Chapter 556
Thomas watched Oliver’s retreating figure, unsure if the man genuinely didn’t recognize him or hadn’t heard the others calling his name. Or perhaps Oliver was deliberately pretending not to know him.
Forget it.
Jacob was right. It was best to let go of such matters. The most pressing issue now was Lawrence’s condition.
After the military physician’s examination, his expression turned grave. He asked Rafael to show him the medicine pills they had given Lawrence.
Then, the military physician said, “Thanks to this medicine pill, he’s still alive right
now.”
The military had excellent medicine for wounds. But after the military physician finished his examination, he shook his head and asked Rafael to step outside for a word.
“Marsh… I mean, Your Highness, I’ve done everything possible. I can keep stable for al week or more at best, but I can’t promise anything. His body is in terrible shape. There isn’t a single patch of healthy skin, and the infection is spreading. If you hadn’t given him those top–tier pills, he wouldn’t have made it this far.”
“I still have some of the pills. If he continues taking it, could it extend his life by a month?”
The military physician shook his head. “No. This medicine protects the heart and vessels. It’s fortunate it has lasted this long, but extending his life for a month is impossible.”
Rafael frowned. “You will accompany him back to the capital. I will inform Marshal Prince.”
The military physician wiped away his tears, and said, “Alright. It’s truly difficult for him, and I admire his willpower. His determination is strong. He must be thinking of his family and is unwilling to give up. Most people would not have endured the suffering he has,”
Hearing this, Rafael felt a sharp pang in his heart.
He had spent the past few years entrenched in battles on the Southern Frontier. He
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had faced death repeatedly, especially in the earlier years when the skirmishes were exceptionally brutal. But back then, he had something to fight for–Melanie had promised to betroth Carissa to him. No matter what, he would return alive to marry the woman he had loved for a long time.
That belief sustained him through each challenge..
After asking the military physician to do his best, Rafael sought out Tobias and the others and asked, “Over these years, who has L ence mentioned the most? Who does he miss the most?”
Tobias replied, “He definitely misses his parents. He also often talks about his wife. with a smile. He once told me they made a list together of all the things they wanted to do in this lifetime. He was always going on about how a man’s word is worth a thousand gold coins. But now, for the sake of reclaiming the Southern Frontier, her might become someone who will break that promise. He’s doing right by his kingdom, but he’ll probably let his wife down.”
Tobias crouched down, and covered his face with his hands. After the military physician assessed the situation, everyone felt as if a heavy stone was pressing down on them. They had hoped Lawrence would recover once they returned to Simonton City and had access to a military physician, but the situation was far more dire than anticipated.
Rafael looked at the men, his eyes reddening. He quickly wrote a brief letter to Carissa, and sent it via carrier pigeon. In the letter, he instructed her to set aside any pressing matters and to bring both Lawrence’s wife and Sebastian to the Southern. Frontier without delay. They were to meet in Westglade, and speed was of the essence!
Rafael had brought the carrier pigeon from the capital for convenience, and it was their only means of urgent communication. Everett also had pigeons, but it was clear that only Sebastian and Lawrence’s wife could be of immediate help.
Sebastian would handle the medical treatment, and having Lawrence’s wife by his side might bolster his will to survive. Sometimes, sheer willpower could overcome everything.
If things didn’t work out, Lawrence and his wife would at least get to see each other one last time.
At present, there was no other option but to proceed this way.
The carrier pigeon could cover a thousand miles in a day, so Rafael hoped that
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Carissa would soon set out. Meanwhile, they neede
they neede o be ready.
He suggested that Thomas stay behind to recuperate and return to the capital when his injuries were better. However, Thomas insisted on accompanying Lawrence.
“We’ve been through thick and thin together for years. I won’t abandon him now,” Thomas said, his voice firm and eyes reddened.
Felix’s voice choked with emotion as he added, “We will stay with him. Please permit us to do so, Your Highness.”
Felix was injured, but not severely. It was Louis who was reluctant to let the man travel while wounded. Louis figured it was better to give Felix some time to recover before sending him on the long journey back. After all, Lawrence would likely need treatment in Westglade.
“Very well, we’ll go together.” Rafael nodded.
However, no one felt any joy. Returning to Simonton City had been exhilarating–a feeling beyond words. But after the military physician examined Lawrence and said the outlook wasn’t good, their smiles vanished. They couldn’t bring themselves to feel happy anymore.
