Her Graceful War Song

When I, Salvador, ascended the throne, the campaign to reclaim the Southern Frontier had been ongoing for several years. Victory Pass was still unrestful, leaving the royal treasury depleted and many of the common folk displaced.

As I donned the golden crown and sat upon the throne, I made a quiet vow to myself. Even if I couldn't be as wise as my great ancestors, I would never be a weak or ineffective ruler. I would reclaim the Southern Frontier, make Starhaven prosperous, and ensure the people lived in peace and happiness.

Later, I realized that only someone who was either ignorant or extraordinarily capable would make such a grand promise.

The Southern Frontier campaign ended in defeat, and the seven heroes of the Sinclair family perished on the battlefield.

At first, both my father and I had hoped against hope. We believed that General Hector, with his wealth of battlefield experience and brave soldiers, would turn the tide.

Unfortunately, supplies had not arrived in time, leaving the soldiers fighting on empty stomachs. No matter how hard they fought, they were simply no match for the enemy. To make matters worse, the Southern Frontier had already been reclaimed initially. Though it was lost again, everyone thought General Hector could still recover the situation.

Many factors and concerns held me back from taking action sooner. I had hesitated to send my brother's army to assist.noveldrama

But when the news of General Hector and his sons' deaths reached me, I could no longer delay or afford any further hesitation. I immediately named my brother Grand Marshal and ordered him to take the Hell Monarch Army to the Southern Frontier.

My brother was a brilliant strategist, and his soldiers were fierce in battle. With General Hector's experience to guide them, the Hell Monarch Army and the Sinclair Army quickly joined together, advancing with great speed and success. With each victory, the entire court was filled with joy, and I, too, was pleased. Yet, as time passed, my joy was tinged with a growing sense of worry. My brother's success could no longer be hidden; his brilliance shone too brightly.

He had reclaimed the Southern Frontier, cementing a great and unparalleled victory. The people of Starhaven would surely honor him, and all at court, both civil and military officials alike, would revere him.

Derek could see what my concerns were. He said to me, "When the late king couldn't reclaim the Southern Frontier, he passed away with regret. If you can restore it, not only will you bring comfort to the late king's spirit, but you will also establish a legacy that will be remembered for all time."

His words made me see clearly.

On the surface, the reclamation of the Southern Frontier would be Rafael's merit as my subject. But in truth, it was my triumph as sovereign, and would strengthen my position as king. When future historians wrote of it, I would be known as the king who reclaimed the Southern Frontier-a ruler for the ages.

Putting aside all other matters, this was also vital to the completeness of Starhaven's borders.

Just as our forces were advancing swiftly, I was struck with an unpleasant piece of

news.

It was Carissa.

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The Sinclair family and I had long been close friends, and I naturally held great affection for Carissa ase well. I was deeply angered by everything she had suffered in her marriage. If it had not been for Barrett and Aurora's military accomplishments, I would surely have ordered a severe punishment.

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The court had a need for young military commanders, but those two had used their own battle honors to request a royal marriage decree, Fortunately, Carissa herself had shown strength of spirit. She was clear-headed and unbothered, refusing to entangle herself with a man who held no true affection for her.

At first, that was how I thought of it. But then, she came before me. She told me

that because of what happened at Victory Pass, the Westhaven army had disguised themselves as Sandorian soldiers and was marching toward the Southern Frontier.

I was deeply disappointed.

Westhaven had already signed an agreement with Starhaven, and the credit for that victory belonged not only to Aurora, but also to Carissa's maternal grandfather, Grand General Dominic. Carissa shouldn't have been so petty as to attempt to use the battle at Victory Pass to undermine or even frame Aurora.

I couldn't help but scold her. She risked disgracing her father and brothers.

What angered me even more was that she tried to deceive me by presenting a forged letter, supposedly from Kyle. I truly couldn't understand her intent and assumed that she couldn't let go of Barrett, nor swallow her pride. In the end, she let pride and grievance cloud her better judgment.

Thankfully, she didn't cause further trouble after my reprimand. It seemed she had settled down and chosen to live her days in peace. There was no greater virtue than to recognize one's faults and seek to amend them.

But to my shock, everything she had said was true. I received a report stating that the Westhaven army had indeed disguised themselves as Sandorian soldiers and were on their way to the Southern Frontier.

The news came in a rush; the situation was urgent. We had won so many battles and reclaimed so many cities at the Southern Frontier. I was certain that llyrian City and Simonton City would fall into our hands just as easily.

Yet, even if I were to dispatch Barrett with reinforcements at once, they would still not arrive in time to outpace Westhaven's army.

Victory was so close at hand, yet this mistake arose at the final moment.

My heart sank as I prepared myself for the worst-that my brother wouldn't return, and the Southern Frontier would be lost with him.