Nicholas continued speaking, as if showing off how brilliant his schemes were.

"I had contact with General Liam a long time ago. I knew he wouldn't be easy to handle, so I sent someone into Westhaven to infiltrate their spy network. This way, I could learn of any news from the capital. I also thought this could give me a foothold inside Westhaven. Sure enough, it brought me to General Leroy.

"General Leroy was almost overshadowed by his older brother, but I knew of his ambition and that he was willing to sacrifice anything. When Westhaven's previous crown prince, Arthur, went to the battlefield, it was General Leroy who spread the rumors about the generals taking bribes and killing civilians to take credit for their achievements. That's why Prince Arthur went undercover to investigate."

"He went to Fawnrun City. What good did that do you?" Hayden asked.noveldrama

"Naturally, I stepped in to persuade him and formed an alliance with him," Nicholas said with a hint of regret. "Unfortunately, Aurora showed up halfway through and ruined my plan. But in a way, it worked out. General Leroy got his moment in the spotlight, and he believed I had created that opportunity for him. "Once General Leroy rose to power, he aligned himself with the current king, Edmund, to take revenge for Prince Arthur. General Leroy and King Edmund formed a new faction, opposing Grand Princess Lisandra. That's the chaos I wanted. The more disarray in Westhaven, the more I could push General Leroy to act in ways that benefit me. Take, for instance, his provocation of Victory Pass right now."

Nicholas spoke in a calm tone, but there was still a hint of smugness in his voice.

"It's the same with Sandoria. Marshal Crow lost, and when he returned, he was questioned and mistreated. Didn't he want to turn things around? He wanted it badly.

"I offered him a few cities in the Southern Frontier, enough for him to make a name for himself in

Sandoria. He eagerly seized the opportunity, using all his power to force the king of Sandoria to agree to go to war. With both sides distracted by the conflict, I waited for my chance.

"Doing all this wasn't easy, Dad. I've exhausted my mind and planned carefully. If I succeed, it's what I deserve. If I fail, I accept that fate wasn't on my side.

After saying this, Nicholas got up and left. The sound of broken dishes could be heard behind him, but he didn't look back. He walked into the rain, his figure fading into the distance.

Chaya entered the room and saw Hayden's face full of rage and the room in chaos. She slowly bent down to clean up.

"Don't bother. Stop cleaning up," Hayden said quietly.

Chaya held a sharp shard of porcelain in her hand and smiled at him. "I'll take this."

Hayden laughed so hard he almost teared up. "Don't you already have a sharp hairpin?"

"Just in case someone tries to take it from me," Chaya said with a grin. "Better safe than sorry."

Hayden shook his head. "Do what you like. Let's go to the study. I feel like practicing calligraphy." Chaya wrapped the porcelain piece in a handkerchief and put it in her sleeve, then helped him toward the study.

"You practicing calligraphy is a

waste. Your writing never turns out the way you want. After you finish, you ask me to throw it away What a waste of ink and paper!"

"I know you want to go out and have fun. I'll write for a bit, then we can go for a walk," Hayden straightened up and paused, "But the rain is too

heavy. How are we supposed to go?"

"You promised, so we'll go even if we need to use an umbrella," Chaya said with a smile.

Hayden sighed in mock exasperation. "I can't argue with you. Fine, let's go."

An hour later, Hayden produced a pile of scrap papers. Chaya gathered them up and was about to leave when someone approached them.

"Miss, please let me take those."

Chaya shoved the scrap papers at him. "Get the carriage ready. His Highness and I are going out." "With all this rain?"

"His Highness said he wants to go out," Chaya answered coolly. "Prince Nicholas also said if Prince Hayden wants to go, then he'll go. You be following us in secret anyway."

BUMS

The man didn't immediately agree but went to report to Nicholas.

Nicholas said, "Let him go. Get a Shadow Guard to drive the carriage and follow them."

The carriage was ready shortly after. Chaya changed into fresh clothes, grabbed an umbrella, and helped Hayden into the carriage.

The Shadow Guard, now serving as the coachman, asked, "Your Highness, where would you like to go?"

"I just want to get some air. It's too stuffy in the estate." Hayden's voice came from inside the carriage. "Let's see which shops are open and take a look around."