Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1284

Chester carried out the bandit suppression with precision and order.

The places Rafael mentioned were already under Chester's surveillance. He had already scouted and set up defensive measures quietly. As soon as any signs of unrest emerged, his forces swiftly moved in. Though they hadn't achieved complete control yet, the mountain bandits had been forced into hiding, too scared to come down and cause further trouble.

Meanwhile, Salvador received Louis' urgent report, confirming that Sandoria's army was indeed marching towards the border. The report estimated their numbers at 250,000, still led by Victor.

Salvador convened the officials from the Ministry of Defense, demanding an evaluation of the Southern Frontier's ability to repel such a massive force.

Davis felt that Salvador's question was wrong, because whether they could win and whether they could win quickly were two different things.

"The Southern Frontier has endured years of war and unrest. While the land can bear the scars, its people cannot. If we really have to fight, it's best to strike quickly and retreat. Otherwise, the Sandorian army will be like locusts, returning year after year to harass us. Such a situation will harm the long-term peace of the Southern Frontier," said Davis.

Salvador frowned. "Are you suggesting the combined forces of the Sinclair Army and Hell Monarch Army cannot swiftly repel them?"

"Your Majesty, there's no such thing as the Sinclair Army or the Hell Monarch Army anymore. They're all part of the Southern Frontier Army now."

made it a point to clarify so that Salvador wouldn't think the Sinclair family or the Hell Monarch could

the Southern Frontier dragged on, and Rafael handed

But now?

the respect of the troops made it evident that regardless of the name the army bore, it was still Rafael who held their loyalty. Sending him back to the Southern Frontier would

that Yuvan had already rebelled, those behind him were waiting for the right moment. If they were to lose control of the Southern Frontier now, Rafael could easily use the same justification Yuvan had that the kingdom was vulnerable and turn his

be able to stop

risk, so Salvador wasn't willing to let Rafael return to the Southern Frontier battlefield. "Your Majesty, the Hell Monarch's reputation is already a weapon in itself. The Sandorian soldiers fear him. They know his strength and dread the prospect of facing him in battle. If he leads the charge, this war will be swift and we'll minimize casualties," Davis persisted, determined to make his case. The officials in the Ministry of Defense all agreed with him, each of them speaking in favor of

continued, with the king's growing impatience becoming more apparent. What he had hoped to hear today were voices supporting his decision, but instead, every recommendation pointed to

turned cold as he finally said, "The Southern Frontier Army already has a commander. I wasn't aware the Ministry f Defense held such little regard for Marshal Prince. If

aggression this time, coupled with their apparent collusion with the traitors. This situation demands swift and decisive action. We cannot afford to let the war escalate and allow

all the more reason to avoid replacing commanders at such a critical moment. There is no precedent for such a reckless move before a battle. This matter is no longer open for discussion. You are all

of Defense deputy minister, Steven Quinton, subtly tugged at his sleeve, signaling him

head and said, "Yes,

Davis made his way to

an audience with His Majesty on this matter, but