Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

There seemed to be no end to the debate over appointing a crown prince. Nearly every morning court session saw officials raising the matter.

Finally, on the 18th of December, Salvador made an announcement-he had already chosen a crown prince. However, as the prince was still young, the decision would not be made public just yet. Instead, he had written an edict and secured it high upon a beam in the royal chapel.

During a court session, he declared that he alone knew who the crown prince was. According to him, he had not disclosed the decision to anyone, not even to Jeremiah or Rafael. With that, Salvador spared them from further scrutiny.

However, it was no great mystery.

Connor had long since abandoned his former laziness and arrogance, becoming diligent and eager to learn. His temperament had also grown more refined. Furthermore, Ryan, the future Duke of Northwatch, was his study partner. With all those facts, many believed it was all but certain that Connor was the chosen crown prince.

The reasoning was sound.

Not only was Connor Salvador's firstborn son with the queen, he had also shed his past shortcomings and was being personally guided by Victoria. Though Caden also enjoyed the queen dowager's protection, his circumstances were different. Connor no longer returned to Everspring Palace, while Caden was now permitted to return to his mother's residence.

Among the court officials, many suspected that Malcolm must know the truth. As a result, his household quickly became overwhelmed by visitors, with streams of guests arriving to pay their respects and offer their congratulations. Lavish gifts poured in, including rare treasures from all corners of the empire.

only deep unease. After all, the more prominent one was, the more

Salvador's next step would undoubtedly be to weaken the influence of the royal in-laws. These eager visitors weren't simply offering gifts, they

to refuse them all outright was impossible. To do so would be to offend every one of them beyond

for leave. That way, he could justifiably turn away guests

request was swiftly approved. Salvador instructed him to focus on his recovery, and to delegate his ministerial duties in the meantime. Besides, with the new year approaching, court sessions would soon be suspended for

secured, he embraced a life of leisure at home, shutting himself away from the affairs of the outside world.

Connor was the crown prince. Now was the time to make it known, to

shut his doors under the guise of illness, making it clear he had no intention of building alliances for Connor. It wasn't the first time the queen had been disappointed by her family's lack of

not wish for my son and me to prosper? Will they only be satisfied if we suffer? If this is what it means to have a family,

merit. With the crown prince now decided, Lord Quinton's residence has become a place of

may

influence, and will make a move against them should they make themselves too visible. Even if it were not His Majesty's desire, he would still act if Lord Quinton's household continues to rise in such a high-profile

the court were under our influence, would His Majesty dare act against us so easily? It's precisely because our power isn't secure yet that we should be seizing every opportunity to strengthen

an irritated glance at the ever-cautious Lydia and snapped, "Instead of worrying about