Salvador examined the medal of command presented by Derek with an inscrutable expression.
After a moment, he retrieved the other half of the Sinclair Army’s medal of command, aligning it with the one Rafael had handed.
The Hell Monarch Army’s medal of command was now complete. Their father had given it to Rafael before, allowing him to command the Hell Monarch Army indefinitely to defend the nation.
Rafael didn’t have to surrender it.
Salvador traced the edges of the Hell Monarch Army medal of command 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 used to be. “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 met 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 on 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 as he took a seat. “I had planned to wait until the matters of the rewards and compensations were settled, then surrender my military command and gradually develop a relationship with her. However, with your edict, I fear she might be taken away.”
Salvador forced himself to smile.
“Yes, this was also the intention of me and my mother. 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 with courage and strategy. She led a successful siege on her first battlefield, and has done so twice, with 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 any ulterior motives. Salvador had made things more complicated than
necessary.
Salvador smiled on the surface; 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 Row chese But now that Rafel had chosen Carissa and
reliquished he miltan command without hesitation, there was an
WRX his heart
TOS Wnt deer in de 3icture, would Rafael have
automatically surrendered his military command after completing The rewards and comperstiors’
UÐ 10Hˆditious, and redaiming the Southern Frontier was part of that ambition. Whether there would be othe. ambitions as time
Went On Was ncertain
With the military command surrendered and no more concerns, the two brothers could continue to maintain a harmonious and respectful reletorship.
As for Carisse
Salvador recalled her calm demeanor when she had come to the palace seeking a divorce edict. She had been as 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 Sandoria soldiers in the Southern Frontier. Her face had been flushed red 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.
90
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, Salvad 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.”