Her Graceful War Song

The celebration feast scheduled for the following day was canceled. A messenger from the palace arrived, saying Salvador had caught a chill and was suffering from a severe cough.

Though the feast was called off, the royal edict to reward the soldiers was quickly issued.

Timothy was appointed commander of the Southern Frontier Army and promoted to the rank of second- rank general. Louis and other officers were elevated to third-rank and deputy third-rank military positions, remaining stationed at the Southern Frontier. Funds were allocated to establish residences in the region, allowing them to bring their families along.

The families of fallen soldiers were to receive compensation, while the wounded would each be given ten silver coins.noveldrama

Everyone's contributions were clearly outlined, but Rafael's reward had not yet been finalized. For the time being, he was granted 1,000 gold coins, 50 rolls of silk and fine cloth, and his position as Chief Judge remained unchanged.

The reward edict praised Rafael, the Hell Monarch, for his tireless efforts and the great achievements he had made for Starhaven. The words were grand and flowery, but ultimately empty. In the end, 1,000 gold coins felt far more practical.

Rafael did not seek praise, however. He was a prince, raised on the support of the court and the people, and he saw it as his duty to serve.

Salvador's "chill" kept him absent from court for two consecutive mornings. Even when Rafael went to the palace to request an audience, he was not summoned.

The entire court was buzzing with rumors. No one knew exactly what ailed Salvador, but they were all nearly certain it was a serious illness. Since Salvador had fallen ill, the Royal Medical Department's physicians had moved into the palace and couldn't even return home.

On the thirteenth of March, when Rowan came to check on Rafael's recovery, he passed along Sebastian's message. "Sage Dalton said that if His Majesty requests his presence, you should simply agree."

Rafael's wounds had completely healed, so there was no need for Sebastian himself to come. That was why Rowan had been the one to visit these past two times.

When Carissa heard Rowan's message, she turned to him in surprise. "Has His Majesty sent for Sebastian?"

"Not formally, just a private request. Sage Dalton had foreseen this and had already left the city. His Majesty must know it was an excuse."

Carissa's thoughts drifted to the famous physician who had treated Sigmund, and a complex feeling stirred within her. "Does Sebastian want to treat His Majesty?"

"No, he doesn't want to," Rowan replied bluntly, "But he says that if His Majesty passes, it will not be good for Starhaven or the Hell Monarch's household. If His Majesty is ruthless enough, he might even clear away the obstacles for the

crown prince before his death."

The so-called obstacles referred to the Hell Monarch.

Rowan paused for a moment before continuing, "Sage Dalton also said that while His Majesty may not be a wise ruler, the war has ended, and the Southern Frontier is in desperate need of rebuilding. Our trade abroad is also beginning to grow. If the kingdom falls into chaos now, it will be the common people who suffer the most. So, as long as things can be delayed, they should be."

Carissa nodded silently. With the future of the kingdom still uncertain, no one knew how disastrous things could become if Salvador were to die.

Rafael understood Sebastian's meaning as well. If he were to enter the palace and treat Salvador now, he would feel as though he were betraying an old friend.

If a younger person whom Sebastian cared about came to him for help, he might consider doing them this favor. He needed to convince himself. Sometimes, the only way to resolve an inner conflict was to find a way to make peace with it.

Rowan wrote out a new prescription, one to nourish the stomach and strengthen the constitution. It would take at least half a year of treatment before Rafael could stop taking the medicine.

After seeing Rowan out, Rafael and Carissa exchanged a look. Salvador's sending for Sebastian was a clear sign that his condition had worsened considerably.

It would be a lie to say Rafael was not troubled.

Even though Salvador had always been suspicious of him, the truth remained-they were brothers, connected by blood.

Rafael figured Salvador probably felt

the same way-torn between

conflicting thoughts. That was why the latter's attitude was so unpredictable, shifting from good to bad, Sometimes, when Salvador looked at him, it didn't seem like he was faking it—there was still a sense of brotherhood there.

Before ascending to the throne, Salvador had been a good older brother. It was a shame the throne had such a dazzling pull, one that blinded the eyes and clouded the mind, making everything else difficult to see clearly.

Two days later, Derek came in person to summon Rafael and Carissa to the palace to see Salvador.