Chapter 981

Penny's actions forced Lisandra to make a decision. Summoning the other envoys, she draped her outer robe over her shoulders and sat upright in a chair.

"Negotiations will resume tomorrow afternoon," she announced bluntly. "The terms are open for discussion. There's no need for rigidity."

Leroy's eyes widened. "Discussion? How do you plan to discuss this? Are you suggesting we agree if they demand we withdraw our borders?"

"We'll put the border issue on hold," Lisandra replied, her mind already made up. "We aim to reach an agreement by tomorrow or the day after, then we'll leave immediately."

"You can't—"

Lisandra gave her uncle a cold glance. "I'm not asking for your opinion. This is my decision. If you're unhappy, keep it to yourself."

Furious, Leroy retorted, "This is pure stubbornness! If we set aside the border issue, how will we explain it to the king, the officials, and the people?"

"I will explain it," the grand princess said decisively.

Years of overseeing state affairs had given Lisandra a natural air of authority. Her narrowed eyes held a commanding presence.

"Now, draft a new proposal," she instructed. "Secure more compensation from Starhaven and remove the border issue. We will sign an agreement, and we'll resume negotiations on the border in two years."

Leroy cursed Penny inwardly, understanding Lisandra's desperation to return home. "I disagree," he protested. "The border issue must be resolved."

Lisandra threw the incense burner aside. "Draft it now!" she snapped.

Sebastian had returned with the group to Hell Monarch Estate. In the council hall, the power dynamics had shifted. Sebastian sat at the head of the table, even Everett relegated to a side seat.

Chapter 981

The Pathfinders Guild members sat up straighter, their arrogance evident.

Sebastian explained, "The Soulgrip Threadworms used in the Brightmoor District case and this one are the same species, though they differ in size. The Brightmoor worms were larger and required slow nurturing. These worms used on Grand Princess Lisandra are smaller but grow rapidly. They suck blood, making them deadly. The disease is fatal twelve hours after symptoms appear."

Jacob said furiously, "This is undoubtedly Prince Yuvan's doing. He wants Grand Princess Lisandra dead. Her death would make Mr. Stellwyn the lead negotiator. And as her most trusted female official, Ms. Durham would claim that before Her Highness died, she planned to return General Sullivan to Westhaven."

Rafael furrowed his brow. "And she would have died in Starhaven, which would be extremely detrimental to us."

Violet remarked, seething, "That man is truly wicked. He hopes for war between the kingdoms so he can profit as an opportunist."

Rafael said, "He missed his best opportunities during the Victory Pass and Southern Frontier battles. Now, it's too late. He's only enhanced the king's reputation."

Jacob replied, "He didn't expect Prince Rafael to retake the Southern Frontier. He thought that after His Highness's supposed failure, with both the Hell Monarch and Sinclair armies worn down, he could exploit public anger. He would then rally forces, and no one would dare call him a traitor or rebel. At the very least, his following would grow."

Everett, now participating fully in the conversation, added, "Rebels are always rebels. Starhaven's king may not be great, but he's better than Yuvan."

Violet muttered, "The king's so paranoid, though, I'm not sure…"

She almost added, "…he's any better," but stopped herself. She had become more composed.

"If the king is so fearful, why not grant his suspected enemies titles and fiefs elsewhere?" she asked. "That way, he wouldn't have to watch them so closely."

Sebastian said, "Every king has been wary of powerful officials and noble families, especially when a prince's military achievements are prominent. Although Prince Rafael is no longer in command, he still has the army's loyalty, and as King Sigmund's son, he is a greater threat. Granting titles and reassigning those he distrusts is impossible. Keeping them under close watch is difficult enough; sending them away would only increase the king's unease."

Although this was common knowledge, Sebastian's confirmation made it less suffocating. Indeed, those who didn't inspire jealousy were mediocre.