Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1359

Hayden gestured for her to lower the sword. "Not tonight. Neither side is ready."

Chaya frowned, confused. "Why? Didn't you say Mr. Russell was formidable? If he's taking action, surely he can capture Prince Nicholas?"

"He won't capture him," Hayden replied, rubbing his temples. "General Farrell has Valken surrounded, but he hasn't launched an attack because he knows Mr. Murphy has already undermined Prince Yuvan's authority.

"A portion of Valken's population has joined the so-called rebel forces. If the capital falls now, the officials

in Valken and Nerovia will find an excuse, under the court's banner, to slaughter the townsfolk. That would spark even larger uprisings. That's why Lady Carissa can't act prematurely.

Chaya hastily tossed the sword aside. "And why isn't it the right time for Prince Nicholas, then?"

"It's simple," Hayden said. "He needs Mr. Murphy to first defeat General Farrell in a decisive victory. Once General Farrell is dealt with, he'll move on to General Murray, ensuring he can't return to the capital to defend the king. Once that's done, Nicholas will be able to solidify control over the capital."

Hayden knew Nicholas' plan.

"After that, he'll send assassins to eliminate the Hell Monarch, General Sullivan, and the young men of the Sullivan family. He won't concern himself with the wars at the Southern Frontier or Victory Pass-those can be managed. He'll even cede a few cities and pull back 15 miles along the Victory Pass border to force a truce. That's all it'll take to secure peace."

Hayden smiled bitterly.

anyone's. Those who follow him live, while those who oppose him die. If anyone speaks against him, he'll use my name to carry out a bloody purge, then get rid of me and ascend the throne. He'll lower taxes, show kindness to the people, and earn the

as a puppet king, to bear the weight of the

are you waiting for?" Chaya didn't understand.

around the ornate box Adrian had given him earlier. "Because I want to see him fail. I want to look him in

succeeds?" Chaya asked

pill. "If he succeeds, I won't become a puppet king. He'll have to ascend the throne himself. That way,

out her hairpin. "This hairpin is quite sharp. If you go, I'll go with

anymore. Fortunately, he had been able to make contact with Adrian. It was Adrian who had kidnapped Sonny and then disguised

went to

they reached a mutual

The emblem was Hayden's, and it allowed whoever held it to

granted by Augustus himself. In his territory, Hayden had the right to appoint or dismiss officials as he pleased. It was

that Salvador ordered Hayden to return to the capital, which worked

-

bury the Shadow Guard's body under a

the capital wasn't

the Capital Guard headquarters, Carissa and her group were riddled with injuries. Thankfully, the hidden weapon in her wrist bracelet had saved her from two

with the speed of a phantom, the newcomer's six-barreled matchlock

loud clang,

a sharp numbness