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.

marriage to any noble family could pose

If he wished to marry Carissa, he would need to relinquish

the Hell Monarch Army, and cease to be its

had always been wary of him. When the situation 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 Southern Frontier

for a long time. The kingdom was left in a state of emptiness-food, weapons, and warm clothing were

only 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 of all

Salvador not be wary

was Rafael's own creation. Before their father passed away, he had been granted the

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

held the title of commander, the king could still mobilize them, which was a

without any dissent. Salvador was indeed an exceptional heir apparent-he was well-versed in both

unchanged and he showed Rafael continued affection/the

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

nodded slightly. "Set it down

rewarding the troops, and they are assisting the Ministry

pot and cups set down