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.

Carissa's marriage to any noble family could pose a threat to the kingdom's military

statement was aimed directly at Rafael. If he wished to marry Carissa, he would

Army, and cease to

in the Southern Frontier became dire, Salvador hesitated to send him and the Hell Monarch Army to support the region. Salvador

warm clothing were all in short supply. Despite their best efforts, Hector and his forces. had been unable to hold out

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

not be wary

granted the medal of command for the Hell Monarch

made up of soldiers from

commander, the king could still mobilize them,

treated him well. The position of crown prince was decided early on, without any dissent. Salvador was indeed an exceptional heir apparent-he was

Salvador's outward attitude remained unchanged and he showed Rafael continued affection/the underlying wariness had dent for the past three or

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

nodded slightly. "Set it down Where's

and Deputy Ziegler have gone to the military camp. The king is rewarding the troops, and they are assisting the Ministry of Defense

had the pot and cups set down and dismissed