Chapter 175

Salvador examined the medal of command Derek had presented, his expression inscrutable. After a moment, he retrieved the other half of the Sinclair Army’s medal of command, aligning it with the one Rafael had given him. The Hell Monarch Army’s medal of command was now complete. Their father had previously given it to Rafael, allowing him to command the army indefinitely to defend the nation. Rafael didn't have to surrender it.

Salvador traced the edges of the medal with his fingers, feeling a peculiar sensation from the unfamiliar engravings. “Carissa agreed?” he asked, almost incredulously.

“Yes, she has,” Rafael replied with evident joy, as though he were still the naive younger brother he once was. “Before I set out for the campaign, I went to propose to her. I never expected Melanie to marry her to Barrett. Even more unexpected, she has returned to me after all that happened.”

Rafael looked up, his smile radiating sweetness. “Naturally, I must thank you for your support. I know that your three-month deadline was to give me a chance.”

Salvador’s inscrutable demeanor softened, and he smiled warmly. “If I didn’t push you a little, would you have let her slip away again? I know your nature—having failed to propose before, you now plan to cultivate your feelings slowly. But a woman’s youth can’t be wasted, and her family has a title to inherit.”

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Rafael’s face. “I admit, I was hesitant.”

Salvador was silent for a moment, studying him. “Is Carissa truly that important to you?”

“Your Majesty, I have admired her for a long time. You know this well,” Rafael replied, taking a seat. “I had planned to wait until the matters of rewards and compensations were settled, then surrender my military command and gradually develop a relationship with her. However, with your edict, I feared she might be taken away.”

Salvador forced a smile. “Yes, this was also the intention of my mother and me. We wanted to nudge you into proposing. Otherwise, Carissa might have been married off to someone else. She’s highly sought after now. She has inherited the Sinclair family’s military prowess, displaying courage and strategic skill. She led a successful siege in her first battle, and has done so twice more, demonstrating formidable martial skills and the ability to command troops. My foolish brother, you’ve found a treasure,” he said.

Rafael smiled warmly and happily. “Indeed, I have found a treasure. My admiration for her began when she was at Meadow Ridge. Her capabilities in battle and siege were never my concern.”

Salvador nodded. “Indeed!”

It was true that Rafael had admired Carissa long before, without ulterior motives. Salvador had made things more complicated than necessary. Salvador smiled outwardly; deep down, however, he felt a pang of regret. He had previously thought that whatever choice his younger brother made, he would gain something from it. So, it didn’t matter which path he chose. But now that Rafael had chosen Carissa and relinquished his military command without hesitation, there was a pang in his heart. What if, in the picture, would Rafael have automatically surrendered his military command after completing the rewards and compensations? His ambition was audacious, and reclaiming the Southern Frontier was part of that ambition. Whether there would be other ambitions as time went on was uncertain.

With the military command surrendered and no more concerns, the two brothers could continue to maintain a harmonious and respectful relationship.

As for Carissa… Salvador recalled her calm demeanor when she had come to the palace seeking a divorce edict. She had been serene and unaffected by the turmoil. The second time, she had entered the palace to discuss the Victory Pass battle and the Westhaven people masquerading as Sandorian soldiers in the Southern Frontier. Her face had been flushed with urgency, and her eyes burning with anxiety. At the time, Salvador had doubted her sincerity, thinking she was merely meddling out of personal emotions. Now, looking back, it was clear personal matters held no sway over her. Her calm demeanor during the divorce request contrasted sharply with her genuine emotions when dealing with major military concerns.

Salvador sighed inwardly. A woman like her was unforgettable, even if she had been married once.

For a fleeting moment, he had hoped Rafael would choose to retain his military power and disregard Carissa. But now… Perhaps it was fine this way.

After a few moments of contemplation, Salvador looked up and asked, “Do you need me to grant you a marriage edict?”

Rafael leaned back in his chair, looking as if he had shed a heavy burden, appearing carefree and relaxed. “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. A marriage edict is too formal. Carissa has been married once before, and I don’t want her to be in the spotlight.”

Salvador nodded slightly. “You should also consider how to explain this to your mother.”

Rafael’s gaze grew serious. “I will be straightforward with her.”