Her Majestic Battle Cry

In the study of Horizon Estate, the lamp had burned through the night.

Yuvan had called together all his strategists, hoping to find someone who would agree with him.

He truly believed now was not the right time–it would only lead to their deaths.

If Tiberius were killed, there would be no hard evidence to accuse him of treason.

Yet, all the strategists, as well as the officials from Valken who worked alongside him, were united in their opposition to killing Tiberius.

The force that wiped out 5,000 private soldiers with ease was now escorting Tiberius back to the capital. With an escort like that, how could they possibly succeed in killing him?

Rather than expend all their energy on that, it would be wiser to simply rise.

Saul Harper, Valken’s governor, said, “Your Highness, since we’ve missed the best opportunity, we should not delay any longer. The cost of maintaining the army is high, and with no financial aid from the capital, we cannot sustain this much longer. If we wait, morale will falter.”

Saul had once been a deputy minister of the Ministry of Finance. After making a few minor mistakes, Sigmund had demoted him and reassigned him to Quarath. Later, he aligned himself with Yuvan, and with Eleanor’s financial influence, he was eventually reassigned to serve as the governor of Valken.

However, his term was ending the next year, and Malcolm had a lot of criticism about him. Their relationship had been strained even during their time in the capital. Once his term expired, Saul feared he would be reassigned to another post.

Once that happened, Salvador would likely send his men in and Valken might no longer be under Yuvan’s control.

Everyone took turns persuading Yuvan, saying it would be better to start small rebellions in different places rather than wait for Salvador’s army to take action. Each person’s argument made sense and fit the current situation.

But Yuvan still hesitated. After a moment’s thought, he said, “Let us wait until tomorrow. More people will arrive by then, and we can discuss it further. For now, you may return.”

The room was filled with men who had entrusted their lives and fortunes to Yuvan. They had spoken until their throats were dry, yet he remained indecisive. It was enough to leave them disappointed.

Observing the scene, Wayne couldn’t help but shake his head. He rose and said, “I will see the gentlemen out.”

He exchanged a glance with Harvey and several other strategists. They understood the silent

message–once the officials were escorted out, they would find a place to continue their discussion.

Most of Valken’s officials were loyal to Yuvan, as he had secretly promoted many of them.

But Wayne held a high position in Valken, as everyone knew he was Yuvan’s most trusted confidant. He was the head of the strategists. Many of Yuvan’s decisions were made with his counsel.

So, when he invited everyone to continue their discussion, avoiding Yuvan, no one thought anything amiss. In fact, they believed that since their positions aligned, they should try to persuade Yuvan. noveldrama

However, once they arrived, Wayne’s expression was one of helplessness as he vented his frustrations. He revealed that Yuvan’s resolve had been broken in the capital, and now he was filled with doubt.

Wayne also shared something even more shocking–Salvador had prepared a retreat for

Yuvan. If he chose to turn back now, he would face nothing more than a demotion to a remote, desolate place, stripped of his title as prince. But, he would be allowed to live out his days in comfort and wealth.

If this had come from anyone else’s mouth, no one would have believed it.

But because it came from Wayne, no one doubted him. After all, Wayne had followed Yuvan the longest, pouring his heart and soul into the cause. Without him, Yuvan wouldn’t have the power he held today.

Even when Eleanor was operating in the capital, Wayne had been there, offering advice.

A chill swept over the group. What did it mean to turn back“? It meant Yuvan would lay down his flag and surrender, handing over those who had conspired with him.

Stripping Yuvan of his princely title was too light of a punishment for someone who had planned a rebellion.

“This can’t be! If he truly backs down, won’t we all be doomed?”

The one who spoke was Samson Judd, Fiona’s brother. The Judd family had invested everything they had into Yuvan’s cause–money influence, and lives. He had once been one of Yuvan’s most loyal followers. But after Avis’ death, when Yuvan failed to elevate Fiona to a rightful position, Samson began to harbor resentment.

The Judd family had sacrificed everything, hoping to rise above their merchant origins and attain the title of marquis. But it was clear now that Yuvan had grown accustomed to their support–and in truth, he looked down on them.

Yuvan would rather marry a woman from the distant branch of the Spencer family than make Fiona his true consort.

While their familial ties might seem unshakable on the surface, in reality, they were on the

brink of collapse.