Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1319

A bowl of chicken noodle soup was placed before Rafael, but it was nowhere near enough to fill the emptiness in his stomach.

Louis mentioned that he had ordered roasted lamb and skewers, and that there was no shortage of rich food now. It was nothing like the days when the Southern Frontier was struggling. Even the common folk could afford meat these days.

Rafael shakily picked up the bowl and drank the soup in one go. The broth was salty, and he followed it with a whole jug of water. Slumping into his chair, he felt his strength gradually returning, though there was still an odd sensation, as if he were still bouncing on horseback.

The faces around him seemed to blur and retreat. He had to focus to make out their features.

Alec's voice cracked with emotion. "Your Highness, you look utterly exhausted."

Rafael rubbed his cheek. "Have the medic give me needle treatment for my face. It feels like it's been blown off-kilter."

Everyone took a closer look and indeed noticed that Rafael's face was slightly askew.

Louis spoke up. "Marshal Sanford, you haven't rested the entire way at all, have you?"

"There was no time," Rafael said, then revealed a shocking truth. "I feigned illness first, then secretly came to the battlefield. All this time..."

He sheepishly pulled out a handful of medicine, holding his head low in a way that almost looked embarrassed.

"Actually, I wasn't feigning illness. I was really sick. I've had to take these medicines along the way, and sometimes I forget. I have to take them again, or else Commander Sinclair will have my head."

The others exchanged concerned glances but didn't press further. Instead, they immediately sent for the military physician. Rafael's health came first. They could discuss what came after later.

Brandon checked Rafael's pulse. Upon feeling it, he let out a deep sigh. "How did you get in such a depleted state?"

"Is it serious?" Timothy asked urgently.

Brandon remained silent for a moment, but Rafael waved his hand dismissively. "It's nothing. A little rest, and it'll be fine."

But Brandon's face turned grave. "The body can be gradually restored with care, but this depletion of your vital energy—I'm afraid it won't be so easily fixed. You may struggle in certain...intimate matters going forward, Your Highness."

Rafael gripped the armrest tightly, his eyes widening. "It's that serious?"

Brandon looked at Rafael's young, handsome face and sighed. "Alas, your body needs rest, yet you've been riding day after day without pause. You've neglected your restorative medicines, and the prolonged sitting in one place has caused heat to build up. Naturally, it's affected...that part of you."