Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1302

The urgent sealed report stated that Oliver had abandoned his post before the battle. Rumors were spreading like wildfire across the Southern Frontier, shaking the troops' morale. Desertions had begun, and even the soldiers who were originally stationed in the Southern Frontier were showing signs of unease and retreat.

Louis reported these things in the urgent sealed report, requesting the court to appoint a commander who could stabilize the situation. Without strong leadership, the loss of the Southern Frontier would not be an exaggeration.

Salvador's face darkened as he scanned the room.

"Nominate a general to take command at the Southern Frontier," he ordered coldly.

The gathered officials exchanged hesitant glances.

Aside from the Hell Monarch, only one other candidate had the reputation to command such a critical campaign—Dominic Sullivan.

Unfortunately, Dominic had been stripped of his rank.

As for the remaining generals—whether it was the aging Tyler, the young Thomas, or the once-reliable Joseph Carter—none of them had the presence or authority to stabilize the chaos at the Southern Frontier or rally the troops' broken morale.

The Hell Monarch was the obvious choice, but reports of his sudden illness complicated matters. Could someone in frail health withstand the strain of the battlefield? And with the Sandorians already at the gates, there was no time to waste. A commander needed to depart immediately. The Hell Monarch's condition was too precarious for such a role.

Even if Dominic were reinstated and ordered to ride from Victory Pass to the Southern Frontier at full speed, it would take no less than half a month for him to arrive, even with the fastest horses. Time was a luxury they didn't have. Besides, he was now advanced in years.

Aside from these two, who else could possibly take on such a monumental task?

There was another option, one that a few officials dared to consider but no one dared to voice.

Their gazes shifted briefly toward Salvador.

The king leading an army into battle would undoubtedly restore morale and rally the troops, but the risk was unfathomable. If something happened to him on the battlefield, the one who had suggested it would bear the weight of a crime too grave to imagine.

The tension lingered until Jeremiah broke the silence, steady as ever. "How is the Hell Monarch's condition? Has there been any improvement in his health?"

Salvador's eyes darkened. His voice was clipped as he replied, "He has gone to Meadow Ridge to recuperate."

No one had been aware of this. They had all assumed Rafael was recovering at his estate. Salvador's statement caught them off guard, leaving the officials momentarily stunned.

"He was able to travel to Meadow Ridge? Does that mean his condition has improved?" Malcolm ventured cautiously, his tone probing. He couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in Salvador's expression moments ago.