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.

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

If he wished to marry Carissa, he would

the Hell Monarch Army, and

in the Southern Frontier became dire, Salvador hesitated to send him and the Hell Monarch Army to support the region. Salvador hoped Hector would be able to recapture the

state of emptiness-food, weapons, and warm clothing were all in short supply. Despite their best efforts,

that Salvador agreed to deploy Rafael and the Hell Monarch Army to the Southern Frontier

Salvador not be

he had been granted the

the Mystic Army was made up of soldiers from the Hell Monarch Army,

still mobilize them, which was a concession he

Salvador had treated him well. The position of crown prince was decided early on, without any dissent. Salvador was indeed an exceptional heir apparent-he was well-versed in both civil and military matters, had been on the battlefield,

vastly different from being the king. While Salvador's outward attitude remained unchanged and he showed Rafael continued affection/the underlying wariness had

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

it down Where's Jacob

is rewarding the troops, and they are assisting the Ministry of Defense with their duties and helping

cups set down and dismissed