Chapter 951 (+25 Bonus)

“Impossible!” Leroy retorted instinctively. “No matter how skilled Lady Carissa is, can she really surpass Commander Icarus, Westhaven’s top fighter?”

“She can—and she did,” Lisandra replied coldly. “Not only that, but she captured him easily. Westhaven’s so-called top fighter is obsessed with scheming and power plays. His relentless pursuit of power has limited his martial skills. Since you’ve investigated Lady Carissa, you should know she’s trained in the Pathfinders Guild since childhood. Do you understand what the Pathfinders Guild is?”

“Isn’t it just a martial arts guild? What’s so special about that?” Leroy argued, still in denial. Despite the undeniable evidence—Icarus's defeat by Carissa's whip—he refused to believe her martial skills were so advanced. If the Hell Monarch had defeated Icarus, he wouldn't have doubted it for a second.

“A young woman from a guild—how powerful could she really be?” Amos echoed Leroy’s disbelief. He couldn’t accept a woman could be so formidable.

Lisandra glared at the two men, considering them fools. Their skepticism stemmed from ignorance, rooted in arrogance. They wouldn't understand the effort and sacrifice required for a woman to become a court official. The blood, sweat, and tears were unimaginable, not just in Starhaven, but even in Westhaven, where female officials were chosen every three years. Candidates burned the midnight oil, barely sleeping three hours a night, for a chance at one of three positions.

In Starhaven, only one woman currently served as an official—Carissa. If her martial skills weren't unparalleled, how could she command the Mystic Army? She'd even fought on the battlefield and earned military merits.

Of course, in the men's eyes, the Hell Monarch had elevated her. Yet, how many princes successfully elevated their wives to positions of real power throughout history?

Lisandra didn't bother explaining. She ordered, “Gather everyone. You've caused trouble; we'll adjust tomorrow's negotiation strategy.”

“Adjust the strategy? Are you suggesting we back down?” Leroy demanded, his eyes blazing. “No way! If worst comes to worst, we’ll fight!”

Lisandra ignored him. “Penny, summon the ministers. We need to discuss this.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Penny replied, hurrying out to gather the officials.

No one at Concord Lodge would sleep that night.

At Hartstone Estate, the hours dragged on. By midnight, the back gate remained silent.

Harvey frowned, sighing heavily. He called someone into his study. “Disguise me. I can’t stay in the capital. At first light, we leave for Valken.”

“Yes, Your Grace!”

He’d brought loyal confidants trained outside the estate—individuals he’d never allowed near Hartstone Estate before. They were competent, skilled enough for messages, self-defense, and minor errands, but he’d need Yuvan’s network for anything significant.

His resolve hardened. “Open the treasury. Take every coin and banknote.”

“Your Grace, shouldn’t we leave some for Lady Heather?”

Heather had acquired little in the way of extravagance, maintaining a low profile. The estate was minimally decorated. While there were royal gifts, those couldn’t be sold. He’d already liquidated most of their lands and properties after Eleanor’s incident.

“Why bother?” Harvey’s tone was dismissive. “She’s a princess consort. She has her monthly stipend and the fief provides a modest income. It’s enough.”

Harvey had far bigger ambitions, requiring substantial funds.

“Check if there’s anything else of value. Take it all,” he ordered.

“Your Grace, shouldn’t we wait? There’s still a chance the plan could succeed.”

“It’s hopeless. The Westhaven connection is dead. Leroy will never trust me again.”

(Chapter 851 (+25 Bonus) appears to be a separate, earlier chapter, and has been omitted from this corrected text as it seems unrelated to the provided Chapter 951 text.)