Her Graceful War Song novel 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."

Davis made it a point to clarify so that Salvador wouldn't think the Sinclair family or the Hell Monarch could still command the army. But to the king, that distinction didn't matter.

If the war at the Southern Frontier dragged on, and Rafael handed over military power after six or seven years, then he wouldn't worry.

But now?

Oliver's failure to command 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 effectively mean giving him military control back.

Now 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 forces against Salvador.

No one would be able to stop him.

It was too great a 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.

Davis stared at him, incredulous. "But you are the prime minister! How can you not have a say in matters of such national importance?"

The power of the prime minister was immense, after all!

Jeremiah rose from his seat, his hands clasped behind his back as he walked to the window. His smile held a trace of resignation.

"No matter how great the power of the prime minister, it cannot surpass royal authority. His Majesty no longer needs me as a pillar of support—his rule is secure, and my influence is not what it once was," said Jeremiah.

Davis clenched his fist, then struck it against his chest in frustration, as though trying to knock the weight of his indignation free.

"But the Southern Frontier cannot afford delays! There's no need for them either. I know the exact state of the Southern Frontier Army over the past two years. His Majesty knows this as well. In peacetime, it might not matter. But now that war is upon us, why is he allowing this to happen?" Davis ranted.

Jeremiah patted Davis' shoulder and sighed lightly. "You must trust General Quinton and General Farrell. As for Marshal Prince… he is unlikely to make rash decisions at a time like this. He doesn't know the Sandorians or their tactics, and if he has any sense, he will rely on General Quinton and General Farrell for guidance.

"The Ministry of Defense must avoid direct confrontation with His Majesty on this matter. It will do no good. It'll only make him think the ministry is siding with the Hell Monarch."