Chapter 167
Rafael had secluded himself, refusing visitors for several days. Many would-be guests had come knocking, but he was unwilling to see any of them.
When he left the palace, he abandoned his usual cheerful demeanor around his elder brother. He understood the meaning behind the royal edict: Carissa must marry within three months, or she would enter the palace as a concubine. Salvador was forcing him to choose.
The jests and scoldings exchanged in the palace study weren't idle chatter; each word carried hidden intentions. Whether Carissa entered the palace was of no real concern to Salvador; it was a matter of showcasing his power—allowing her freedom or summoning her was simply a matter of issuing an edict.
Years earlier, Salvador had known of Rafael's feelings for Carissa. Before Rafael departed for the Southern Frontier battlefield, he had approached Melanie, asking her to delay Carissa's marriage. He promised to present the victory in the Southern Frontier as a dowry.
Salvador was aware of this promise. Now that the conflict in the Southern Frontier was over, Salvador expected him to marry Carissa.
The facade of brotherly affection and respect was clear, at least superficially. However, a crucial remark made in the palace study held a deeper meaning. It was suggested that Carissa's marriage to any noble family could threaten the kingdom's military power.
That statement was aimed directly at Rafael. If he wished to marry Carissa, he would have to relinquish his military command, surrender the Hell Monarch Army, and cease being its commander.
Salvador had always been wary of him. When the situation in the Southern Frontier became dire, Salvador hesitated to send him and the Hell Monarch Army to support the region. Salvador hoped Hector would recapture the Southern Frontier as he had before and resist Sandoria's resurgence.
However, the war had dragged on. The kingdom was depleted—food, weapons, and warm clothing were all in short supply. Despite their best efforts, Hector and his forces could not hold out much longer without reinforcements.
Only after Hector and his sons sacrificed their lives did Salvador agree to deploy Rafael and the Hell Monarch Army to the Southern Frontier, giving Rafael command of all military forces there. Could Salvador not have been wary of him?
The Hell Monarch Army was Rafael's creation. Before their father's death, he had been granted the medal of command for the Hell Monarch Army, an honor that could never be revoked. Now, the Mystic Army comprised soldiers from the Hell Monarch Army and some soldiers Hector had trained. Though Rafael held the title of commander, the king could still mobilize them—a concession Rafael made to the king.
Since childhood, Salvador had treated him well. The position of crown prince was decided early on, without dissent. Salvador was indeed an exceptional heir apparent—well-versed in both civil and military matters, experienced on the battlefield, and meticulously guided by the royal chancellor.
However, being crown prince was vastly different from being king. While Salvador's outward attitude remained unchanged, and he showed Rafael continued affection, the underlying wariness had been evident for the past three or four years.
"Your Highness, have some tea and take a break," Steward Luke said, entering the study with a servant carrying a pot.
Rafael nodded slightly. "Set it down. Where's Jacob now?"
Luke replied, "Mr. York and Deputy Ziegler have gone to the military camp. The king is rewarding the troops, and they are assisting the Ministry of Defense with their duties and helping to handle compensation for the fallen soldiers."
Luke set down the pot and cups and dismissed the servant, leaving himself to attend to Rafael.
Rafael was dressed in white, his dark hair tied back. His eyes still carried the fierce aura of someone recently returned from the battlefield; the killing intent embedded in his bones had not yet faded. Yet his brow was furrowed, showing clear distress.
He didn't avoid discussing matters with his trusted aides, so Luke was also aware of the royal edict and knew of Rafael's earlier proposal to Melanie regarding Carissa.
"Have you made any decisions, Your Highness?" Luke asked softly.
Rafael replied with a hint of bitterness, "There's nothing to consider. The war is over, and I was expected to relinquish my military command anyway. Still, my brother's approach is unsettling."
Rafael had no ambitions for the throne, but holding significant military power always made Salvador uneasy. Relinquishing command of the Hell Monarch Army and the medal of command bestowed by their father could be accomplished with a single word from him. There was no need for such a devious method.
It left Rafael feeling as if he had a lump in his throat. He was unable to speak or swallow, and he felt deeply upset for Carissa.