Barrett felt a shiver under the intensity of Liam’s gaze, and instinctively took a step back.
Liam was obviously reluctant to engage in conversation with Barrett. He stood before Carissa, his expression a complex mix of emotions.
“General Sinclair, the massacre of your family was not my order,” he began, his tone earnest.
“The leader of our spies issued that command. He did it because he learned that Aurora’s forces had wiped out several villages in Fawnrun City, and that she had subjected a prisoner of war to inhumane
treatment.
“Our king and the entire Westhaven court uphold a strict policy: issues on the border should not involve the lives of civilians. We do not condone the slaughter of innocents, especially not the elderly, women, and children of an entire family.
“While your kingdom’s general had committed grievous acts, I must apologize on behalf of Westhaven for everything they have done.”
Barrett was stunned. “W–What nonsense are you talking about?”
Liam paid no attention to Barrett, and continued to address Carissa.
“Our king and everyone in our court holds the late marshal in high regard. Despite leading armies. against us, General Sinclair strictly adhered to the agreements between our nations. He never harmed a single civilian from our kingdom. Each time he waged war, he withdrew his forces once he reached” the border your kingdom set. I am deeply sorry for the tragedy that befell your family. It is a debt that Westhaven owes you.
He paused, then added somberly, “A debt owed only to your family–the Sinclairs.”
Liam did not mention the matter of Arthur’s disgrace and subsequent suicide. The only justification for the massacre was Aurora’s destruction of villages. Westhaven owed nothing to Starhaven, only to the Sinclair family.
THE
As a military general and soldier, Aurora had committed crimes against the civilians of Fawnrun City..
However, the Sinclair family was made up of the elderly, women, and children. All the men of their family had died on the battlefield.
Liam couldn’t accept that Aurora had mistreated Arthur so cruelly, nor could he accept that Westhaven spies had slaughtered the entire Sinclair family.
Liam had apologized to Carissa, but Arthur would never receive an apology from Aurora.
As for the battlefield on the Southern Frontier, their men’s killing of Starhaven soldiers might have been seen as revenge, though Westhaven soldiers had suffered greater losses.
Nevertheless, these issues must be resolved. The two kingdoms couldn’t remain forever hostile. They were neighboring nations and major powers. They needed to engage in trade, cultural, and technological exchanges.
That was Liam’s perspective.
It was also Rafael’s perspective; otherwise, this meeting between Liam and Carissa would never have
occurred.
After a long silence, Carissa lifted her head. Her eyes were red, and she struggled to hold back tears, determined not to let them fall.
“Aurora and several hundred soldiers with her have likely been killed or severely wounded and humiliated. Your revenge is complete. However, I know that the Westhaven spies who massacred my family have returned to your country. My revenge is not yet fulfilled. What I am owed, I will have them pay with their lives,” she said firmly.
Liam looked at her, his gaze full of sorrow and complexity. “If that’s the case, then the debt is settled. I’ve killed all the Westhaven spies who returned. General Sinclair, you can grieve in peace. But know that the sorrow in Westhaven can’t be measured. It is a perpetual shame and an eternal pain of our kingdom. Even if Aurora and her soldiers are killed, it will never be erased.”
Carissa nodded silently, understanding his meaning. “I am not in a position to apologize on behalf of anyone, but this matter is also a source of pain and shame for those of us in Starhaven who are aware of it.”
At these words, Liam’s eyes became red, as if the wind had harshly touched them. His shoulders slumped slightly. “General Sinclair, your words hold great significance for me, him, and the Starhaven royal family.”
One of the young soldiers beside Liam suddenly broke down, covering his face with tears. Moments ago, he had been standing there filled with hatred and anger. Yet Carissa’s words had comforted him, leading him to lose control and weep.
Liam, Edmund, and Carissa all had pains they could not reconcile. But for the greater good, they had to reconcile in a broader sense.
Liam then turned to Barrett, whose face was ashen, “Do you want to know what your wife nas done? Go up the mountain. Their current state is a reflection of the sins they have committed,”
