Chapter 908
In the capital, Claire received a pigeon message from Victory Pass. Without reading it, she immediately gave it to Violet, who would deliver it to Carissa.
Understanding the message's gravity, Violet opened it without hesitation. After reading it, she immediately mounted her horse and rode to Capital Guard headquarters, where Carissa should be. Violet's comings and goings at Capital Guard headquarters were normal. As a special martial arts instructor—a position Salvador had deemed ideal, given her exceptional skills and lack of interest in becoming an officer—she trained the Mystic Army.
Although the Crown Guard had become independent, martial arts training remained under Capital Guard headquarters' jurisdiction, hence Violet's involvement.
Upon reading the message, Carissa sighed heavily. This was the worst possible outcome. On a small scale, Dylan's careless words warranted a reprimand or perhaps twenty lashes. However, on a larger scale, it was a disaster. The words could be interpreted as the Victory Pass generals collectively blaming Salvador for the Fawnnun City massacre.
Salvador had always focused on his accomplishments since his ascension, particularly redrawing the Victory Pass border and reclaiming the Southern Frontier. But if blamed for the Fawnnun City slaughter, he would execute many to prove his fury. Furthermore, the king should not be held responsible.
"What do we do now? Jacob and Kyle aren't at the estate, and His Highness is at the Supreme Court. I had no choice but to come to you," Violet said.
She knew the words' danger. Even the usually forgiving previous king would find such an accusation intolerable. After all, Salvador had sent reinforcements to Victory Pass, dispatched under Dominic's orders. If Salvador took responsibility, would every battlefield failure also be his fault? Barrett, without question, should bear the blame.
Carissa held the note, then burned it with a lamp. Nothing could leak before Kevin returned. Composing herself, she spoke calmly and precisely: "Ask Lord Edwin for help. When Kevin returns, stop him. See if Lord Edwin can convince him to delay reporting. If Lord Edwin succeeds, it will be fine. But if he fails, General Dylan's life will be in danger, and my grandfather will have another crime to answer for."
Chapter 909 (#25 BONUS)
"Are you going, or should His Highness go?" Violet asked, agreeing with the plan. Edwin might help, given his ties to Lawrence, but persuading Kevin was uncertain.
Carissa paused. "Whether Lord Edwin can convince Kevin is uncertain," she said. "If he can't, the words will reach His Majesty. Recently, someone has been reporting to the king whenever Raf and I visit noble houses. When Kevin reports, the king will know we knew beforehand."
"You're right. Being cautious is never wrong," Violet replied thoughtfully. She had become more grounded, paying attention to details. As Jacob often said, small details determined success or failure.
"So, who should we send? We can't let others know."
Carissa decided, "Sebastian."
Lawrence was still recovering from his illness. Sebastian, having saved his life, continued treating him in the capital. Though Lawrence held the title of Earl of Dunewind, he still lived at Elderglen Estate. Informed, he wouldn't stand idly by.
"I'll go to the Arcane Sanctum to treat my sore wrist from sparring," she said decisively, already leaving.
That night, Sebastian arrived at Elderglen Estate with his medical kit. Edwin and Lawrence's expressions darkened upon hearing the news.
Lawrence responded, "Dad, we can't let Kevin report this to the king."
Edwin, understanding the need to return favors and Dominic's unjust treatment, knew that reaching Salvador with those words would be a death sentence. "Don't worry," Edwin said, his voice low but firm. Two words carrying immense weight.
Sebastian bowed, "I am deeply grateful." He knew it wasn't easy for Edwin. If Edwin failed to stop Kevin, the Marquis of Elderglen's family would be implicated once Kevin reported to the king.