Semua Bab Her Graceful War Song: Bab 951 - Bab 960

The night before the negotiations turned into utter chaos.While the Westhaven envoys at Concord Lodge worked through a sleepless night, the officials at the Supreme Court convened for an emergency session. Over at the Ministry of Justice, Aurora had been relentlessly pleading to see Barrett one last time since her confession. She even dropped to her knees, crying and begging for mercy.Ever since Aurora was taken into custody, she had maintained a strong front. Now, all of that seemed to have crumbled. Patrick knew that after the negotiations, she would likely be handed over to Westhaven's envoys for punishment. A quick death would be a mercy, but she would most probably receive a painful and humiliating end.Even death row prisoners were allowed a final meeting with their loved ones, so Patrick allowed Aurora and Barrett to meet tonight, but only within the confines of the prison cell.Barrett was escorted to the cell under heavy guard. The officials opened the cell door, then

Jacob rubbed his stomach, his hands massaging his face as he let out a long sigh. What a tough situation!Then, he muttered, "What's the update from Hartstone Estate?""Three carriages have been moved, and they're parked at the back door. They're loading up things—looks like gold, silver, and other valuables from a distance," came the response.Jacob nodded. "He's trying to run.""Should we send someone to intercept them on the way out?"Ever the diplomat, Jacob turned to Everett for advice. "What do you think, Sage Everett?"With a calm expression, Everett replied, "Where can he go? He's definitely heading for Valken. Send someone to follow him, and along the way, take all his valuables. Let him head to Valken empty-handed. Once he's there..." He gave Winona a pointed look. "Have your people keep a close watch. Everything he does and every move he makes needs to be reported back."Winona gritted her teeth and responded with a firm, "Yes, sir!"Jacob was aware that he wou

The confession was written entirely in Stellish, which Westhaven envoys couldn't fully understand. The two interpreters read it aloud in Westic for them.Icarus took full responsibility for the plot, explaining that his motive stemmed from Hector's past victory of Westhaven, which had resulted in the deaths of many Westhaven soldiers. He also harbored a deep grudge against the Sullivan family, particularly Carissa, whose grandfather, Dominic, had guarded Victory Pass for many years and fought in countless battles. Consumed by hatred, Icarus had seized the opportunity to strike at Carissa when he came to the capital, hoping to vent his anger.Even after hearing the confession, the Westhaven envoys didn't seem any less tense. Regardless of their stance, this meant the attempt on Carissa's life was tied to Victory Pass.The Westhaven envoys couldn't help but respect the Hell Monarch for his straightforwardness in not bringing this matter to the negotiating table directly. Instead, he h

Lisandra spoke first. She believed Starhaven had violated the agreement between the two kingdoms, which was to not harm civilians or execute prisoners of war. The slaughter of civilians and the brutal treatment of a war prisoner during wartime were actions that would outrage both man and god. Similarly, the massacre of the Sinclair family by Westhaven's spies was a grave mistake."We seek peaceful negotiations, and for that to happen, both sides must acknowledge these facts. Only with that understanding can we proceed with talks for peace between our kingdoms."Once the translator relayed her words, both Rafael and the negotiating officials from Starhaven agreed with her.Thus, the negotiations officially began.Westhaven put forward five conditions. Firstly, Starhaven must issue a formal apology to the people of Westhaven for the lives lost. Second, Starhaven was to pay compensation of 10,000 gold coins.Third, compensation of 3,000,000 bushels of grain was to be delivered to

Once Carissa arrived at Silverstone Estate, she quickly briefed Zoey on the situation. Zoey immediately said, "This involves General Sullivan, so not a moment can be wasted. I'll go immediately."Since Barrett had been taken to the Ministry of Justice, Viola had been on edge. She had even returned to her family for help, hoping they could pull some strings on Barrett's behalf. However, Zoey outright refused."This is a matter between kingdoms," Zoey had said. "What could a woman like me possibly do to change anything?"Still, Zoey had made inquiries. She learned that while Barrett was detained at the Ministry of Justice, he was being given special treatment and hadn't suffered any undue hardship.Zoey shared this information with Viola, but it did little to calm her. She complained incessantly, saying she had worked so hard to see Barrett appointed as commander of the Nightsteel Guard, only for him to end up in prison because of Aurora. She even blamed Natalie for arranging the m