Chapter 550
Violet and Travis understood the implications of Issa's words. The situation in Westhaven was bound to change drastically. Once Crown Prince Edmund ascended the throne, his first priority would be a thorough investigation of Fawnrun City. He had three reasons: revenge, consolidating his political power, and redrawing the borderlines.
If Barrett still felt any sympathy for Viola, he should let her return to her family. But if he kept her to force Oliver to defend the Warrens, then he and Aurora were equally selfish.
Feeling playful, Violet said, "Let's make a bet. Will Barrett give Viola a divorce letter? I think he won't."
Though he held Barrett in low regard, Travis remembered the man's bravery in battle and was willing to offer him some support. "He might. At least he showed responsibility on the battlefield."
They looked at Carissa. "What will you bet on?"
Carissa tilted her head. "Actually, I don't know Barrett very well."
Violet produced a banknote worth a thousand silver coins. "You still have to choose. Let's bet a thousand silver coins."
Seeing the large sum, Travis immediately shook his head. "No way. I'm not betting that much." Losing a thousand silver coins would mean punishment from his master.
Carissa laughed. "Let's do it for fun. Let's make it ten silver coins."
"Then which option do you choose?" Violet put away the banknotes, avoiding ostentation. She noticed Travis eyeing them covetously.
Carissa considered. "I think he'll go through the motions of asking Viola, to ease his conscience. But he won't be completely honest. If Viola refuses a divorce, he'll accept it without guilt."
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Violet chuckled. "It seems you know him well. But we can't verify your prediction. The Capital Guard is watching Valor Estate closely. We can't eavesdrop."
Carissa shrugged. "So, I choose that he won't grant a divorce."
Violet laughed. "You and I are betting against Travis. If he loses, he pays twenty silver coins."
Travis sighed. "I hope Barrett doesn't make me lose money. Just be a decent person, man."
On June 21st, Rafael and the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team departed from the cemetery. Victor had thoroughly searched the city over three days and would soon investigate the cemetery. Despite Lawrence's severe injuries, they had to carry him and leave.
Everett had purchased ample dried food and water for the journey over two large mountains. The rain made the mountain paths treacherous, but manageable for soldiers. They needed to increase their speed; otherwise, Victor would infer their route from the cemetery.
Dylan carried Lawrence, and the others carried supplies. Once in the mountains, they encountered snakes, insects, rodents, and wild animals. Dense vines and weeds obstructed their path, so Everett and Rafael cleared a way with their blades.
Halfway up the mountain, Rafael created a false trail, cutting branches and running back and forth. Fifty paces from the end of the path, they set rudimentary traps using Sunstrike and the thick vines.
Victor and his troops arrived at the cemetery two hours later. They found evidence of Rafael's presence and several tied-up guards, who revealed Rafael's team had been there for seven or eight days.
"Rafael is cunning—pursue them!" Victor roared.
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The skilled fighters led the ascent, followed by the main group, pursuing Rafael along the path. Victor and his elite forces quickly reached the halfway point. Seeing the two cut paths, Victor sneered, "A mere trick. Split up and pursue them on both paths!"
He sent only ten martial experts and a few ordinary soldiers to the left, while he and the rest continued straight ahead.
Shortly afterward, they heard screams from the left.
Victor's heart pounded. Had they encountered Rafael?
"Traps! There are traps!"
Alarms continued. Victor climbed a tree and saw vine-wrapped stakes flying.
Having lost six or seven men, Victor was furious.
"Pursue them! This is my territory! No idle chatter! Kill anyone who brings me the Hell Monarch's head! Ten thousand silver coins reward!"