Chapter 1284  Chester carried out the bandit suppression with precision and order.  +25 BON  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.  +25 BONUS  Chapter 1284  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.  The officials in the Ministry of Defense all agreed with him, each of them speaking in favor of the suggestion.  For an hour, their discussions continued, with the king’s growing impatience becoming more apparent. What he had hoped to hear today were voices supporting his decision, but instead, every recommendation pointed to Rafael.  Salvador’s tone turned cold as he finally said, “The Southern Frontier Army already has a commander. I wasn’t aware the Ministry of Defense held such little regard for Marshal Prince. If that is the case, why didn’t any of you object when I assigned him to the Southern Frontier in the first place?”  “Your Majesty, it is not that we doubt Marshal Prince’s abilities. The issue lies in Sandoria’s overwhelming aggression this time, coupled with their apparent collusion with the traitors. This situation demands swift and decisive action. We cannot afford to let the war escalate and allow the conflict to stretch out further,” Davis replied.  Salvador’s expression hardened. “If a major battle is upon us, then it is all the more reason to avoid replacing commanders at such a critical moment. There is no precedent for such a reckless move before a battle. This matter is no longer open for discussion. You are all dismissed!”  Davis opened his mouth to protest again, but the newly appointed Ministry of Defense deputy minister, Steven Quinton, subtly tugged at his sleeve, signaling him to back down.  Reluctantly, Davis lowered his head and said, “Yes, Your Majesty. We will take our leave.” Outside the palace, Davis made his way to Jeremiah’s residence to meet with him.  After hearing Davis‘ account, Jeremiah let out a soft, bitter chuckle and said, “I’ve already sought an audience with His Majesty on this matter, but he has refused to see me. It’s clear he does not want me involved in this discussion.”  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  2/3  +25 BONUS  Chapter 1284  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.”