Chapter 982
The group unanimously agreed that Westhaven would likely lower its demands to expedite negotiations. The most probable outcome was that the border issue would be compromised or set aside entirely.
Jacob spoke up: “Prince Yuvan’s repeated schemes have all failed, highlighting his precarious situation. His network was likely under Eleanor’s control. Since her downfall, he’s probably running out of options in the capital.”
As Jacob had pointed out, Yuvan had few paths left.
Wayne had made several moves, repeatedly using Harvey as a front while concealing another operation. Both layers had been completely uprooted, resulting in the loss of more than ten suicide soldiers.
They closely monitored the situation at Concord Lodge. Sebastian's presence there clearly indicated the plan's failure. Even when Lisandra fell unconscious, the mother Soulgrip Threadworm couldn't control the larvae within her. The plan was clearly doomed.
Though disappointed, Wayne admired Lisandra. Fighting the Soulgrip Threadworms' control was incredibly difficult, even for the most skilled and determined warriors. As far as he knew, only one person—extraordinary in both status and willpower—could resist their influence.
Faced with this formidable challenge, Wayne accepted defeat with grudging respect. He told Yuvan, “With Grand Princess Lisandra involved, Westhaven won't go to war with Starhaven. After King Edmund's ascension, he manipulated public opinion. However, this will backfire. Plus, he's never truly been interested in the throne.
“In his mind, the late crown prince is paramount. The kingdom and its people are secondary. That's why he allied with us. But this alliance wasn't based on his ambitions. It's like building a tall tower on unstable ground—it will collapse, possibly taking us down with it. We can't rely on King Edmund.”
Yuvan pondered before responding thoughtfully, “Then Lisandra will certainly not tolerate Edmund. Among the princes, the fourth prince, Emory, is most likely to ascend.”
“Indeed,” Wayne agreed. “Considering the fourth prince’s maternal family’s strength, he has the highest chance of becoming king. King Edmund’s rise to power was due to Grand Princess Lisandra and Marshal Liam’s support.
Chapter 982
“But after his ascension, he imprisoned his uncle and defied his sister. Grand Princess Lisandra will likely return to deal with him. Prince Emory’s faction will seize this opportunity to take power.”
Yuvan rubbed his temples, frowning deeply. “Then we'll stick to the original plan. Contact the fourth prince and form an alliance. Once he takes the throne, he'll need a victorious war to solidify his position.”
Wayne sighed heavily. “Your Highness, we missed the best opportunity. When Starhaven battled Westhaven at Victory Pass and the Southern Frontier, that was our greatest advantage.” Yuvan, though possibly regretful internally, maintained his convictions: “If we wage war and raise an army in rebellion, I'll be labeled a traitor. Our only chance is if Victory Pass falls or the border is ceded through negotiation. Only then can we incite public anger and portray ourselves as righteous.”
Wayne wanted to argue that reputation and power weren't always compatible. Indecision could lead to losing everything.
But after years of maneuvering, the die was cast. Talking of defeat would only weaken their resolve.
Did Yuvan understand the risks? Of course, but who lacks ambition? Once the first step is taken, pressing forward is natural. Without that, he’d never feel secure on the throne.
His voice cold, Yuvan continued, “Dominic and Rafael are our greatest threats. Without dealing with them, we can't take the throne, and even if we do, my hold will be unstable as long as they live.”
Wayne sighed regretfully. “We never gained Grand Princess Eleanor’s connections, and one mistake led to another. We should never have left the capital's management entirely in her hands.”
“At the time, we thought that as a grand princess, who would suspect her?” Yuvan replied, his frustration evident. “Then there’s the marriage alliance with the Spencer family. They never understood my intentions, or perhaps they did but were unwilling to follow.”
Wayne remained silent. He had opposed the alliance, but Yuvan had insisted, believing they would rise or fall together.
But Molly didn’t represent the Spencer family. She wasn't even the head’s direct daughter. If Yuvan had married Violet, it would have been entirely different.
Chapter 982
The revised text improves grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure for clarity and flow. It also removes unnecessary repetition and clarifies ambiguous phrasing.