Rafael wisely avoidedmenting on the previous subject and quickly changed the topic.


    "When did you arrive? Why didn''t you send someone to let me know?"


    "You have your own things to handle. I''m just here to keep an eye on things for you. How''s everything going? Have you captured the target?" Everett asked. From Everett''s tone, it was clear he was already aware of the assassination attempt that had taken ce earlier that evening.


    Rafael, looking rather pleased with himself, answered proudly, "Carissa and the others have already apprehended Commander Icarus and delivered him to the Supreme Court. He imed to be the best fighter in Westhaven, but ended up being utterly defeated when he faced Carissa."


    Everett responded with a neutral grunt before casting a brief nce at Carissa. "She has no real skills except for her martial arts. Icarus isn''t the top fighter in Westhaven, either. That kingdom has many skilled warriors who choose not to serve in the court. Beating him isn''t much of an achievement. Don''t get too proud of yourself."


    "Yes, sir," Carissa replied obediently.


    After everything Carissa had been through, the way people looked at her had changed. Some pitied her, some admired her, and others envied her.


    But Everett? He still treated her the same way he had when she was at Meadow Ridge. There was no difference at all.


    Jacob then gave a brief rundown of what had happened since their participation in the pce banquet-details about Edgeview Estate, the movements of the people at Hartstone Estate, and the reports from Concorde Lodge. Once he finished, Everett spoke first before Rafael could.


    "Everything else can wait, but sleep should never be dyed. I know you''re in charge of the negotiations, and everything depends on you. Go get some rest," he said.


    Rafael had no choice but toply when his mentor gave him an order. However, he still had one more question.


    "What did you mean when you said my martial uncle blew up your courtyard?"


    Jacob nearly jumped out of his skin, and hurriedly shot Rafael a look that pleaded for silence. However, Rafael waspletely unaware or perhaps simply didn''t care. "He was ying with gunpowder and blew it up," Everett replied.


    "What?" Rafael didn''t expect Adrian to have such a hobby. "Your courtyard is sorge. Did he blow up the whole thing?"


    Everett shrugged. "Not really. Just my bedroom."


    "I see. Then, you should stay in the capital for a while before going back," Rafael suggested.


    Jacob blinked in surprise-he hadn''t realized that was a question one could ask.


    Everett, clearly eager to wrap things up, urged, "You two should go rest now."


    Kyle, who had been quiet until now, stood up. He said he was tired and prepared to leave.


    Before he could even move, however, Everett''s sharp voice rang out, "What, are you going to the negotiations tomorrow too?"


    Kyle, who had barely lifted himself from the chair, sank back down without a word.


    Once Rafael, Garissa, and Jacob left, Everett''s voice turned cold, "Your mentor blew up my bedroom on purpose to force me to the capital and keep an eye on your junior apprentice. He doesn''t want me to befortable, so neither should you expect anyfort."


    Kyle had no reply. What could he say? He had no choice but to endure.


    The next day, the negotiations took ce at the Diplomatic Affairs Department.


    Despite the Westhaven envoy''s best efforts to appearposed, their exhaustion was evident. Lisandra wore her formal court attire. While she held the title of grand princess in Westhaven, she had no official position or rank.


    Leroy was also far from his usual energetic self. The dark circles under his eyes made him look particrly worn, and the others weren''t faring much better. It was likely they had stayed up all night.


    Rafael and Davis led the


    negotiations on the Starhaven side,


    with the officials from the


    Diplomatic Affairs Department providing assistance. Jeremiah was present as well, though


    e was th


    only to observe and not to take part


    in the discussions.


    A long, intricately carved cherry wood table was set in the middle of the hall, surrounded by chairs for the participants. Due to the nature of the negotiations, refreshments were prepared to help sustain them.


    Rafael gestured for everyone to take their seats. Documents were ced on the table, and interpreters were present to trante between the twonguages. As was customary, the proceedings would be recorded in writing.


    Before the discussions began,


    Rafael said, "Last night, an incident


    that has stirred great anger


    urred. Grand Princess Lisandra I''m sure you and our other honored guests are already aware. TheThis is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ovel


    The confession had been copied several times in advance, so there was no need for everyone to take turns reading it. Officials from the Diplomatic Affairs Department assisted with distributing the copies of the confession. Last night, the discussions among the Westhaven envoys had centered around what Icarus would say. The tension was evident in their eyes as they took the documents, their unease as clear as day.


    Once the confessions had been handed out, Rafael continued, "This incident took cest night. I expect Grand Princess Lisandra to provide us with an exnation."