparation? The true generals are already on the battlefield. Do you really think a woman could stop me?"

Hayden's concern deepened; Nicholas never underestimated his enemies. Even Yuvan, whom he considered a fool, had been handled with meticulous care. Nicholas had painstakingly infiltrated Yuvan's forces, turning his core people into loyalists—bit by bit, until nothing remained.

In a sudden rage, Hayden hurled his cup at Nicholas. "Get out!"

Nicholas didn't flinch, letting the cup strike him. He smiled resignedly, wiping his cheek. "Very well, Dad. You should rest. I'll take my leave."

Hayden glared. The mocking smile only sickened him further. "Aren't you worried I'll reveal your true identity to Ms. Spencer? To Lady Carissa?"

Nicholas shook his head, a hint of pity in his voice. "You won't. If you were going to, you would have already. You spent years in Nerovia, treating its people like your own children. You'd never want Yuvan's rebellion to ravage them. I'll ignore the subtle hints you've given Violet, but I trust there won't be another instance."

Hayden's face drained of color, fury rising within him like a storm. "Leave. Get out. Now!"

Nicholas gave a final, mocking smile before departing, the door closing softly behind him.