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    Chapter 938


    Leroy grew increasingly frustrated as he realized Salvador was deliberately ignoring him. To make matters worse, Rafael continued to exude an oppressive aura beside him, which only deepened his irritation. He could hardly suppress the urge to bring up the Victory Pass situation and settle it once and for all.


    As his anger burned, his thoughts were interrupted by Rafael''s voice, "I heard Marshal Liam was injured. Is he fully recovered now?


    Leroy broke his re and replied stiffly. Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. My brother is no longer in any danger."


    "I thought he would be apanying you today," Rafael said, his tone casual.


    Leroy''s gaze tumed icy. "Though my brother is no longer seriously injured, he sustained heavy wounds and is not fit for travel."


    "General Sullivan also suffered severe injuries. He was struck by arrows twice within a year, and has just recently turned 70. Yet, for the sake of our two kingdoms, he hase back to the capital from Victory Pass, replied the prince, pretending to be unaware of the fact that Liam had been thrown into prison.


    Leroy furrowed his brows. What was that supposed to mean? They had agreed not to bring up such matters today. If they were to speak of it, he had plenty to say in return.


    But before he could respond, Rafael casually shifted the conversation, saying, "By the way. I''ve heard that you have a great passion for crafting swords, Mr. Stellwyn. Have you recently forged any exceptional weapons? I''d love to see one.


    The topic had shifted with such ease, leaving Leroy seething with rage.


    His eyes bulged as he snapped, "Military duties have kept me too busy to forge swords. If you want to see Westhaven''s weaponry, there will be plenty of opportunities, Your Highness." After all, Rafael could always see them on the battlefield, right?


    Rafael met his gaze and responded with a soft, almost nonchnt, "Sure."


    Though the words were spoken quietly, they struck Leroy as strangely provocative. He couldn''t shake the feeling that the prince was subtly daring him, perhaps even seeking conflict.


    However, that didn''t make sense. Harvey had said that the Hell Monarch was the one who most wanted to avoid further conflict between their kingdoms. If war broke out again, the Sullivan family would inevitably bear the me.


    So, why did Rafael''s words feel like he was pushing for anything but peace?


    "I''m sure both you and I need an opportunity like that, Mr. Stellwyn," the prince added, almostzily


    Leroy studied Rafael, his eyes narrowed with scrutiny and confusion. Was Harvey intentionally deceiving him? But Harvey was now so tightly bound to his cause that there was no way he would have sent the wrong message.


    Leroy''s determination for war came from his need for a chance to establish himself, and now was the perfect opportunity, With Dominic facing punishment, he was unlikely to survive, let alone retum to Victory Pass.


    As for Rafael, who had been stripped of his military authority, he was left with only the position of Chief Judge. The marshal at Southern Frontier, Oliver, was practically useless, and the other generals at Victory Pass were no longer a threat without Dominic to lead them.


    They all needed an opportunity?


    Suddenly, Leroy''s thoughts sharpened. Of course a man who had been stripped of his military power had no other way to reim it but through war.


    Starhaven might not want a war, but the Hell Monarch did. The Sullivan family wasn''t his bloodline. What did his princess consort''s grandfather matter to him? A man who had made great achievements like Rafael would never be content to go from a battlefield general to a position of courtly politics.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Leroy''s mind began to whirl. His desire for war stemmedrgely from the knowledge that Rafael had been disarmed and unable to fight. But now, it was clear that the Hell Monarch was determined to regain that power. If he tookmand of Victory Pass, Westhaven wouldn''t have much hope of victory.


    He watched Rafael''s knowing smile. Leroy feared no one in all of Starhaven, but Victory Pass was no longer the imprable fortress it once had been. Dominic was not a legend anymore. The only person who had ever truly defeated the Sandorians and recaptured the Southern Frontier was Rafael. In just three years, the prince had done what no one else had managed in all the years Starhaven had struggled.


    As they talked, Lisandra remained unaware of their conversation. Carissa spoke to her quietly, distracting her. But judging from Leroy''s sour expression, Lisandra could tell the conversation between the two men was not going well.


    Leroy was impatient by nature. Beforeing to Starhaven, he had loudly called for war, as if victory was already guaranteed the moment they went to battle. Now, seeing him humbled and with his spirit dampened, it was clear that the person he truly feared was the Hell Monarch.


    That was fine. Rafael''s presence alone was enough to keep him in check. Hopefully, his unease would help keep the uing talks in order and prevent his arrogance from disrupting the negotiations.


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