Chapter 1362

Hayden clenched his fists, his anger and helplessness constricting his chest as he watched. The physician worked swiftly, assessing Sonny’s injuries: two broken legs, three knocked-out teeth, and a face riddled with fractures. Despite the pain contorting his features, Sonny grinned at Hayden, forcing a smile through gritted teeth, offering a reassuring look that implied he would recover.

Hayden turned away, his heart heavy. The man who had stood beside him for years lay in this state. Fury consumed him, yet he was powerless. Back in Nerovia, he'd commissioned a duplicate emblem, anticipating Nicholas might steal the original to mobilize Hayden's forces. A timely discovery would allow someone to use the duplicate to thwart Nicholas. He hadn't foreseen this application, however.

The chaos surrounding the riverworks project was quickly suppressed. Cameron was arrested and imprisoned in Astral Prison for negligence. Edwin assumed oversight of the riverworks, and all implicated Waterworks Department officials were dismissed. Yet, Salvador and Carissa knew the truth: Cameron was a pawn; the true mastermind remained in control, even with Cameron's downfall.

Nicholas remained unconcerned, awaiting favorable news from Clifford.

In Valken, Yuvan's restlessness grew. Thomas had been besieging the city for over two weeks without attacking, leaving Yuvan deeply uneasy. The siege cut off all outside communication. He remained ignorant of the progress of the bandit uprisings he'd orchestrated, whether Chester had sent reinforcements to Thomas, or even the situation in the capital.

While Valken was besieged, access wasn't entirely impossible. Mountain paths and dense forests offered a route, albeit a time-consuming one. Any news that did arrive would likely be at least ten days old.

"How fares the recruitment?" Yuvan asked, summoning Wayne. Since news of the court's heavy taxation spread, Wayne had been recruiting soldiers, inciting rebellion.

Wayne reported, "Your Highness, only 300 have joined. Since the siege began, General Farrell has been publicly refuting rumors of unjust taxation; no others have volunteered."

Yuvan's voice sharpened with anger. "If they shout, why don't we shout louder? Continue spreading the word!"

"Your Highness," Wayne countered, "should the royal army arrive, we'll be branded traitors and rebels. Who would willingly accept that? Failure means execution."

Yuvan's face darkened. "Traitors" and "rebels" were among the words he most detested. His expression reddened as he roared, "Corrupt officials plague the court, causing widespread chaos and suffering! I act by Heaven's mandate to cleanse the court!"

"Your Highness, please compose yourself," Wayne interjected. "Mr. Judd discovered a scout entered via Asterpeak Mountain. We'll have news by tonight at the latest."

Yuvan clicked his tongue. "Now that Thomas besieges us, those who conspired with us have withdrawn, fearing for their lives. Even with news, it's unlikely to be good. We must prepare."

A glint flashed in Wayne's eyes. "Your Highness, I have an idea. It's risky, but depends on your daring."

Yuvan's gaze sharpened. "Given the circumstances, speak freely."

Wayne leaned closer, whispering, "Feign surrender."

Yuvan's expression shifted. "Feign surrender? How?"

"Your Highness," Wayne explained, "if Prince Harvey and I escort you to open the city gates and announce our surrender, we lure them in and capture them. They're unfamiliar with Valken's terrain. In close-quarters street fighting, we hold the advantage."

Yuvan frowned. "Too risky. What if they capture me and return to the capital?"

Wayne shook his head. "Impossible. Our private army remains hidden. General Farrell wouldn't simply return you to the capital; he'll likely enter the city to flush us out. We lack time. If we wait, General Murray will return with his forces after suppressing the bandits, leaving us no chance."

Yuvan hesitated. It was dangerous, but a plan nonetheless. He pondered a moment before replying, "We lack soldiers in Nerovia. The Stonebridge County private army is scattered. Saul's been gone recruiting; we've heard nothing. If he brings news, we coordinate from within. Then, this plan might work."

"We'll await Mr. Judd's message," Wayne said, relieved. Saul's success in gathering reinforcements was assured; those scattered soldiers were already under Clifford's control.