Chapter 920 +25 BONUS
Dominic understood Rafael's point. Westhaven's retaliation had been balanced—an eye for an eye. Had they not acted after the massacre, but instead sent an envoy as they were now, Starhaven would clearly be in the wrong. However, Westhaven had already exacted its revenge.
"Yes," Dominic said softly. "If it were only the massacre of villagers, they would have gotten their revenge. But don't forget the murder of a prisoner of war."
A prisoner of war's death was a euphemism. What truly occurred was the brutal humiliation and death of a crown prince.
The current Westhaven king, Edmund, wasn't acting out of justice for the common people; he sought vengeance for his brother, Arthur. Even if the civilian massacre could be ignored, what of the murder of another kingdom's crown prince?
"The issue of Prince Arthur's death hasn't been openly acknowledged. Marshal Liam is making concessions to protect Arthur's dignity and Westhaven's reputation. Grand Princess Lisandra is leading the upcoming envoy; there's still hope," Rafael said.
"Also, at the Southern Frontier, Marshal Liam said all escaped spies were killed. However, Winona's investigation revealed two survived. She's found them, and they're returning to the capital," Carissa added.
Hearing them, Dominic felt troubled yet relieved. Since returning from the Southern Frontier, they had worked tirelessly on his behalf. By the time he was summoned to the capital for questioning, they had prepared everything, eliminating the need for a visit to the Ministry of Justice.
He was able to return to Sullivan Estate for several days. He had no regrets.
He placed his hands on the armrests, his voice heavy. "Listen. Do your best. Don't expect more. I'm old; I can bear the consequences. But I won't allow this to affect your futures."
"Cari, I'll be blunt. If the kingdoms clash, the Sinclair family's destruction pales in comparison to the deliberate torture and murder of a crown prince. Once they raise Prince Arthur's death, we've lost. Furthermore, we massacred the civilians first."
"Grandfather, we know. We must take responsibility for Fawnrun City. The Sinclair family's massacre is their responsibility, and if they expose Prince Arthur's death, we'll be held accountable as well. But they must also take responsibility for aiding Sandoria at the Southern Frontier," Rafael said with quiet determination.
"Exactly," Dominic nodded solemnly. "Everyone must answer for their actions, as I must for mine."
"Their involvement in the Southern Frontier battle violates our agreement. But remember, they signed that agreement in Victory Pass with Aurora. Once the Victory Pass treaty was overturned, their actions no longer constitute a breach."
Chapter 920 +25 BONUS
Dominic wasn't trying to sound hopeless. He wanted Rafael and Carissa to abandon any illusions of sacrificing everything to save him.
If his death would prevent war, he would gladly offer it.
Carissa understood. "No matter what, we'll give it our all before considering anything else."
Dominic's eyes reddened. "Cari, focus on justice for the Sinclair family. They—old, weak, women, and children—were innocent and didn't deserve this. Do everything you can. Don't waste your efforts on me. If you worry about me, the Sinclair family massacre will become a bargaining chip, preventing true justice."
Carissa shook her head resolutely. "Justice must be served, and you must be saved, Grandpa. The Sinclair family massacre will inevitably be on the negotiation table. Why avoid discussing it?"