Chapter 940

Icarus felt uneasy about the plan. Regardless of the Hell Monarch's feelings for his wife, this approach would yield nothing useful. It was pointless and carried significant risk.

“Mr. Stellwyn, I still believe this is a bad idea. They will suspect our involvement,” Icarus said, shaking his head.

Leroy's eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger in his expression. “What’s wrong with that? I want him to suspect us. If he wants war, this gives him the perfect excuse to scuttle the negotiations and attack. If he doesn't want war, he'll pretend ignorance and secretly rescue her. Either way, we'll learn his true intentions.”

“The problem is, it might start a war. Grand Princess Lisandra wants to avoid war between our kingdoms,” Icarus said carefully.

Leroy scoffed, pulling an edict from his robes and handing it to Icarus. “That foolish woman is just like Liam—soft-hearted and indecisive. Take a look at this. This is the king's true will.”

Under the dim restroom light, Icarus opened the edict, his brow furrowing as he read. Having served at court for years, he recognized the handwriting instantly. Edmund's orders were clear: harsh terms, or immediate departure and a formal declaration of war.

Icarus understood. Edmund had initially wanted war but Lisandra had persuaded him to wait. If this edict was genuine…

Icarus's eyes widened. “So, you're not testing the Hell Monarch. You intend to capture Carissa.”

Testing the Hell Monarch was merely a pretext. Edmund wanted war. Capturing Carissa was payback—mirroring Aurora's kidnapping and humiliation of Arthur. Westhaven would use the same tactic to force the Sullivan army at Victory Pass to retreat.

“Mr. Stellwyn, this is still a bad idea. After capturing Carissa, we can’t just take her back to Conce—” Icarus protested.

Leroy's eyes flashed coldly as he smirked. “Once we have her, we’ll send her to the back courtyard of Hartstone Estate. Someone there will handle the rest. You’ll have assistance, so don’t worry.”

“Hartstone Estate?” Icarus’s eyes widened in realization.

The man Leroy had insisted on bringing was likely from Hartstone Estate. That man had arrived at Concord Lodge yesterday and disappeared shortly afterward.

So, regardless of the Hell Monarch and Carissa's actions tonight, Leroy had already decided to kidnap her. The preparations were complete, and Leroy had withheld this information from Icarus to prevent him from informing Lisandra.

“Since it’s His Majesty’s command, I will comply,” Icarus said.

Leroy whispered further instructions in his ear. Icarus nodded. “Understood.”

Leaving the restroom, they saw Galen standing under a distant tree, waiting. He had been waiting for some time and almost called out, but vaguely heard them speaking in Westic, a language he didn't understand. Assuming all was well, he decided not to approach.

Back at the palace banquet, Rafael and Carissa had already deduced Leroy and Icarus's plan as soon as they left for the restroom. Among their suspicions the previous night, one seemed most plausible: war-hungry Leroy might abduct Carissa to leverage against Wyatt and the others at Victory Pass.

The negotiations were a cover. Once they captured Carissa, they would act swiftly. After taking her, Leroy would create a disturbance.

At the banquet, Rafael and Carissa maintained their distance, appearing indifferent. Rafael also intimidated Leroy, demonstrating his lack of fear—indeed, his eagerness for—war.

Their goal was to ensure tomorrow's negotiations proceeded smoothly without Leroy's interference.

The plan seemed sound. Leroy had shown signs of doubt and caution, but if he proceeded, it would be clear he wasn't the only one who wanted war—Edmund did too. Lisandra hadn't actually persuaded Edmund; he had been manipulating her.