Chapter 556

Thomas watched Oliver's retreating figure, unsure whether the man genuinely didn't recognize him, hadn't heard the others calling his name, or was deliberately pretending not to know him. He dismissed the matter. Jacob was right; it was best to let it go. The most pressing issue was Lawrence's condition.

After the military physician's examination, his expression grew grave. He asked Rafael to show him the medicine pills they had given Lawrence. He then said, "Thanks to this medicine pill, he's still alive."

The military possessed excellent wound medicine. But after completing his examination, the physician shook his head and asked Rafael to step outside.

"Marsh—I mean, Your Highness," he said, "I've done everything possible. At best, I can stabilize him for a week or more, but I can't promise anything. His body is in terrible shape. There isn't a single patch of healthy skin, and the infection is spreading. If you hadn't given him those top-tier pills, he wouldn't have lasted this long."

"I still have some pills. If he continues taking them, could it extend his life by a month?"

The physician shook his head. "No. This medicine protects the heart and vessels. It's fortunate it's lasted this long, but extending his life for a month is impossible."

Rafael frowned. "You will accompany him back to the capital. I will inform Marshal Prince."

The military physician wiped away tears. "Alright. It's truly difficult for him, and I admire his willpower. His determination is strong. He must be thinking of his family and is unwilling to give up. Most people wouldn't have endured his suffering."

Hearing this, Rafael felt a sharp pang in his heart. He had spent the past few years fighting battles on the Southern Frontier, facing death repeatedly, especially in the earlier, brutally intense skirmishes. But back then, he had something to fight for—Melanie's promise to betroth Carissa to him. No matter what, he would return alive to marry the woman he loved. That belief sustained him.

After asking the physician to do his best, Rafael sought out Tobias and the others. "Over these years, who has Lawrence mentioned most? Who does he miss most?"

Tobias replied, "He definitely misses his parents. He also often talks about his wife with a smile. He once told me they made a list of things they wanted to do in this lifetime. He always said a man's word is worth a thousand gold coins. But now, for the sake of reclaiming the Southern Frontier, he might break that promise. He's doing right by his kingdom, but he'll probably let his wife down."

Tobias crouched down, covering his face with his hands. After the physician's assessment, a heavy weight settled on everyone. They had hoped Lawrence would recover in Simonton City with access to a military physician, but the situation was far more dire than anticipated.

Rafael's eyes reddened. He quickly wrote a letter to Carissa and sent it via carrier pigeon, instructing her to immediately bring Lawrence's wife and Sebastian to the Southern Frontier. They were to meet in Westglade; speed was essential.

Rafael had brought the carrier pigeon from the capital for urgent communication. Everett also had pigeons, but only Sebastian and Lawrence's wife could provide immediate help. Sebastian would handle medical treatment, and Lawrence's wife's presence might bolster his will to survive. Sometimes, sheer willpower could overcome everything. If things didn't work out, Lawrence and his wife would at least see each other one last time.

There was no other option. The carrier pigeon could cover a thousand miles a day, so Rafael hoped Carissa would leave soon. Meanwhile, they needed to be ready.

He suggested Thomas stay behind to recuperate and return to the capital later. However, Thomas insisted on accompanying Lawrence. "We've been through thick and thin together for years. I won't abandon him now," Thomas said, his voice firm, his eyes reddened.

Felix, his voice choked with emotion, added, "We will stay with him. Please permit us, Your Highness."

Felix was injured, but not severely. Louis was reluctant to let him travel while wounded, preferring he recover before the long journey. After all, Lawrence would likely need further treatment in Westglade.

"Very well, we'll go together," Rafael nodded.

However, no one felt any joy. Returning to Simonton City had been exhilarating, but the physician's grim prognosis erased their smiles. They couldn't bring themselves to feel happy.