Chapter 1307

With the royal edict in hand, Carissa replied, “Your Majesty, Prince Rafael suffered no serious illness. After misleading Mr. Lester and Mr. Walker, he bypassed Meadow Ridge and proceeded directly to the Southern Frontier.”

Salvador’s brow furrowed. This was a significant concern.

“So, you were both aware of the situation in the Southern Frontier beforehand?”

Carissa shook her head. “No, he was unaware of Prince [Name]'s desertion. He went out of concern.”

She stepped closer. “He was concerned for his comrades in the Southern Frontier, those soldiers who, together, expelled the Sandorian forces from Simonton City. They risked their lives, fought bloody battles, and some even perished, all for the common goal of reclaiming the Southern Frontier. His Highness relinquished command with pride after its liberation. But now, with the Sandorians returning and suspicions of treachery within our kingdom, how could he trust someone who hasn't seen battle in years and indulges in leisure to lead as marshal?”

Carissa paused. “He felt the people of the Southern Frontier could not endure a prolonged war; they needed a swift resolution. Prince [Name]'s inexperience and arrogance risked disastrous decisions—decisions costing countless lives. His Highness stated that Prince [Name]'s presence in the Southern Frontier was the sole reason for his own journey.”

Salvador’s eyes flickered. She had struck at the heart of the matter: his misplaced trust.

Carissa noted his reaction. Her voice sharpened. “The truth is, Prince [Name] is useless—cowardly, incompetent, and malicious. His desertion has undermined army morale. And Your Majesty, you bear some of the blame.”

Salvador’s face contorted as if tasting bitterness.

“His Highness did not seek permission because he knew you would refuse. You doubt, suspect him, not out of ambition, but simply because he is capable of leading troops and enjoys popular support. Frankly, his crime is competence.”

She took another step forward, resolute, as if ready to risk all.

“Your Majesty, call my words insolent, accuse me of dishonoring the throne—I will still say this: you have never truly trusted him. Even with his heart laid bare, you would believe him to harbor ill intentions. His journey to the Southern Frontier was, in essence, your doing. Don’t we know the consequences? As a prince, he entered a warzone without your command, a grave offense. If he succeeds, his victory is yours; if he fails, his life is forfeit. He risked everything because of you. If you believe his motives selfish, then I have nothing more to add.

That is all, Your Majesty. I apologize for my impertinence.”

Carissa’s gaze remained unwavering, meeting Salvador’s darkened eyes with steadfast resolve.

Salvador studied her indignant face. His stormy mood inexplicably lightened. Anyone speaking so frankly could only be sincere. Rafael, however, remained elusive, obscured by a fog he couldn't penetrate. Carissa, though, was like her father—steadfast and loyal. Of that, Salvador was certain.

Suppressing his turmoil, Salvador found himself not angry, but smiling, almost teasingly.

“So, upon hearing of Prince [Name]'s desertion, you sought an edict from me, as if he were acting under orders rather than infiltrating the battlefield. I suppose I cannot now discredit his achievements, can I?”

Carissa had braced for his anger. Knowing Salvador, such boldness would surely provoke his wrath. He was a king who brooked no challenge to his authority.

But the expected fury never erupted. Instead, he spoke in a tone resembling that of a teasing elder brother. A deep ache filled her heart; she felt no happiness.

If only he could speak to Rafael thus—openly, without suspicion.

Her eyes stung with unshed tears, but she quickly composed herself. “Your Majesty, I believe you have wronged him. He deserves, at minimum, your trust.”

Salvador observed her, a mix of inexpressible emotions swirling within him.

After a long pause, he said simply, “He does deserve my trust. You misunderstood me. I never doubted him. Mr. Lloyd suggested replacing Prince [Name] in the Southern Border, but I disagreed. It wasn’t distrust; Prince Yuvan's rebellion remains unresolved, and those behind him are still at large. He is still investigating for me…”

He paused, then directly acknowledged his error.

“It is true. I made a mistake. I placed my faith in Prince [Name], causing the Southern Frontier situation to deteriorate. Fortunately, my brother's foresight salvaged the situation.”

These words effectively pardoned Rafael for his unauthorized actions and acknowledged his understanding of the political dynamics.

Carissa still felt no happiness.

A ruler and his loyal subject, a brother and his sibling—such a bond should be beautiful. Together, they would be unstoppable.

Yet, they were divided by suspicion and misunderstanding, a chasm created by Salvador where none should exist.

Still, the lack of punishment for her audacity offered a small comfort.