Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)

Chapter 905

The generals under Dominic's command had gone to find Felix and Homer at the observation tower where they were staying, intending to present the situation. As they watched the tanned-skinned generals, their faces full of worry and urgency as they spoke of Fawnrun City, Felix and Homer couldn't help but feel a deep unease.

"It's absolutely true," one of the generals said, his voice tinged with regret. "General Sullivan had no knowledge of this. At the time, he was shot with an arrow, and the military physicians said he wouldn't survive. General Sullivan pulled through with sheer willpower, and he was bedridden for nearly three months before he could even walk again. His body's never been the same since. He's too frail to endure any more strain."

"Exactly," another general said. "Commander Warren's mission to Fawnrun City was at my suggestion. General Sullivan had no part in it. You should take me back to the capital for questioning, and I'll take full responsibility. If you want my head, you'll have it when we get there."

Yet another general spoke up, "General Quinton, General Larkin, you both previously served under Marshal Sinclair at the Southern Frontier. Let's be honest, is there no room for negotiation on this matter? What exactly does His Majesty plan to do? Give us an honest answer. If all that's needed is someone to shoulder the blame, I'll do it." One after another, the generals insisted on taking the blame themselves, not wanting Dominic to be involved. Felix sighed helplessly. 'Generals, General Larkin and I aren't in a position to make decisions. We've been sent to convey His Majesty's orders. You don't need to worry so much. The Hell Monarch will find a way to handle it."

"How can we not worry? This isn't how royal edicts are usually given. You were sent here to escort General Sullivan back to the capital. If you weren't, wouldn't the royal edict be sent by a fast rider instead?" said one of the generals, Igor.

His eyes were red with anxiety, and his voice thick with emotion as he added, "He's about to turn seventy- seventy! And he's still holding the fort at Victory Pass. He's given his entire life to defending Starhaven's borders and protecting the people. We can't let his reputation be tarnished because of someone else's mistake!"

Another general, Daryl, was also clearly frustrated. "That's right! Commander Warren and the others were never our soldiers. If anyone should be held accountable, it should be Commander Warren or His Majesty himself. It was the king who sent them here!"

Felix and Homer exchanged a glance, their faces darkening. They both turned toward the door, hearing the footsteps of someone in the Crown Guard uniform passing by. Daryl's voice had carried too loudly, and the Crown Guard soldier surely would have heard his words.

Though they couldn't see who it was, Homer quickly stood and ran outside, determined to see who had overheard them.

Steve, another general, snapped, "Daryl, don't talk nonsense!"

Everyone had been so worked up that they forgot the Crown Guard was still present.

Daryl, face pale with embarrassment, quickly tried to explain, "I didn't mean it that way, General Quinton, General Larkin. I was just anxious and spoke out of turn. Please don't take offense. We are deeply grateful for His Majesty's help in sending reinforcements to relieve our immediate crisis back then."

Felix knew they couldn't let this go on any longer. He cut in, his voice firm, "You all should return now. His Majesty will make his judgment."

He lowered his voice and added, "Enough talking. Please go back now."

Daryl realized his mistake. He turned pale and didn't dare say another word.

The others exchanged uneasy glances, realizing how dangerous Daryl's words had been. They couldn't help but feel a pang of fear.

Igor took a deep breath and said, "Let's go, then. We shouldn't trouble the two generals any longer. I'm sure the Hell Monarch will have a way to help General Sullivan out of his predicament."

One by one, the generals stood up, wanting to plead a bit more but afraid that speaking further would only make things worse. They feared they wouldn't be able to help Dominic and would only create more trouble instead.

Felix kept his anxiety in check and stood up as well. "Take care!"

As they left, Felix hurried outside, just in time to see Homer return. He quickly asked, "Who was it?"

"Kevin Ziegler," Homer replied.

"Law's cousin?"

"Yes. I wanted to catch up with him and talk, but just as I was about to, Galen called him over."

Felix's expression darkened. 'This could be a problem. Galen is the king's confidant. If Kevin tells him what General Daryl said, then no matter who actually said it, the king will think General Sullivan believes the same." Homer's face turned grim. "I know. He definitely heard it. Now, it's just a matter of whether he'll tell Galen."

Felix nodded, his mind racing. "Both Galen and Kevin aren't from the Mystic Army. They used to serve as personal guards when the king was crown prince. From what I've seen, they're very close to each other."

Homer frowned. "This is troublesome."