Semua Bab Her Graceful War Song: Bab 1281 - Bab 1290

Since it wasn't Wayne, Yuvan shifted his gaze to Harvey.He was just about to defend himself when Yuvan shook his head. "It's not you, either."Harvey was speechless. He wasn't even worth suspecting?It was only natural that Yuvan didn't suspect Harvey. The latter had arrived in Valken with nothing to his name, and in all those years in the capital, he hadn't achieved anything noteworthy. He was far inferior to Eleanor.When Harvey first came to Valken, the people addressed him politely to his face. But behind his back, they all looked down on him. He had no sway over someone like Craig.Yuvan took a slow, measured breath, gradually regaining his composure as he sank into his seat. His gaze swept over both men."Tell me, is it Craig who's been bought off, or is someone plotting to take what is rightfully mine?" he asked.Wayne was still kneeling on the ground. He pondered for a while before he said, "It's impossible for him to have been bought off. Only a few days have passed si

Salvador glanced at Rafael and said, "Of course, it must be your reputation that has struck fear into Sandoria. Even their marshal, Victor Crow, is clearly afraid of you."Rafael naturally didn't think his brother was speaking sincerely.With a wry smile, he said, "Your Majesty, you overestimate me. I don't possess such an overwhelming influence. Marshal Crow isn't afraid of me. They're just exhausted, with no way out after being defeated.""And yet, if they've been beaten so badly, surely they couldn't have regained their strength in just two or three short years," Salvador replied."Under normal circumstances, that would be true," Rafael agreed. "But even if they haven't fully recovered, they wouldn't let us expand the Southern Frontier uncontested. They should be harassing us at least occasionally, yet they've been unnaturally quiet."Salvador studied him for a moment. "You think someone is conspiring with them? That they're biding their time?""It's a possibility, isn't it?"

"I dare not speak further today, nor would I approach Prince Rafael. I fear His Majesty might misunderstand," Davis replied.Jeremiah nodded gravely. "Yes, the Ministry of Defense should avoid any private dealings with the Hell Monarch. For now, it's best to keep your distance."He paused, his brow furrowing as he suppressed his growing concern over the Southern Frontier.Then, he said, "Recommend someone to act as the military overseer. Or if you believe Marshal Prince cannot handle the command during wartime, perhaps recommend General Thomas as an alternative."Davis raised a brow. "General Thomas is already the commanding officer of the military outposts. It wouldn't be right to transfer him to the Southern Frontier. It might be better to have General Timothy and General Quinton jointly lead the campaign instead. Besides, with the internal strife in the capital, the military outposts here cannot go without a general."Jeremiah considered this and thoughtfully said, "That's a va

Rafael leaned back against the soft cushions, feeling as though every ounce of strength had been drained from his body.Ever since returning from the Southern Frontier and relinquishing his command, Salvador continued to regard him with suspicion. Rafael could choose not to care. If some things were restricted, he would find other ways to achieve his goals.He held back to avoid further widening the gap between him and his brother. It wasn't until the negotiations with Westhaven that he became more proactive. But even after that, he knew when to step back again.Rafael only hoped that if war did come, Salvador might doubt him less."He knows that Sandoria's return this time is likely tied to traitors within the Southern Frontier who've helped them prepare for this attack. Yet, he still believes that I am more of a threat to him than Sandoria's armies at our doorstep," said Rafael, laughing bitterly as he drained the last of his wine.Carissa's gaze darkened. "This isn't the first

That evening, Carissa handed Rafael the pill and explained its potential dangers.Noticing the hesitation in her eyes, he smiled and said, "What's a little harm? There's medicine to counteract it. After the royal physician examines me, I'll immediately take Snowdrop Pills. On the road, I'll follow Sebastian's instructions. I'll take the medicine daily to build up my strength.""It's still poison," Carissa countered, her brow furrowed. "Maybe we should think of another solution.""I think this plan is fine. Sebastian is just being cautious. If the poison was truly dangerous, he wouldn't have given it to me," Rafael reassured.Carissa looked up at him. "Should we talk to Jacob about this?""No need." Rafael set the medicine down and pulled her into his arms. "The fewer people who know, the better. When I collapse at the Supreme Court, Matthew can use my emblem to summon a royal physician. If the royal physician accompanies me back to the estate and sees everyone in a panic, there wo