Chapter 1306

There was no morning court the following day. Salvador, unrestful from the previous night, summoned the officials to continue discussing the Southern Frontier situation. No one offered a solution beyond suggesting his personal involvement in the campaign. The recommended commanders were, frankly, unsuitable.

Deeply worried and furious, Salvador vented his frustration. “The court is full of capable people, yet none are helpful when it matters! You all benefit from my support but never consider my problems. What good are you?”

The entire court, civil and military officials alike, remained silent, feeling helpless. What else could they offer? Salvador constantly urged the promotion of younger officers, yet overlooked those within the Hell Monarch Army and the Sinclair Army. Instead, he promoted Oliver, a man long absent from the battlefield, ignoring anyone from Louis' group.

Salvador's eyes grew colder as he thought of Oliver, a man he had personally elevated. His fury intensified. “Lord Klein!” he barked. “Take men to raid Silverstone Estate! As for Oliver's family, lock them in the Astral Prison. Handle them as you see fit afterward.”

Anthony stepped forward, bowing. “I shall carry out your orders, Your Majesty!”

After receiving the order, Anthony departed, watched with envious eyes. As the court ministers exchanged furtive glances, Salvador's rage escalated. The silence was suffocating, until the doors burst open.

Derek rushed in, breathless. “Your Majesty,” he said urgently, “Commander Sinclair requests an audience!”

Salvador, about to shout, swallowed his anger. His eyes shifted slightly. “Ask her what she wants. Tell her I’m in a meeting with officials discussing military matters.” He wanted Derek to ascertain whether Carissa wished a private audience or to address the court.

Derek replied, “Commander Sinclair said she’s heard of the matter and wishes to join the discussion.”

Salvador’s instincts told him Carissa was here regarding Rafael’s whereabouts. But could she reveal this before the court? Knowing her cleverness, he decided to observe how she’d manipulate the truth.

“Let her in,” Salvador ordered.

Carissa entered under the officials’ eager gaze. Keeping her eyes straight ahead, she knelt. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

“Rise,” Salvador commanded, his eyes scanning her. She showed no trace of guilt, the same composure she displayed when lying previously.

Yet, Carissa remained kneeling, her voice strong. “Your Majesty, I request permission for my husband, Prince Rafael, to join the Southern Frontier campaign. He is recovering at Meadow Ridge. Upon hearing of Mr. Prince’s desertion, he immediately sent word, asking me to seek your royal edict. Upon receiving it, he will depart immediately.”

Many people sighed in relief.

Salvador fixed his gaze on her. The confidence in her words bordered on arrogance. Then he smiled, his laughter unexpectedly warm. “As expected of my wonderful brother—the Hell Monarch of Starhaven! Come, prepare the edict!”

The edict was prepared swiftly. Within moments, it was in Carissa’s hands. She accepted it composedly. “I believe His Highness will not fail to fulfill your command, Your Majesty.”

The court exhaled in unison, a weight lifting from their shoulders. Even though the Hell Monarch was recovering, his presence on the Southern Frontier would rally the troops and stabilize the situation.

Salvador looked at Carissa. “Stay a moment, Commander Sinclair. I have a few things to discuss with you. The rest of you may leave.” His feelings were complicated, but he was relieved, even surprised, that Rafael had truly gone to the Southern Frontier.

The court officials departed, their tense faces now relaxed. Derek remained, troubled by Salvador’s earlier musings. He couldn’t shake his unease.

“You leave as well,” Salvador ordered.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Derek said respectfully, exiting.

The vast hall was empty, save for Salvador and Carissa.

“Carissa,” Salvador said softly, his expression warm. “I must ask you to answer truthfully. Do not withhold anything from me.”

Carissa nodded. “Of course, Your Majesty, feel free to ask.”

“He never had any heart ailment, did he?” Salvador asked.

Carissa had no intention of hiding the truth. In fact, there was much she wished to reveal.