When fate plays its hand

Chapter 920

+25 BONUS

Dominic understood what Rafael was getting at. Westhaven’s retaliation had been balanced–it was an eye for an eye. If they hadn’t taken action after the massacre but instead sent an envoy like they were doing now, then Starhaven would clearly be in the wrong,

However, Westhaven had already exacted their form of revenge.

“Yes,” Dominic said softly. “If it was just the inassacre of villagers, they would have gotten their revenge after what they’ve done. But don’t forget, there was the matter of a prisoner of war being killed as well.”

A prisoner of war being killed was just describing the situation in a nicer way. What had truly occurred was the brutal humiliation of an heir to the throne, leading to his tragic death.

3

The current Westhaven king, Edmund, wasn’t acting out of a sense of justice for the common people. No, he was seeking vengeance for his brother, Arthur. Even if the massacre of civilians could be swept under the rug, what of the murder of another kingdom’s crown prince?

“The issue of Prince Arthur’s death hasn’t been openly acknowledged yet. Marshal Liam has been making concessions to maintain Prince Arthur’s dignity as well as Westhaven’s reputation. Grand Princess Lisandra is leading the upcoming envoy, so there’s still hope,” Rafael said.

“Also, when we were at the Southern Frontier, Marshal Liam said that all the spies who escaped back to Westhaven were killed. From what I’ve gathered through Winona’s investigation, however, two managed to get away. Winona has been looking for them, and she’s found them. They’re on their way back to the capital now,” Carissa added.

11

Hearing them speak, Dominic felt both troubled and relieved. Since their return from the Southern Frontier battlefield, they had clearly been working tirelessly on his behalf. By the time he was summoned to the capital for questioning, they had prepared everything–so much so that he didn’t even have to visit the Ministry of Justice.

No matter what happened, he was able to return to Sullivan Estate and stay for a few days. He had no regrets left in this life.

He placed his hands on the armrests and looked at the two of them, his voice heavy as he said, “Listen to me. Just do your best in this matter. Don’t expect too much else. I’m old now, and I can bear the consequences of whatever happens to me. But if it involves your future, I cannot allow that.

“Cari, I’m going to say something harsh. If both kingdoms are at odds, even the complete destruction of the Sinclair family doesn’t compare to the deliberate torture and murder of a crown prince. Once they bring up what happened to Prince Arthur, we will have lost. On top of that, we were the ones who massacred the common people- first.”

“Grandfather, we’ve gone over everything countless times, and we know you’re right. We must take responsibility for what happened in Fawnrun City. The Sinclair family’s massacre is something they must answer for, and if they expose what happened to Prince Arthur, we will be held accountable for that as well.

“But they also need to take responsibility for their involvement in the Southern Frontier battle, where they aided Sandoria,” Rafael said, his voice laced with quiet determination.

“Exactly.” Dominic nodded slowly, his tone solemn. “Everyone who needs to answer for their actions must do so, just like how it would be impossible for me to escape what should be responsible for.

“As for their involvement in the Southern Frontier battle, yes, it violates our agreement. But don’t forget, they signed that agreement in Victory Pass with Aurora. Once the Victory Pass treaty was overturned, their actions in the Southern Frontier no longer count as a breach.”

Chapter 920

+25 BONUS

Dominic’wasn’t trying to sound hopeless. He only wanted to make Rafalel and Carissa realize that they should abandon any illusions of sacrificing everything or compromising too much to save him.

If taking his head would settle this matter and prevent war between the two kingdoms, Dominic would gladly offer it.

Carissa understood her grandfather’s thoughts well, and said firmly, “No matter what, we’ll give it our all before talking about anything else.”

Dominic looked at her, his eyes reddening. “Cari, what you need to focus on now is how to bring justice for the Sinclair family. They died unjustly and horribly. They were innocent–old, weak, women, and children—and they didn’t deserve this tragedy. You can do everything in your power to bring them justice.

“As for the rest… Don’t waste your efforts. If you start to worry about me, then the Sinclair family massacre will become a bargaining chip. That will make it impossible for you to truly seek justice for them.”

Carissa shook her head, her expression resolute. “Justice must be served, and you must be saved as well, Grandpa. The tragedy of the Sinclair family massacre will inevitably be placed on the negotiation table. Since that’s the case, why should we deliberately avoid discussing it further?”