Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 437

Sure enough, within a few days, the rumors about Aurora ceased to spread.

The storytellers in coffeehouses and taverns had quickly changed their tune. They now claimed that while Starhaven soldiers had indeed been captured at the Southern Frontier battle, Starhaven's army had also taken many Sandorian soldiers as prisoners. In the end, both sides exchanged their prisoners, and there were no instances of mistreatment or abuse of the captives.

To outsiders, it might seem like a minor issue. However, those sensitive to the situation could sense that something was off.

The general populace was unaware that Westhaven soldiers had also been sent to assist Sandoria on the battlefield—such military matters were kept confidential. Even if a few knew, it was a minority, and the information would not spread widely unless someone intentionally spread it.

Meanwhile, Rafael's household army had been established, including over two hundred men from the Hell Monarch Army, whom Rafael had recovered from the king. These men had originally been Rafale's personal guards and hadn't received the court's rations, so Salvador granted his approval. And anyway, the two hundred or so men were not considered a significant number.

Additionally, there were over a hundred men from the Sinclair family's army. These hundred or so men had once been personal guards to Carissa's father, Hector, and had been gathered back into service.

Jacob and Travis gathered more people and, along with the men already in the estate, assembled a force of five hundred troops.

The quarters for the household soldiers had been established in the open space of the estate, a significant distance away from the main house and the rear courtyard. The patrols and defenses within the estate were organized by Travis.

Apart from the household soldiers on daily duty, all others were required to undergo training with Travis. While referred to as training, it was actually a martial arts instruction. Most of these men had been to battle, but experience in combat did not necessarily mean proficiency in martial arts.

Though five hundred men were not many, they could become elite troops if properly trained, and thus could alleviate immediate difficulties.

As Carissa began taking charge of the household affairs, Luke summoned the heads of various estates and shopkeepers to Hell Monarch Estate to meet the princess consort. From now on, they would be under her management.

Carissa didn’t just go through the motions; she asked each person detailed questions. It was clear that Jacob and Luke had chosen their staff well—all of them were skilled and respectful.

After the inquiries, she rewarded them with gifts and instructed them to manage their affairs diligently, promising them rewards at the end of the year. The estate managers and shopkeepers saluted in thanks before streaming out one after another.