Her Graceful War Song



Chapter 895

Salvador and the entire court were faced with only two choices.

The first was to flatly deny the massacre of civilians ever occurred.

The second was to act as though they had been unaware of the events, and after receiving the official correspondence from Westhaven, cooperate with their investigation. They could arrest those responsible, take corrective measures, and salvage their kingdom's honor before it was too late.

The official correspondence from Westhaven did not mention the border issues, but that matter would be decided later.

Salvador gathered his ministers and deliberated for three days.

The first option was impossible-Westhaven had already issued a formal accusation and had enough evidence. They had been building support within their own borders for months. The borders between the two kingdoms were already in turmoil, and any attempt to deflect responsibility would lead directly to war.

Given that the second option was the only viable one, the question now became who would be held accountable. Once the decision was made, Salvador exchanged a long look with Jeremiah. The others in the room remained silent, no one daring to speak.

To handle this matter, they would have to recall Dominic and hold him accountable.

But Dominic had lived a life of battle. He had been involved in quelling rebellions and eliminating bandits during Augustus' reign. He had fought at the Southern Frontier, repelled ambitious nomadic tribes, and in the end, guarded Victory Pass. Over the years, the Sullivan family's men had marched alongside him, with many dying in battle.Original from NôvelDrama.Org.

And now, Dominic would be celebrating his 70th birthday on the 19th of February. For a general to still be guarding the borders at such an age-since the founding of Starhaven, he was the only one.

Who would dare speak up and ask to summon him back to the capital for questioning?

Salvador finally turned his gaze to Rafael. "Hell Monarch, you were once the marshal of the armies during the Southern Frontier battle. How do you think this matter should be resolved?"

There was a stunned silence in the room. Why would Salvador ask Rafael for advice? The Hell Monarch's wife was Dominic's granddaughter. If Rafael were to suggest summoning the general back to the capital, would that not cause a rift between the couple?

Davis immediately felt a sense of dread, recalling all the unpleasant consequences of crossing his wife. His sympathy took over, and in one swift motion, he stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, I suggest investigating this matter by issuing an order for General Dominic to return to the capital for questioning. In the meantime, the command of Victory Pass should be handed over to his adopted son, General Wallace."

As the Defense Minister, Davis knew that the king should actually ask the prime minister, as well as Davis himself, for their opinion. The two of them would be the most appropriate people to make suggestions in this situation.

Salvador glanced at Davis, then asked, "Do any of the other ministers have objections?"

After a brief silence, several voices spoke in agreement, "We concur!"

Rafael remained silent and naturally didn't oppose. In fact, he had anticipated this happening.

Over the past year, he had maintained correspondence with Dominic. The events in Fawnrun City were irreversible; those who had died could not be brought back. Dominic had already submitted a petition of apology at the time, but Salvador had not made it public, nor had he imposed any punishment.

Now, Salvador would not bring it up either, because acknowledging it would imply he had known all along. Once that information spread, especially when the Westhaven envoy arrived, it would stir trouble and only harm Starhaven's reputation.

"Draft the edict!" Salvador said flatly.

The first edict ordered Dominic to return to the capital immediately, transferring command of Victory Pass to Wallace.

The second edict ordered the arrest of Aurora, who had been responsible for negotiating the border lines and signing the treaty. She would be taken to the Ministry of Justice's prison to await trial.

As for Barrett, Salvador didn't mention him. No one else did either, as the fewer people involved at this stage, the better. They would wait to see the attitude of the Westhaven envoy upon their arrival and what demands they would bring.

Meanwhile, Barrett stood just outside the hall, listening to the ministers as they debated inside. His heart was heavy, and fear gripped him.

Aurora was certainly unlikely to escape punishment, but what about him? He had led the raid on Westhaven's supply depot. He had failed to keep an eye on Aurora, who had gone on to massacre the villagers in Fawnrun City. Afterward, he had been completely unaware.

If he hadn't known, how could Dominic have known?

In the end, it was Barrett who had dragged Dominic into this mess.