Chapter 703

Derek lowered his head, his expression shifting slightly. However, he respectfully replied, “I’ve heard of it, but didn’t think much of it. The Hell Monarch received your sacred order to proceed to the Southern Frontier battlefield. He fulfilled your expectations and successfully reclaimed the Southern Frontier.

“He deserves credit, and you have acknowledged his merits before the kingdom's people. I believe the Hell Monarch acted as a loyal subject. But rulers always take precedence in historical accounts of great achievements.”

Salvador chuckled. “You’re always playing little tricks on me, Derek. I’m not that petty, and I’m not afraid of someone with great merit. I’m just puzzled. If the people wanted to build a shrine to honor the Hell Monarch, why didn't they propose it when he first returned to the capital after reclaiming the Southern Frontier? That's when their emotions were at their peak.”

He picked up his cup, a thoughtful gaze upon his face. “Also, I recall many scholars from various places were already writing articles praising him then. Why is there another wave of such articles now? Are they the same people?”

Derek breathed a sigh of relief and forced a smile. “I wasn’t playing tricks, Your Majesty. I simply couldn’t see things clearly and didn’t dare voice my opinions. As you said, if they wanted to build a shrine for the Hell Monarch, they should have proposed it immediately after the Southern Frontier was reclaimed. Now that the excitement has faded, the common people are more concerned with their livelihood. Why would they suddenly make such a fuss?”

Salvador picked up a red quill and reviewed the reports before him. Seeing that Derek had nothing more to say, he remained silent.

In truth, when Salvador heard about the commotion regarding a shrine for the Hell Monarch, he felt uneasy and sent someone to investigate. He wanted to know who started the uproar and whether it was connected to Rafael.

The investigation revealed that Rafael and his household had taken it lightly. When someone showed Rafael the praising articles, he simply laughed and said, “The recovery of the Southern Frontier began with the late king’s determination, followed by the current king’s meticulous planning. Because of their actions, we managed to reclaim our kingdom’s territory. How can it be considered my achievement? Besides, regarding military achievements on the Southern Frontier battlefield, who deserves more credit than the Duke of Northwatch?”

Jeremiah relayed Rafael’s remark to Salvador. The king smiled all day.

Additionally, Salvador received information that ordinary people also praised him greatly, and weren’t solely focused on Rafael.

Now, Rafael’s household had sent Janice back to the Royal Management Department for interrogation. With Heather and Eleanor’s names mentioned during the questioning, Salvador became more cautious.

“By the way, today is the Emberfest Festival,” Salvador said, looking up and setting down his quill. “I’ve heard that Aunt Eleanor invites high priests every year to pray for departed souls and accumulate blessings for their peace. Several noble ladies also attend, right?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Derek replied respectfully. “That’s been the custom. However, I haven’t heard anything yet for this year.”

Salvador chuckled. “Aunt Eleanor has such a compassionate heart. She deserves praise. Instruct the kitchen staff to prepare vegetarian meals and fresh fruits as offerings in my mother’s name to honor the lonely souls.”

Derek nodded, then asked, “Should we keep this matter…”

Salvador understood Derek’s hesitation. He waved his hand dismissively.

“No need for subtlety. Since it’s a noble act, making a grand occasion of it is fine. It will also encourage others to follow Aunt Eleanor’s compassionate example. Go now, and ensure everything is prepared.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll attend to it immediately,” Derek responded.

Derek acted swiftly and efficiently, spreading the word throughout the palace. Soon, the concubines followed suit, sending scriptures and food offerings.

Many noble families also heard about it and sent letters to Eleanor, asking to join her that night to pray for the departed souls.

This irritated Eleanor. She intended to foster good relations with the noble ladies. A large gathering would be chaotic. Most who wrote didn’t even know the proper prayer procedures.

If the noble ladies saw these people, they might suspect Eleanor’s motives.

What troubled Eleanor was Victoria’s unexpected sending of vegetarian meals and fresh fruits as offerings. Victoria rarely interfered in Harmony Palace affairs.

Eleanor was busy preparing for the evening and welcoming the high priests Henry had invited. She didn’t know Janice had been sent back to the palace for questioning, or that Daniel’s family situation had been escalated to the authorities.

Chapter 704