Chapter 936
Around noon the following day, the Westhaven envoys arrived in the capital. The Protocol and Diplomatic Affairs Departments arranged their reception and provided lodging at Concord Lodge.
Westhaven's governmental system resembled Starhaven's, although it lacked an equivalent to the prime minister. Instead, it had a cabinet and various ministries similar to Starhaven's.
Leading the delegation to Starhaven was Lisandra, accompanied by Leroy, Westhaven's Defense Minister; Garrick Horton and Amos Bailey, both Secretaries of State; Klaus Reed, the Minister of Diplomatic Affairs; and Icarus Mendez, commander of the Sovereign Guard. Also present were Harlan Fitzgerald, captain of Lisandra's household guard; two interpreters; and three female officials whose names remained unannounced. The rest of the entourage comprised various guards and attendants.
Rafael, Carissa, and the others watched the envoys pass by from a tavern near the city gates. Lisandra, dressed in purple official attire and riding a bay horse, slowly entered the city at the head of her large procession. The long journey had aged the thirty-two-year-old beyond her years.
"The man riding the black horse behind Grand Princess Lisandra is Leroy Stellwyn," Jacob remarked.
Liam and Leroy, though related to the Westhaven royal family, used the surname Tudor on the battlefield; their actual surname was Stellwyn.
"He's Marshal Liam's younger brother, but they're not on good terms," Jacob continued. "He pushed for the battle at Victory Pass and continues to urge King Edmund toward war. King Edmund greatly respects his older sister, but he respects the late Crown Prince Arthur even more. That's why he wants war. King Edmund…"
Jacob paused, searching for the right words. "He's capable, well-versed in both civil and military matters. He served Prince Arthur for a long time and earned a reputation for virtue in Westhaven. But his nature is…unhinged.
"When Grand Princess Lisandra and Prince Arthur were guiding him, and with Marshal Liam's influence, his true nature was masked. That's why Grand Princess Lisandra supported his ascension. What she didn't realize is that, in his heart, the kingdom and its people come second to his brother."
Carissa understood. "Grand Princess Lisandra prioritizes the kingdom and its people, so she assumed King Edmund would do the same. Now she likely realizes the truth. Her personal visit to push through decisions is favorable to us, but we can't underestimate Mr. Stellwyn. He's always sought to replace his older brother, Marshal Liam."
Since returning from the Southern Frontier, the Hell Monarch Estate had been investigating Westhaven's princes and influential figures, uncovering their true natures.
The second prince, Eamon, held a title but was mediocre and unlikely to ascend the throne. The third prince, Edmund, was now king. The fourth prince, Emory, equaled Edmund in ability, but possessed a cruel and heartless nature. His powerful maternal family explains Lisandra's support for Edmund's ascension; without her, Emory likely would have become king.
Edmund's ascension hadn't fully dismantled his brother's power. The fourth prince's maternal family retained considerable influence and eyed the throne greedily. This internal division and strife were why Liam and Lisandra opposed war.
The fifth and sixth princes, Elian and Elior, were twins born with heart conditions; their survival was considered a blessing. The seventh prince, Esher, was twelve years old and related to Emory's family, further strengthening the fourth prince's power.
Carissa observed the three female officials. Their absence from the roster highlighted Westhaven's greater acceptance of women in official positions compared to Starhaven, where women rarely entered court. She felt envious. Starhaven had many capable women confined to managing households, educating children, and serving their husbands.
"Does Westhaven have a civil service exam for women?" she asked.
Rafael shook his head. "No. Women usually enter court through recommendations. Westhaven has a women's academy with a selection every three years, choosing only three women. It's extremely competitive."
Carissa's gaze lingered on them. "It's difficult, but it offers a chance. Three every three years—thirty every ten years—slowly, more women will enter government and increase their influence."
Rafael hesitated, then, seeing her hopeful expression, decided against elaborating. The reality was less optimistic; the selection only allowed women into official positions, with minimal opportunity for advancement. Women above the fourth rank were found only in the palace, not at court.
Rafael scanned the guards, his gaze stopping on a face devoid of expression. That person…
As the Westhaven delegation disappeared, a serious mood settled over them. A royal banquet would be held the following evening to welcome the envoys. The royal family and high-ranking court officials (third rank and above) would attend. Negotiations wouldn't begin that night, but the envoys' attitude could be assessed.