Chapter 941
Lisandra felt a slight unease as she watched Leroy and Icarus leave the banquet. Their return was marked by an exchange of glances, as if confirming something. Her brow furrowed; a sense of unease grew stronger. But she couldn't ask Icarus for an explanation; requesting another meeting during the banquet would be too conspicuous. Anyone would notice something was amiss.
Westhaven teetered on the brink of chaos, and Lisandra had no desire to exacerbate the conflict. She had come seeking justice, but her true purpose was to stabilize Edmund's claim to the throne and quell the unrest among the people. Their previous expedition to the Southern Frontier had resulted in significant losses of men and resources. The substantial financial aid to Sandoria had depleted the national treasury; the kingdom could ill afford another costly war that would further harm its citizens. Any war would have to wait at least five years.
The palace banquet continued, with music and dancing, but everyone seemed lost in thought, hiding behind forced smiles and watchful glances. By the time the banquet ended, it was late. Lisandra led the envoys in their formal farewells.
Salvador, nearly drunk, returned to his quarters with the help of palace servants. The banquet had appeared peaceful, but tomorrow's negotiations promised tension and danger—a situation he didn't need to be directly involved in.
He found a certain satisfaction in Rafael's selfishness. It made him feel human. The constant talk of selflessness and service to the nation felt hollow. He believed that a person without desires was the most dangerous, as human nature is inherently selfish.
Of course, there were loyal servants of the crown, like Dominic, whom Salvador respected. Dominic's loyalty wasn't merely spoken; it was demonstrated throughout his life. But human hearts are fickle.
Salvador had already sent investigators to Valken, but found no evidence of trouble. He had also dispatched agents to Stonebridge County, part of Eleanor's territory. If Yuvan dared not act openly in Valken, he would likely be hiding in Stonebridge County.
His investigation into the treason case left him feeling a deep, unsettling helplessness. It wasn't a lack of capable people; the court was filled with talented individuals, and Salvador's father had left him an excellent team of civilian and military advisors—perhaps the best the kingdom had ever seen. But they were Sigmund's people. Any disagreement inevitably brought up the late king. Salvador would use them, but not as confidants.
He left the investigation of Yuvan to Ian, but Ian's people lagged far behind those of the Hell Monarch Estate.
Outside the palace gates, carriages and horses moved like a stream. After Lisandra's departure, others followed. Carissa and Rafael had barely settled into their carriage when Leroy approached, his demeanor noticeably more polite than before.
“Your Highness, tomorrow marks the start of negotiations. I’d like to speak with you beforehand. Would you join me at a coffeehouse for a drink?” he asked Rafael.
Carissa pushed back the carriage curtain, revealing a cool, composed expression. “Mr. Stellwyn, it’s late. Might we not save the conversation for tomorrow?”
Leroy chuckled. “Are you worried I might lead His Highness to a brothel, Your Grace? No need to worry. I simply wish to speak with him alone before negotiations. I want to clear the air.”
Leroy didn't promise complete transparency, but such pre-negotiation meetings were common practice, especially given Starhaven's disadvantage. It was prudent to gauge Westhaven's position. Rafael had little reason to refuse.
Rafael hesitated only a moment before saying, “You should return. I’ll join Mr. Stellwyn for a drink.”
Carissa nodded. “Very well. I shall head back now.”
“We’re leaving,” she called to her maid and coachman, Violet and Travis.
They answered in unison, “Yes, Your Grace.”
Leroy watched the carriage disappear, a sly, victorious grin spreading across his face.