Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1348

Hayden let out a cold grunt. He deliberately turned his face away, refusing to look at Nicholas.

Nicholas stood tall and elegant, though he wore Gordon's face.

In a calm and steady tone, he said, "I will fulfill my promises to you. The riverworks project will be completed. There will be no senseless bloodshed, no harm to the people of the capital, no destruction of crops. And rest assured, Dad, I will not let you die. Once I claim the throne, I promise you, you will be the one to ascend to the royal seat."

Hayden scoffed, the derision in his voice unmistakable. "You really are the picture of a devoted son."

Nicholas' gaze remained steady, his words sincere. "I have vowed, and I will keep my word. You will sit on the throne, ruling over all. No more threats from Sandoria, no more stagnation at the borders with Westhaven. The people will prosper, and Starhaven will flourish."

Hayden spat contemptuously. "You, an ungrateful traitor working with Sandoria and Westhaven, have the audacity to say such things. It makes me sick to my core."

Nicholas remained unflinching. "That was merely a temporary measure. Once you are crowned, I will turn the tide, expel the enemies, and ensure they never dare to threaten us again."

Hayden's fingers itched, as if he wished to tear away Nicholas' facade and see if there truly was a wolf's skin beneath this so-called gentle exterior.

How could he say such things with a straight face? How could he have such a heart?

The Southern Frontier had been reclaimed at such a cost. Countless soldiers had fallen in the effort, their bones forever buried in that land. And now, Nicholas wanted to hand it over?

If the Southern Frontier fell into the hands of Sandoria, was it really so easy to just take it back? Or was he planning on gifting the land to them?

To Nicholas, the land had no value. All he cared about was the throne.

"You alone are a traitor. Don't you dare use my name to further your ambitions! You thought of a good plan, didn't you? The common people will call me the traitor, the rebel who plotted to overthrow the throne. Throughout history, I'll be remembered as the man who betrayed the kingdom. You'll make yourself look clean, all while gaining a reputation for being a devoted son."

Hayden knew his son better than anyone.

Nicholas was a man who spoke of benevolence and righteousness, but whose actions threatened the very foundation of the nation.

If he were truly so devoted, Nicholas would have listened to Hayden. He would have obediently remained a county duke and lived a life of idle wealth and leisure without care.