Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
There was a reason Sophie hadn’t told Violet about this. Even though Violet understood the gravity of the situation and knew better than to speak carelessly, Sophie could only confide in her people. She had a lot of them-Travis, Bun, Cynthia her mentor, and her guild members. They were all her people. Now, even Helen was someone she considered her own.
In the study, Sophie informed Kyle and Jacob about what she had learned. Both of them were equally stunned and remained silent for a while.
They each ran through all the possibilities in their minds, but none of them led to anything good. After some time, they concluded that Salvador’s illness hung over the Hell Monarch’s household like a blade. When it would fall depended on when Salvador’s condition got worse.
But Salvador would likely be aware of this. The blade might not even strike the Hell Monarch’s household directly. Instead, it could provoke a counterattack-more threats to Salvador, and ultimately, his throne. At least, that was how Salvador would see it.
There was also the possibility, as Derek had suggested, that Salvador might consider appointing Rafael and several other ministers as regents to balance power and ensure mutual oversight.
After listening to their analysis, Sophie said, “Right now, our priority should be to figure out what we need to do. What can we do? How can we act in a way that benefits our nation and us the most, while also ensuring the war isn’t affected?”
Everyone fell silent, each lost in thought and unsure of where to start.
Finally, Kyle said, “We need to first confirm whether the king really has the illness and if it’s truly untreatable. Although our situation isn’t great and he keeps us on edge, we can’t deny that he’s the healthiest ruler in Starhaven.”
Salvador might not be the perfect king, but he always put the people first when implementing policies. Also, with the war at a standstill, the people could finally look forward to a period of peace and stability.
Once the power changed hands, the uncertainty would be overwhelming. However, it was clear there would be a period of power struggles, efforts to strengthen influences, and forming factions for personal gain. All of this would leave the well-being of the common people to be treated as secondary.
It was like a merchant family in turmoil, where the head of the household had no real power, and each family member had their own motives. Each would seek to gain power and benefits, even at the cost of damaging the family business.
Eventually, the family would fall apart from within, and other businesses would swallow it whole.
That evening, Jeremiah chose to stay in the palace.
Salvador still hadn’t visited the harem, nor had he returned to his chambers. Instead, he had made his bed on the couch within the royal study.
Jeremiah watched as Salvador finished his medicine and then offered him a piece of candy.
Salvador accepted it, but he didn’t eat it right away. His expression softened, and he smiled.
“I still remember. When I was younger, my dad would punish me here in the royal study. Afterward, you would always give me a piece of candy and say a word of encouragement.”
Jeremiah glanced at Salvador. “Yes, I remember that as well. You used to tell me that you wished to be a wise ruler one day.”
Salvador’s smile faltered, and he bit into the candy. His voice grew muffled as he spoke. “Have I disappointed you, Mr. Murray?”
Jeremiah shook his head. “No, not at all. In my heart, you’re a wise ruler, Your Majesty.”
“I am not,” Salvador said, his eyes darkening with a hint of regret. “I still have many ambitions, but I fear I may not have the chance to achieve them.”
“The Royal Medical Department hasn’t made a definitive diagnosis. You shouldn’t be so disheartened.” Jeremiah’s words felt thin, lacking the warmth they were intended to carry.
Salvador sighed, his expression clouded. “I am disappointed, yes. But more than that, I am planning.”
He reclined deeper into the couch, his gaze distant. “First, we must decide on the Crown Prince. What do you think of Connor, Mr. Murray?”
Jeremiah considered the question. “Prince Connor is the eldest prince, and he’s the son of the queen. He has matured greatly under the tutelage of Mr. Young. He is no longer the mischievous boy he once was. With time, I am confident…”
Salvador cut him off. “Time is something I don’t have. What of Caden?”
Jeremiah paused, deliberating. “Prince Caden is sharp and capable. Though he is just beginning his studies, his diligence is evident. But whether he can maintain that effort, we cannot yet say. People and children especially are complex. I don’t know enough about him to make a judgment.”
Salvador’s gaze grew more intense. “And what of the Quinton family and Grace’s natal family? Which poses the greater threat?”
Jeremiah remained silent. Did Salvador truly need to ask? How could Grace’s family possibly compare to the Quinton family?
Still, with Salvador’s eldest son in the picture, the second prince would always be in a questionable position-unless Kylie was deposed and Grace was made queen instead.
If that happened, Connor would become the son of a deposed queen, while Caden would be the son of the new queen.
But that would cause a storm of turmoil, wouldn’t it?
If Salvador only had a year to live, his methods would undoubtedly be ruthless. It was hard to imagine how many heads would roll to calm the resulting chaos.
“Do you not favor Prince Connor, Your Majesty?” Jeremiah asked directly. “Is it a problem with Prince Connor, or is it the Quinton family?”
“Connor is my eldest son, born from my queen and not concubines,” Salvador replied, his voice steady but carrying a weight. “I value him the most.”
He paused, then exhaled slowly.
“But he is the kind of person who only moves when forced. Right now, he’s not unruly, but he’s not even average, let alone exceptional. His improvements are measured only against his past behavior. And even then, it took a great deal of effort from Mr. Young and the queen dowager to shape him into what he is now.”
After another pause, Salvador smiled bitterly.
“With the power of his maternal family growing, his personality makes him, the perfect puppet. Even if he manages to rule on his own at 18, his laziness and stubbornness are things he’ll never change
“Mr. Murray, you know that some people simply aren’t meant to be king. Over the years, I’ve been too busy with state affairs—wars, reforms, constant policies. I neglected Connor’s upbringing and left him to Kylie, who spoiled him too much. That’s how he ended up like this.
“It’s my responsibility… If I could live to my forties or fifties, there would still have been time for him to change. But now, that’s no longer possible.”
“Your Majesty…”
Salvador didn’t want to hear any comforting words. He had already sorted through his many thoughts in a single day. His mind was sharp, focusing on the core of the matter.
“What about the Hell Monarch?”
Jeremiah’s weary eyes raised slightly. “What aspect do you mean?”
“Regency. Rebellion!” Salvador drew his blanket tighter around him, his brow furrowed with concern.
Jeremiah hesitated, thinking carefully before responding. “Expecting a rebellion from him is impossible.” “Why do you say that?” Salvador asked.
“To reclaim the Southern Frontier is an unparalleled achievement. He has no need to usurp the throne and commit the acts of a traitor that would forever tarnish his name.”
“Should he take the throne, the history books will say what he wants them to,” Salvador replied flatly.
Jeremiah couldn’t prove Rafael’s loyalty, so he asked instead, “Do you truly believe he would do that, Your Majesty? What makes you think he would seek to replace you?”
“Everyone has ambition. Who doesn’t want to be king? He commands a powerful army and has the people’s support. If I were him, I would!”
“That’s just you projecting your thoughts onto him. It’s not objective,” Jeremiah replied.