Chapter 1273  The following day, Horizon Estate grew even more crowded, with several noble families from Ebonflow arriving.  These noble families, by all rights, should have been the most opposed to upheaval, for only in times of peace and prosperity could they enjoy their wealth and titles.  However, after decades of existence, their titles had dwindled from dukes to marquises. Some even faced the looming possibility of having their titles stripped away. Naturally, anxiety began to creep in. After all, they had once been at the height of their power.  Of course, not every noble family aligned with Yuvan’s cause. Some sought only to live quiet lives in their own corner of the world, and while they were keenly aware of Yuvan’s  machinations, they preferred not to involve themselves. For them, the key was never to offend anyone–so they chose to turn a blind eye.  Since not everyone had arrived yet, Yuvan decided to delay matters further, claiming he would make his decision only once everyone had gathered.  This further confirmed Wayne’s earlier thoughts that Yuvan was still undecided, wavering between rising or surrendering.  Meanwhile, on the Lunvale side, Rafael waited for the arrival of Ebonflow’s military forces. When they finally reached there, he handed over the prisoners.  The commanding officer of Ebonflow’s garrison was Chester Murray, a former officer under Dominic. In fact, Dominic had once nearly taken him in as an adopted son. After earning merit in battle, Chester was recommended by Dominic to oversee the garrison at Ebonflow, where he was tasked with maintaining order and preventing bandits from disturbing the peace.  Though Rafael and Chester had little direct interaction, the former knew enough about him. Chester, influenced by Dominic’s principles, was a man of honor and loyalty. There was no way he would ever join Yuvan’s faction. If Chester had been swayed, Yuvan would not have needed to waste his resources on recruiting soldiers.  Chester came personally to collect the prisoners.  After greeting Rafael and Carissa, both of whom bowed in return out of respect for Dominic’s Legacy, Chester wasted no time on pleasantries. His first question concerned the state of. Dominic’s affairs in the capital.  Back when Dominic had been summoned back to the capital, Chester wanted to return too. But as a garrison commander, he had been forbidden from leaving without orders. Although he sent agents to gather information, he could never learn everything. Even the letters he sent to Dominic were carefully filtered, with good news reported and bad news withheld.  Rafael mentioned the important things, emphasizing that Salvador had shown special  1/2  +25 BONUS  Chapter 1273  leniency and didn’t pursue the matter further.  Rafael’s words were carefully chosen, as Chester considered Dominic to be a father figure. If Rafael failed to mention it, resentment might stir in Chester’s heart, making him vulnerable to manipulation.  Rafael wasn’t afraid of Yuvan—it was the person behind Yuvan that gave him pause.  Chester heard that Dominic had spent his 70th birthday alone in Sullivan Estate and couldn’t help but feel tears well up in his eyes. ↑  “It was his 71st birthday a few days ago, and I still couldn’t be there in person to wish him. I can only hope to be granted a favor next year, that they allow me to visit Victory Pass just once.  Dominic’s birthday was on the 19th of February. Back when Carissa was in the capital, she had already arranged for a gift to be sent in advance.  But a gift was just a gift–it could never replace being there in person.  Hearing Chester’s words, she replied with sincerity, “Yes, I hope next year you can be there with him to personally wish him well.”  After sharing pleasantries, Rafael finally shifted the conversation to business.  When Chester heard the prisoners being handed over were actually rebel soldiers, he was taken aback. “Could the private soldiers part of Eleanor’s rebellion have been holed up in Lunvale all this time?”  “Eleanor has been maintaining them, but the true mastermind behind the rebellion is Prince Yuvan. General Murray, there are several locations you need to be wary of. Be cautious and watch for signs of rebellion.”  Rafael handed Chester a list of places. These were the locations mentioned by Randall–places Rafael could no longer investigate himself, and so he entrusted them to Chester.  “Prince Yuvan?” Chester murmured, recognizing the name. He had heard whispers, but had never truly believed it. Although he didn’t interact with Yuvan much, he always thought the man was weak and ineffective.  But it was hard to say. Some people were masters of deception, hiding their true nature behind a facade.  “If he harbors such rebellious intentions, why not simply kill him? Why allow him to return to Valken in the first place?” Chester asked.  He was aware of the suicide soldiers–he had heard of their deployment when Dominic was returning to the capital. Back then, however, he had no idea they were Yuvan’s men.  But no matter how many suicide soldiers there were, could they really not have killed Yuvan? And if Salvador knew of his betrayal, why would he have allowed Yuvan to return to Valken?  22