Chapter 963

Rafael glanced at Kyle before striding in. “Sage Everett, why is Kyle holding a pot over his head again? With everything else going on, I hoped he could help me. If he's constantly being punished, he won't be able to.”

Everett replied, “Then he’s excused.”

Outside, Kyle and Winona realized they had found support. Winona entered, reporting, “Sage Everett, we’ve replaced all of Harvey’s gold and silver with fakes. The chests are now filled with stones.”

“I see. Have they discovered it?”

“When they rested in a small grove, we knocked them out. They may inspect the chests upon waking and discover the deception,” she answered.

“Did you send anyone to follow them?”

Winona resisted rolling her eyes. Was that even a question? Of course, she'd sent someone; she wasn't a rookie. After all, she founded Skywing Spire! But with Kyle still holding a pot, she replied respectfully, “Rest assured, sir, I already sent someone.”

Carissa and Violet, hearing of Rafael’s return, hurried over to inquire about the negotiations.

Everett’s face darkened. “He’s probably starving. Isn’t there hot food in the kitchen? Have it brought out.”

Seeing Everett’s stern expression, Carissa immediately left.

Everett turned to Rafael. “You treat her like she’s your world, but how does she treat you? She doesn’t even care about your food and drink.”

Rafael chuckled. “I ate at the Diplomatic Affairs Department. Carissa is focused on the negotiations. Please don’t be upset with her.”

Kyle and Winona mentally applauded.

Seeing his apprentice’s indulgence, Everett sighed. How could Rafael plead for mercy if he didn’t punish them? And if Rafael didn’t plead, how would they realize his apprentice’s importance? Although all were apprentices of the Pathfinders Guild, the others had the advantage of numbers; Rafael was alone. If issues arose between Rafael and Carissa, the guild members would likely side with Carissa, putting Rafael at a disadvantage.

Unaware of his mentor’s worries, Rafael removed his cloak, sat down, and listened intently as they explained Zoey’s contribution to the investigation.

After a moment, Rafael said, “Once Grandfather finds out, it will ease his mind. At least his efforts won’t have been wasted.” Their greatest fear was betrayal by one of their own. Barrett’s past actions had deeply hurt them. What was done couldn't be undone, but this would offer some solace.

“That’s secondary,” Everett said. “Focus on tomorrow’s negotiations. Identify who’s colluding with Yuvan. We don’t know his plan, so we can’t counter it directly. For now, we’ll use underhanded tactics. Winona will handle those; she excels at it.”

Winona glanced at Rafael. “Is it appropriate to use such martial arts tactics in such important state affairs? I doubt my guild juniors will agree.”

Before Rafael could respond, Everett interrupted, “What’s the problem? If they play dirty and we remain honorable, we’ll be at a huge disadvantage.” He scoffed. “We know what they’re doing behind closed doors. We’ll use that knowledge. For those sneaky and unpinnable, we’ll use whatever methods are necessary.”

Rafael agreed. Even known actions were hard to prove, and even with proof, no one had the authority to act. This wasn’t about who had the power to decide; anything disrupting the negotiations would be removed.