Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 167

Rafael had secluded himself, refusing visitors for several days. During this time, many would-be guests had come knocking. However, he was unwilling to see any of them. When he left the palace, he put aside his usual cheerful demeanor with his elder brother.

Rafael understood the meaning behind the royal edict

The order was clear: Carissa must marry within three months, or she would have to enter the palace as a concubine. Salvador was forcing him to make a choice.

The jests and scoldings exchanged in the palace's study weren't just idle chatter; each word carried hidden intentions.

Whether Carissa entered the palace was of no real concern to Salvador. It was a matter of showcasing his power-whether to allow her to remain free or to summon her to the palace was just a matter of issuing an edict.

Years earlier, Salvador had known of Rafael's feelings for Carissa. Before Rafael headed to the Southern Frontier battlefield, he had approached Melanie, asking her to delay Carissa's marriage. He promised to present the victory in the Southern Frontier as a dowry.

Salvador was aware of this promise. Now that the conflict in the Southern Frontier was over, Salvador expected him to marry Carissa.

The facade of brotherly affection and respect was clear, at least on the surface. However, a crucial remark made in the palace's study held a deeper meaning.

that Carissa's marriage to any noble family could pose a

aimed directly at Rafael. If he wished to marry Carissa, he would need to relinquish

Hell Monarch Army, and cease to

the Hell Monarch Army to support the region. Salvador hoped Hector would be able to recapture the Southern

and warm clothing were all in short supply. Despite their best efforts, Hector and his forces. had been unable to hold out much longer without

after Hector and his sons had sacrificed their lives that Salvador agreed to deploy Rafael and the Hell Monarch Army to the Southern Frontier battlefield, taking command

not be wary of

was Rafael's own creation. Before their father passed away, he had been granted the medal of command for the Hell Monarch Army, an honor that could

was made up of soldiers from the Hell

the king could still mobilize them, which was

Salvador was indeed an exceptional heir apparent-he was

king. While Salvador's outward attitude remained unchanged and

and take a break, the steward Luke said, entering the study with a servant

nodded slightly. "Set it down Where's

replied, "Mr. York and Deputy Ziegler have gone to the military camp. The king is rewarding the troops, and they are assisting the Ministry of Defense with their duties and helping to handle the compensation for the fallen

cups set down and dismissed the