Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1285

"I dare not speak further today, nor would I approach Prince Rafael. I fear His Majesty might misunderstand," Davis replied.

Jeremiah nodded gravely. "Yes, the Ministry of Defense should avoid any private dealings with the Hell Monarch. For now, it's best to keep your distance."

He paused, his brow furrowing as he suppressed his growing concern over the Southern Frontier.

Then, he said, "Recommend someone to act as the military overseer. Or if you believe Marshal Prince cannot handle the command during wartime, perhaps recommend General Thomas as an alternative."

Davis raised a brow. "General Thomas is already the commanding officer of the military outposts. It wouldn't be right to transfer him to the Southern Frontier. It might be better to have General Timothy and General Quinton jointly lead the campaign instead. Besides, with the internal strife in the capital, the military outposts here cannot go without a general."

Jeremiah considered this and thoughtfully said, "That's a valid point. However, when presenting your recommendations to the king, you must propose more than just the Hell Monarch."

Davis slumped into his seat, throwing up his hands in frustration. "I'm not one for finesse. I speak plainly, and the facts are clear—the Hell Monarch is the most suitable choice. As for the rebels... they're not much of a threat for now. They're trapped in Valken and can't escape, and they have no intention of attacking. General Murray can handle them."

Jeremiah waved a hand dismissively. "Do not underestimate the rebels. You know well that they have ties to Sandoria. Anyone capable of such an alliance surely has been scheming for a long time. It's more complicated than you think."

Davis paused, taking in Jeremiah's words before replying, "You make a fair point. Then, perhaps I should go before the king tomorrow and suggest that the Hell Monarch be involved in addressing the internal unrest. That might be acceptable, right?"

Jeremiah gave a small, approving nod. "Yes, that could work."

-

Tiberius was temporarily thrown into the dungeon. Although Salvador hadn't issued an official edict yet, Rafael believed Tiberius couldn't escape a death sentence—it was just a matter of how he would die.

Thomas, who was on leave due to his upcoming wedding, visited Hell Monarch Estate that evening.

The Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team had not disbanded, and their network of communication remained intact. Thus, Thomas was well-informed of the situation outside the capital.

Rafael's greatest fear, however, wasn't just Oliver's disregard for his subordinates—it was the man's potential fear when facing the ferocity of the Sandorian forces. If Oliver faltered, how could the Southern Frontier Army find the resolve to fight?

Noticing the troubled look on Thomas' face, Rafael tried to reassure him, "Your big day is coming soon, so don't worry about the Southern Frontier for now. General Timothy and General Louis are there. The Southern Frontier will hold strong."

Thomas sighed deeply. "It'll hold, yes, but I fear the fighting may drag on too long and the casualties will be heavy. The people of the Southern Frontier have just started to live in peace after years of suffering. And now, war looms once again..."

His voice faltered as a painful weight settled in his chest. So many soldiers' spirits had been lost in that land, their bodies buried deep within the soil. After all the bloodshed and hardship, they had finally managed to find a fragile peace.

And now, war was coming once more. When would the people's suffering end?

"Forget it. I sound like a gossiping old woman, constantly speaking ill of others," said Thomas, pressing his palm to his forehead. "Perhaps, when the battle truly begins, Marshal Prince won't be so indulgent. After all these years stationed at the Southern Frontier, I'm sure he must feel some attachment to the land and its people."

Convincing himself to trust Oliver was no easy task. But for now, Salvador had yet to issue any orders. Once the Sandorian army arrived at the border, it would be too late to send a general to the frontlines.