Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 963

Rafael shot a glance at Kyle before striding in.

"Sage Everett, why are you making Kyle hold a pot over his head again? With so much going on, I was hoping he could help me out more. If he's always busy being punished, he won't be able to."

After hearing that, Everett said, "Then, he's excused from punishment."

Outside, Kyle and Winona realized they had found their support.

Winona stepped in to report, "Sage Everett, we've swapped out all of Harvey's gold and silver for fakes. Now, all the chests are filled with stones."

"I see. Have they discovered it?"

"When they stopped to rest in a small grove, we knocked them out. When they wake up, they might inspect the chests and will likely figure it out," she answered.

"Did you send anyone to keep following them?"

Winona wanted to roll her eyes. Was that really a question? Of course she had sent someone. She wasn't a rookie. After all, she was the one who founded Skywing Spire!

But since Kyle was still out there holding a pot over his head, she didn't dare be too bold. She replied respectfully, "Rest assured, sir, I've already sent someone."

Carissa and Violet heard that Rafael had returned, and hurried over to ask about the negotiations.

Everett's face darkened. "He's been so busy, he probably hasn't had a bite to eat. Isn't there hot food in the kitchen? Have it brought out."

Seeing Everett's stern face, Carissa immediately turned and left.

What they feared most was getting betrayed by a treacherous one of their own. Barrett's past actions had already hurt them deeply. What was done couldn't be undone, but this would at least make them feel a little better.

"That's all secondary," Everett said. "Pay close attention to tomorrow's negotiations. Figure out who's colluding with Yuvan. We don't know his plan, so we can't develop a counter strategy. For now, we'll have to rely on some underhanded tactics. Winona will handle those. She's good at that."

Winona glanced at Rafael and said, "Do you think it's appropriate to use such tricks from the martial arts world for such important state affairs? I doubt my guild junior will agree."

Before Rafael could respond, Everett cut in, "What's the problem with that? If they play dirty and we always try to be honorable, we'd be at a huge disadvantage."

He scoffed, then continued, "We know exactly what they're up to behind closed doors. Going forward, we'll use that knowledge to guide our actions. For anyone like that—sneaky and impossible to pin down—we'll use whatever methods are necessary."

Rafael agreed. There were things that, even when known, were hard to prove. And even if proof was found, no one would have the authority to act on it. Besides, this wasn't about who had the power to decide. Anything that disrupted the normal flow of negotiations would be removed.