Chapter 1302
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Chapter 1302
The urgent sealed report stated that Oliver had abandoned his post before the battle. Rumors were spreading like wildfire across the Southern Frontier, shaking the troops‘ morale. Desertions had begun, and even the soldiers who were originally stationed in the Southern Frontier were showing signs of unease and retreat.
Louis reported these things in the urgent sealed report, requesting the court to appoint a commander who could stabilize the situation. Without strong leadership, the loss of the Southern Frontier would not be an exaggeration.
Salvador’s face darkened as he scanned the room.
“Nominate a general to take command at the Southern Frontier,” he ordered coldly.
The gathered officials exchanged hesitant glances.
Aside from the Hell Monarch, only one other candidate had the reputation to command such a critical campaign–Dominic Sullivan.
Unfortunately, Dominic had been stripped of his rank.
As for the remaining generals–whether it was the aging Tyler, the young Thomas, or the once–reliable Joseph Carter–none of them had the presence or authority to stabilize the chaos at the Southern Frontier or rally the troops‘ broken morale.
The Hell Monarch was the obvious choice, but reports of his sudden illness complicated matters. Could someone in frail health withstand the strain of the battlefield? And with the Sandorians already at the gates, there was no time to waste. A commander needed to depart immediately. The Hell Monarch’s condition was too precarious for such a role.
Even if Dominic were reinstated and ordered to ride from Victory Pass to the Southern Frontier at full speed, it would take no less than half a month for him to arrive, even with the fastest horses. Time was a luxury they didn’t have. Besides, he was now advanced in years.
Aside from these two, who else could possibly take on such a monumental task?
There was another option, one that a few officials dared to consider but no one dared to voice.
Their gazes shifted briefly toward Salvador.
The king leading an army into battle would undoubtedly restore morale and rally the
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Chapter 1302-
troops, but the risk was unfathomable. If something happened to him on the battlefield, the one who had suggested it would bear the weight of a crime too grave to imagine.
The tension lingered until Jeremiah broke the silence, steady as ever. “How is the Hell Monarch’s condition? Has there been any improvement in his health?”
Salvador’s eyes darkened. His voice was clipped as he replied, Meadow Ridge to recuperate.”
“He has gone to “He has
No one had been aware of this. They had all assumed Rafael was recovering at his estate. Salvador’s statement caught them off guard, leaving the officials momentarily stunned.
“He was able to travel to Meadow Ridge? Does that mean his condition has improved?” Malcolm ventured cautiously, his tone probing. He couldn’t help but notice the subtle shift in Salvador’s expression moments ago.
“Forget the Hell Monarch for now,” Salvador replied coolly. “Aside from him, who else is there?”
Jeremiah stepped forward, delivering the words that had been lingering in everyone’s mind. “To stabilize the situation at the Southern Frontier and restore the army’s morale, there is only one option–Your Majesty must lead the army yourself.“‘
The moment Jeremiah spoke, the room fell silent. It was the kind of silence where even the faintest sound could echo like a drumbeat.
Even though many people thought the same and felt it was the most reasonable suggestion for the prime minister to bring up, they didn’t expect Jeremiah to say it so directly without the usual layers of careful reasoning.
In truth, no reasoning was needed. Every official present was sharp enough to understand the gravity of the situation.
Salvador, too, had considered leading the troops himself. In fact, when he convened the ministers, he had already begun eliminating other candidates.
The two most suitable choices were no longer viable—or rather, the opportunity had already been missed. When Davis brought it up, a decisive decision should have been made.
Now, Rafael had likely already left for Valken.
The thought churned Salvador’s emotions, leaving him seething with frustration and regret. His chest felt tight, his blood boiling, and a bitter taste rose to his throat.
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Chapter 1302
More than anything, a deep sadness settled over him.
Rafael was his brother!
The doubts he had once harbored no longer filled him with guilt. Instead, Salvador was overcome with regret for not being more proactive and frustration over the attempt to reuse Rafael, unaware of his true ambitions.
Seeds of doubt quickly grew in times of escalating crises. What started as suspicion was now a certainty in Salvador’s mind.
Yet, even with that certainty, Salvador dared not act against the people at Hell Monarch Estate. Arresting Rafael’s people at a time like this would only hand him an excuse to proceed with his plans.
As for leading the army himself, Salvador knew it was a last resort. He could not leave the capital unless there was absolutely no other choice.
If he were to step onto the battlefield, the kingdom would be left without its king. Rafael, in turn, would face no resistance as he marched on the capital, seized the throne, and crowned himself king. It might take him less than three months.
The officials, seeing Salvador’s grim expression and prolonged silence, assumed he was contemplating Jeremiah’s proposal. None realized he was spiraling into his thoughts, trapped in a cycle of anger and despair.
They waited for Jeremiah to kneel and formally request the king’s personal command. Once he did, they planned to follow suit, kneeling in unison to support the proposal.
But Jeremiah, having spoken, said no more.
The room grew tense as officials exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of what to say or do next. Some even began to wonder if it was time to propose appointing a crown prince.
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