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Helen quickly touched the corners of her eyes. “What are you talking about? I don’t have any wrinkles. I take great care of myself.”
Victoria looked at her. Despite herself, she smiled indulgently. “Alright, go visit Lady Ruth. She has been ill for several days. The king will be coming soon, so don’t stay here.” Helen stood up and said, “Then I will take my leave.”
Helen had just left when Salvador arrived. After paying his respects to the queen dowager, Victoria handed him the carrier pigeon note.
“Sophie left the city last night and specifically instructed your aunt to deliver this note to the palace for you.”
Salvador glanced at it and smiled. “If she left in the middle of the night, it must be something important. There’s no need to inform me of every detail.”
Victoria replied, “She’s a woman carrying a deputy commander’s emblem. That she left the capital in the middle of the night, it is only right that she informs you.”
Salvador nodded, his face showing subtle concern. “I hope Lawrence will return safely.”
It was a surprise to discover that Septimus was Lawrence. The Marquis of Elderglen’s family was indeed a family of military nobility. Even though many of the younger generations had turned to civilian roles in recent years, there were always a few who carried on the family’s legacy of honor and resilience.
Victoria watched him, wanting to say something, but ultimately keeping her words to herself. Some things, once spoken, could only deepen her son’s suspicions.
Oliver’s report arrived at the prime minister’s office, stating that the Hell Monarch had disappeared after reaching Simonton City.
Jeremiah had reviewed the report, and pushed it aside. He knew very well that Rafael’s purpose in Simonton City was not for negotiations, but to rescue Septimus.
Several days later, another report from Oliver arrived. Jeremiah read it with great excitement, and immediately went to request an audience with Salvador.
Salvador read the report and was overjoyed. “Eleven people-it was actually eleven people! And they have all safely returned to Simonton City!”
Jeremiah’s voice choked with emotion. “Yes, thanks to Your Majesty’s blessings, they all made it back to Simonton City.”
Salvador was thrilled, and issued an order at once. “Bestow them rewards! Make sure they’re given substantial rewards! Derek, summon the Minister of Protocol and his deputies to prepare a ceremony to welcome the heroes back. Also, the Civil Minister…” As Salvador was giving the orders, he suddenly paused and looked at the list. “Joshua and Benson-these two are Richard’s sons.”
Jeremiah replied, “Your Majesty, we should inform each family to share in the joy. The eleven men won’t be returning to the capital immediately. Lawrence’s injuries are severe, and may delay their return.”
Salvador looked at a name on the report, and then at Jeremiah. “Thomas Farrell-Thomas’ wife married Blake, correct?”
Jeremiah suddenly remembered that fact, and said, “Your Majesty, Thomas’ wife had already returned to her family long ago. She remarried as the third lady of the Prince family.”
“I see.” Salvador didn’t say much more. That small matter did nothing to diminish his delight.
“Derek, send someone to inform each family individually. There’s no need to visit the Farrell family-they should already know. As for the two from Stonebrook District, draft an edict for the governor of Stonebrook District. Have him inform their families first. After the rewards are bestowed upon their return to the capital, they can return home to reunite with their families.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” Derek accepted the order and withdrew.
Jeremiah took his leave, choosing not to show Oliver’s initial report to Salvador. It might seem like a simple statement, but it was essentially a complaint. Even if presented to Salvador, it wouldn’t significantly harm the Hell Monarch.
However, Jeremiah was worried that certain matters could be rehashed later.
Oliver didn’t know about the rescue mission, as Rafael had kept it from him. He had done it likely due to the need for discretion and confidentiality.
But if Salvador took a moment to consider, he might misinterpret Rafael’s silence as a sign of distrust toward Oliver. It would then lead
Salvador to believe Rafael had gone missing intentionally.
If the Hell Monarch distrusted Oliver, did that imply dissatisfaction with the king for taking command of the Hell Monarch Army?
So, it was best to keep this report away from Salvador to avoid unnecessary complications.
Given that the government ministries were not far from the prime minister’s office, Jeremiah planned to inform Richard personally of the news.
When Richard saw Jeremiah arriving at the Ministry of Protocol, he hurriedly gathered his staff to greet him.
Jeremiah smiled and said, “Carry on with your work. I’m here to speak with Mr. Cooper about a private matter unrelated to official duties.” Richard was somewhat puzzled. The prime minister was visiting him for personal matters?
Although puzzled, Richard respectfully led Jeremiah to the inner hall and had coffee served.
Jeremiah was smiling brightly, which eased some of Richard’s concerns.
“May I ask what private matter you’ve come to discuss with me?”
“Congratulations.”
Jeremiah put down his cup, looking at him with a beaming smile. Although this matter needed to be revealed quickly, the joy was so great that he feared Richard might not be able to handle the shock of such news. Thus, he preferred to take it slow. “Congratulations?” Richard was even more puzzled. As the Minister of Protocol, there seemed to be no further promotion in sight. “May I ask what it is for?”
Jeremiah replied, “What was once lost has now been found.”
Richard’s confusion deepened. “Something lost has now been found? I haven’t lost anything recently.”
“His Majesty has decreed that the Ministry of Protocol should prepare to welcome the heroes of the Southern Frontier campaign. Among them are two heroes from your family.”
Richard was struck by this revelation, his face changing dramatically. He took a deep breath, and said, “Has… Has the bones of my two sons been found?”
Jeremiah looked at him. “Bones? The two young men of the Cooper family are still alive. The Hell Monarch brought them back from Sandoria. After they were captured, they escaped, formed the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team, and provided intelligence for our army during the Southern Frontier battle.”
Richard clutched his chest, shaking his head in disbelief. Tears brimmed in his eyes as he choked out, “No, Mr. Murray, you can’t joke about this. When they died on the battlefield, it felt like someone had gouged my heart out. It can’t be…”
Jeremiah stood up, patted his shoulder, and gave him a thumbs-up. “They did well. I am proud of them and the entire Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team.”
Tears streamed down Richard’s face as he trembled. “Is it truly so? Are you speaking the truth?”
Seeing Richard’s reaction, Jeremiah sighed softly It’s indeed true. His Majesty has issued an edict for the ovenet
Ministry of Protocol to prepare for their reception. However, they won’t be returning to the capital immediately. The Marquis of Elderglen’s second son is severely injured, and will need to be treated before he can come back.”
Richard hid his face behind his arms. His shoulders shook, though he made no sound. As the Minister of Protocol, he knew he must maintain composure in front of the prime minister and within the office. However, he couldn’t control the tears that flowed like a river.
The pain of losing his sons had been buried deep in his heart for years, and had never been allowed to surface. He had buried it under mountain of official duties. His sons had sacrificed their lives in the fight to reclaim the Southern Frontier, and asa father, he was proud of them.
Yet, for a parent, it was still an overwhelming, bleeding sorrow to lose their children.
“I will step out for a moment and ensure you’re not disturbed for now,” Jeremiah said, his own eyes misty.
It would be good to let Richard have some time to himself to express his emotions.
Once Jeremiah left, Richard collapsed to the floor and wept silently. It had been many years since he allowed himself such an outpouring of grief. Even during his sons’ Sacrifice, he had only dared to shed tears in private. As the head of the family, he was supposed to be proud of their sacrifice and not display his sorrow publicly.