Her Graceful War Song

At Hell Monarch Estate, Jacob reported the situation to Rafael in the study, then settled down to sip his coffee once he was done.

"So, Noah headed straight to Uncle Yuvan's residence after leaving Hartstone Estate?" Rafael raised an eyebrow. "Hah. It seems our suspicions were correct. They're all working together with Aunt Eleanor." "Prince Harvey has been hiding it too well. We never paid him much attention before," Jacob said.

"I was stuck at the Southern Frontier battlefield over the past few years, so I missed a lot that happened in the capital," Rafael said, analyzing the situation. "They haven't gained enough power yet. Otherwise, they would have made their move when my brother first took the throne. Back then, there was chaos at Victory Pass and a war at the Southern Frontier. When my father passed away and a new king took the throne, that would have been their best chance."

Jacob considered it for a moment, then shook his head. "That may have been their best chance, but it wasn't the right time for them to seize the throne. With internal and external strife, inheriting such a mess would have been quite a challenge for them." "It would have been a challenge, but they would also have had a higher chance of success," Rafael countered.

Jacob explained, "Your Highness, that just goes to show Prince Yuvan's grand ambitions. He wants the throne, along with fame and public support. That's why he's investing so deeply. If he were to rebel while the kingdom was fighting enemy kingdoms, he would be branded as a usurper even if he succeeded. One who desires everything will inevitably end up with nothing. I imagine he's regretting his choices now."

Rafael agreed with Jacob's words, saying, "For now, let's keep an eye on the situation and support Carissa's plan to topple Aunt Eleanor. By the way, have we received any news from Westhaven?" That was the second piece of news Jacob was there to report.

"Marshal Liam was attacked and severely injured. He's currently in a coma. He faced assassination attempts several times before and managed to evade them, but he wasn't so lucky this time." "Could we get someone to infiltrate his circle?" the prince questioned.

"We have one person who managed to do so, but he's not in a position of importance. He's only a minor guard at Marshal Liam's estate, so he wasn't present during the attack. Even if he had been, it wouldn't have mattered. There were many ruthless assassins. Marshal Liam is highly skilled and his guards are all elite fighters, but they still couldn't avoid the ambush," Jacob replied.

"What about Westhaven's king? What's the situation with him now? Didn't they initially say that he wouldn't survive the summer? Autumn is already upon us now," Rafael asked.

"There are many rumors floating around, and even Westhaven's citizens don't know the true state of their king," said Jacob.Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

"I see." Rafael sighed softly.

He hoped Westhaven's king would hang on a bit longer. Otherwise, once Westhaven's crown prince ascended the throne, the situation in Starhaven would turn dire. There would be troubles both inside and outside the kingdom. After thinking for a while, Rafael said, "Help me send a message to Winona. See if her people can deliver some Snowdrop Pills to Marshal Liam."

"Before I came here, I already entrusted a letter and the pills to Claire. She'll arrange for the delivery," Jacob responded as he picked up the cup he had just set down.

Rafael raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to get ahead of me again?"

Jacob remained calm and composed. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm earning the salary you're paying me with a clear conscience, Your Highness."

"Seriously? You practically follow me through heaven and hell, so why worry about that? Well, if you need anything else, you can ask Carissa," Rafael said with a laugh. Jacob's usually cool demeanor softened into a slight smile. "I don't want much, just a painting by Mr. Spencer."

"An orchid painting? There are plenty of those around."

"If that was it, I wouldn't bother you with it," Jacob said seriously. "I would like to request for him to do a painting based on a description."

Rafael's eyes lit up with understanding. "Your sister."

Jacob's gaze turned wistful. "Yes. I have never given up searching for her."

"Your sister went missing when she

was seven. Eighteen years have passed, and she would be

twenty-five now. Even if Kyle could paint her, it would be a painting of her at age seven. How will you

search based on that?" the prince

asked.

"No, I've heard that Mr. Spencer has a unique skill. Based on a person's childhood likeness, he can deduce what they might look like as an adult and incorporate it into the painting."

Rafael replied, "Okay, so he has such

a talent. But your own painting skills are decent, and you couldn't manage to paint your sister because your memory is hazy. In which case how can you expect to describe her well enough for someone else to paint?"

"Some details are indeed hazy. When I try to draw my sister, I recall the sorrow that engulfed my family after her disappearance, and perhaps that makes me reluctant to delve too deeply into those memories. If Mr. Spencer was here, perhaps he would be able to capture her on canvas based on my description. At least her face lingers in my mind, so maybe it'll slowly come into focus," said Jacob.