Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
The places Rafael mentioned were already under Chester’s surveillance. He had already scouted and set up defensive measures quietly. As soon as any signs of unrest emerged, his forces swiftly moved in. Though they hadn’t achieved complete control yet, the mountain bandits had been forced into hiding, too scared to come down and cause further trouble.
Meanwhile, Salvador received Louis’ urgent report, confirming that Sandoria’s army was indeed marching towards the border. The report estimated their numbers at 250,000, still led by Victor.
Salvador convened the officials from the Ministry of Defense, demanding an evaluation of the Southern Frontier’s ability to repel such a massive force.
Davis felt that Salvador’s question was wrong, because whether they could win and whether they could win quickly were two different things.
“The Southern Frontier has endured years of war and unrest. While the land can bear the scars, its people cannot. If we really have to fight, it’s best to strike quickly and retreat. Otherwise, the Sandorian army will be like locusts, returning year after year to harass us. Such a situation will harm the long-term peace of the Southern Frontier,” said Davis.
Salvador frowned. “Are you suggesting the combined forces of the Devin Army and Hell Monarch Army cannot swiftly repel them?”
“Your Majesty, there’s no such thing as the Devin Army or the Hell Monarch Army anymore. They’re all part of the Southern Frontier Army now.”
Davis made it a point to clarify so that Salvador wouldn’t think the Devin family or the Hell Monarch could still command the army. But to the king, that distinction didn’t matter.
If the war at the Southern Frontier dragged on, and Rafael handed over military power after six or seven years, then he wouldn’t worry.
But now?
Oliver’s failure to command the respect of the troops made it evident that regardless of the name the army bore, it was still Rafael who held their loyalty. Sending him back to the Southern Frontier would effectively mean giving him military control back.
Now that Yuvan had already rebelled, those behind him were waiting for the right moment. If they were to lose control of the Southern Frontier now, Rafael could easily use the same justification Yuvan had that the kingdom was vulnerable and turn his forces against Salvador.
No one would be able to stop him.
It was too great a risk, so Salvador wasn’t willing to let Rafael return to the Southern Frontier battlefield. “Your Majesty, the Hell Monarch’s reputation is already a weapon in itself. The Sandorian soldiers fear him. They know his strength and dread the prospect of facing him in battle. If he leads the charge, this war will be swift and we’ll minimize casualties,” Davis persisted, determined to make his case. The officials in the Ministry of Defense all agreed with him, each of them speaking in favor of the suggestion.
For an hour, their discussions continued, with the king’s growing impatience becoming more apparent. What he had hoped to hear today were voices supporting his decision, but instead, every recommendation pointed to Rafael.
Salvador’s tone turned cold as he finally said, “The Southern Frontier Army already has a commander. I wasn’t aware the Ministry f Defense held such little regard for Marshal Prince. If that is the case, why didn’t any of you object when I assigned him to the Southern Frontier in the first place?”
“Your Majesty, it is not that we doubt Marshal Prince’s abilities. The issue lies in Sandoria’s overwhelming aggression this time, coupled with their apparent collusion with the traitors. This situation demands swift and decisive action. We cannot afford to let the war escalate and allow the conflict to stretch out further,” Davis replied.
Salvador’s expression hardened. “If a major battle is upon us, then it is all the more reason to avoid replacing commanders at such a critical moment. There is no precedent for such a reckless move before a battle. This matter is no longer open for discussion. You are all dismissed!”
Davis opened his mouth to protest again, but the newly appointed Ministry of Defense deputy minister, Steven Quinton, subtly tugged at his sleeve, signaling him to back down.
Reluctantly, Davis lowered his head and said, “Yes, Your Majesty. We will take our leave.”
Outside the palace, Davis made his way to Jeremiah’s residence to meet with him.
After hearing Davis’ account, Jeremiah let out a soft, bitter chuckle and said, “I’ve already sought an audience with His Majesty on this matter, but he has refused to see me. It’s clear he does not want me involved in this discussion.”
Davis stared at him, incredulous. “But you are the prime minister! How can you not have a say in matters of such national importance?”
The power of the prime minister was immense, after all!
Jeremiah rose from his seat, his hands clasped behind his back as he walked to the window. His smile held a trace of resignation.
“No matter how great the power of the prime minister, it cannot surpass royal authority. His Majesty no longer needs me as a pillar of support his rule is secure, and my influence is not what it once was,” said Jeremiah.
Davis clenched his fist, then struck it against his chest in frustration, as though trying to knock the weight of his indignation free.
“But the Southern Frontier cannot afford delays! There’s no need for them either. I know the exact state of the Southern Frontier Army over the past two years. His Majesty knows this as well. In peacetime, it might not matter. But now that war is upon us, why is he allowing this to happen?” Davis ranted.
Jeremiah patted Davis’ shoulder and sighed lightly. “You must trust General Quinton and General Farrell. As for Marshal Prince… he is unlikely to make rash decisions at a time like this. He doesn’t know the Sandorians or their tactics, and if he has any sense, he will rely on General Quinton and General Farrell for guidance.
“The Ministry of Defense must avoid direct confrontation with His Majesty on this matter. It will do no good. It’ll only make him think the ministry is siding with the Hell Monarch.”
“I dare not speak further today, nor would I approach Prince Rafael. I fear His Majesty might misunderstand,” Davis replied.
Jeremiah nodded gravely. “Yes, the Ministry of Defense should avoid any private dealings with the Hell Monarch. For now, it’s best to keep your distance.”
He paused, his brow furrowing as he suppressed his growing concern over the Southern Frontier. Then, he said, “Recommend someone to act as the military overseer. Or if you believe Marshal Prince cannot handle the command during wartime, perhaps recommend General Thomas as an alternative.” Davis raised a brow. “General Thomas is already the commanding officer of the military outposts. It wouldn’t be right to transfer him to the Southern Frontier. It might be better to have General Timothy and General Quinton jointly lead the campaign instead. Besides, with the internal strife in the capital, the military outposts here cannot go without a general.”
Jeremiah considered this and thoughtfully said, “That’s a valid point. However, when presenting your recommendations to the king, you must propose more than just the Hell Monarch.
Davis slumped into his seat, throwing up his hands in frustration. “I’m not one for finesse. I speak plainly, and the facts are clear-the Hell Monarch is the most suitable choice. As for the rebels… they’re not much of a threat for now. They’re trapped in Valken and can’t escape, and they have no intention of attacking. General Murray can handle them.”
Jeremiah waved a hand dismissively. “Do not underestimate the rebels. You know well that they have ties to Sandoria. Anyone capable of such an alliance surely has been scheming for a long time. It’s more complicated than you think.”
–
Davis paused, taking in Jeremiah’s words before replying, “You make a fair point. Then, perhaps I should go before the king tomorrow and suggest that the Hell Monarch be involved in addressing the internal unrest. That might be acceptable, right?”
Jeremiah gave a small, approving nod. “Yes, that could work.”
Tiberius was temporarily thrown into the dungeon. Although Salvador hadn’t issued an official edict yet, Rafael believed Tiberius couldn’t escape a death sentence-it was just a matter of how he would die. Thomas, who was on leave due to his upcoming wedding, visited Hell Monarch Estate that evening. The Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team had not disbanded, and their network of communication remained intact. Thus, Thomas was well-informed of the situation outside the capital.
As soon as he entered, he wasted no time and immediately said, “Marshal Prince is unfit to lead. A commander who hesitates in battle will surely destroy the morale of the entire army.”
As his former brother-in-law, Thomas knew Oliver all too well.
Timothy had written to Thomas about Oliver’s actions at the Southern Frontier. Many of these letters were written when Timothy felt frustrated and needed someone to vent to, so they contained every detail, no matter how small.
“Marshal Prince is used to a life of indulgence. If it comes down to a real battle, he’ll back down. His resolve represents the will of the Southern Frontier Army. No matter how much effort General Timothy or General Louis put in, Marshal Prince is still the commanding general on the frontlines.
“If he chooses to hold back or retreat, and General Timothy and General Louis disobey him, any defeat or heavy casualties could result in Marshal Prince submitting a report that would cost them their heads.” Rafael stayed silent because Thomas was stating the hard truth.
Once the war began, if Oliver was willing to listen to Louis and Timothy, there would likely be no major issues. Both men were experienced in fighting the Sandorian forces and were familiar with their tactics and strategies.
But Oliver had never been the type to listen to his generals. He craved recognition, so he might keep rejecting Louis and Timothy’s suggestions just to assert his authority as the commanding general. Rafael’s greatest fear, however, wasn’t just Oliver’s disregard for his subordinates-it was the man’s potential fear when facing the ferocity of the Sandorian forces. If Oliver faltered, how could the Southern Frontier Army find the resolve to fight?
Noticing the troubled look on Thomas’ face, Rafael tried to reassure him, “Your big day is coming soon, so don’t worry about the Southern Frontier for now. General Timothy and General Louis are there. The Southern Frontier will hold strong.”
Thomas sighed deeply. “It’ll hold, yes, but I fear the fighting may drag on too long and the casualties will be heavy. The people of the Southern Frontier have just started to live in peace after years of suffering. And now, war looms once again…”
His voice faltered as a painful weight settled in his chest. So many soldiers’ spirits had been lost in that land, their bodies buried deep within the soil. After all the bloodshed and hardship, they had finally managed to find a fragile peace.
And now, war was coming once more. When would the people’s suffering end?
“Forget it. I sound like a gossiping old woman, constantly speaking ill of others,” said Thomas, pressing his palm to his forehead. “Perhaps, when the battle truly begins, Marshal Prince won’t be so indulgent. After all these years stationed at the Southern Frontier, I’m sure he must feel some attachment to the land and its people.”