Chapter 534

In Simonton City, Oliver's impatience grew. After four rounds of negotiations, Victor remained unyielding, demanding Simonton City in exchange for Septimus's release. The other prisoners had been exchanged long ago; in fact, Starhaven had lost the exchange, possessing twice as many Sandorian captives as Sinclair Army soldiers held by Victor. The discrepancy revealed the number of prisoners Sandoria had killed. Now, they demanded a city for Septimus's life—an absurd proposition.

Had Rafael not arrived a couple of days prior, urging a delay, Oliver would have rejected Victor's demands outright. Timothy and Louis had emphasized Septimus's importance in recovering the Southern Frontier, but Oliver disagreed. He reviewed the Sinclair Army roster; Septimus's name was absent. Even if this were an oversight, how could one man provide critical intelligence? Oliver believed that Septimus's intelligence gathering was easily replicable by scouts and not paramount.

The prolonged negotiations frustrated him; he refused further delay. The prisoners had been exchanged. If Septimus were honorable, he wouldn't want the kingdom to sacrifice a city for him.

The problem was the king's envoy, Rafael. After arriving, he ordered a delay and then vanished. Oliver understood the implication: sacrificing Septimus would bring disgrace, so Rafael had hidden himself. With Rafael absent, the burden fell solely on Oliver. Whether he sacrificed Septimus or the city, the blame would fall on him, not Rafael.

Therefore, Oliver dispatched a search party for Rafael while reporting to the court that the prince had disappeared upon arrival in Simonton City, thus shifting responsibility to Rafael. With the report sent, any decision Oliver made would implicate Rafael.

Having done so, Oliver summoned Louis and Timothy to discuss the situation. He sat in his command tent, a vast improvement over its previous makeshift state. The spacious, brightly lit hall boasted comfortable couches and even a tunnel to a heated underground chamber for winter. Sipping coffee from beans imported from the capital, he found the aroma soothing.

He spoke slowly, "The Hell Monarch's whereabouts are unknown. However, the negotiations cannot be delayed further. We must report to the court. When, in your opinion, should we terminate the negotiations?"

Timothy and Louis exchanged glances. They knew Rafael hadn't disappeared; he was leading a team to Sandoria's border city to rescue Septimus. Rafael had instructed them not to inform Oliver, deeming him too impulsive. Learning of Rafael's mission might make Oliver arrogant or careless, easily noticed by Victor, a shrewd opponent. Seasoned by the Southern Frontier battles, Victor was both brave and cautious, highly suspicious. Oliver would struggle to outmaneuver him.

"Why are you dawdling?" Oliver frowned. "In this tense situation, why are you spacing out?"

Louis remained silent. Why was this tense? They'd faced far worse in battle, but he dared not speak. While disliking Oliver, he respected his position as marshal.

"Marshal Prince," Louis suggested, "we should prolong this for another ten days, holding several more negotiation rounds. It will at least show we've done everything possible."

Oliver shook his head. "Ten days is too long. Marshal Crow is impatient. You saw the last negotiation—he's demanding an answer."

Chapter 554

Timothy interjected, "Marshal Prince, regardless of his impatience, we should wait. The king ordered you to negotiate, but the final decision rests with the prince. We must find him first. Once located, he can decide whether to reject Marshal Crow's demands or offer a city for Septimus. This is, of course, to protect you from public criticism."

Louis added, "He's right, Marshal Prince. Regardless of the decision, the people will criticize it. If things escalate, the king will use you to quell the unrest."

While not particularly capable, Oliver wasn't a fool. He knew these men had served under the Duke of Northwatch and Rafael for years. He doubted they'd sacrifice Rafael for him.

His eyes narrowed. "Are you hiding something? Do you know the Hell Monarch's whereabouts?"

Timothy clasped his hands. "Marshal Prince, I don't know where Prince Rafael is, nor do I intend to harm him. However, as the king's brother, the king will protect him. You are not in the same position. We follow you, not the prince, so we consider your interests."

Oliver pondered, his gaze growing colder.

Finally, he announced, "Five days. In five days, I will tell Marshal Crow that the Hell Monarch advocates abandoning the negotiations. You will witness."

Timothy and Louis were stunned. Five days? Telling Victor that Rafael favored abandoning the negotiations would reveal the prince's presence in Simonton City. Would Rafael rescue Septimus in five days?