Her Graceful War Song

Salvador returned to court, looking noticeably better than before.

Some of the older court officials couldn't hold back their tears-especially Irvin, who had nearly caused a disaster. Now, seeing Salvador's condition improving and knowing that Sebastian had entered the palace for treatment, there was finally a glimmer of hope.

As expected, the call to establish a crown prince was strong among the court officials.

However, Salvador didn't immediately agree. He simply stated that his three sons were still young and that it would be best to wait a little longer.

Among those urging for the appointment of a crown prince were some of Malcolm and Gerald's students. However, they merely echoed the sentiments of others- none of them took the lead in pushing for it.

Salvador had never truly believed Malcolm's claim that he only wished to serve as a loyal subject.

The Quinton family had indeed been keeping a low profile lately, but that was simply the result of being put in check.

Although he didn't agree to name a crown prince, Salvador did make a notable announcement: he appointed the Hell Monarch, Rafael, as the Deputy Royal Tutor. He would be responsible for teaching the princes equestrian skills and martial arts.

This was a clear sign that preparations for establishing a crown prince were officially underway.

The title of Deputy Royal Tutor was largely honorary-Rafael would remain in his position as Chief Judge.

Even so, everyone could sense that Salvador was laying the groundwork for the future. And within that plan, Rafael played a key role.

That realization was reassuring.

Unknowingly, the Hell Monarch had become the pillar of the nation. He was an unshakable shield-defending the kingdom from external threats while maintaining order within.

Meanwhile, the treaty signed between the Southern Frontier and Sandoria had been delivered to the capital. Sandoria pledged never to invade Starhaven's borders. Of course, treaties between nations were often little more than scraps of paper-easily torn apart when convenient.

In that sense, their guarantee of peace meant far less than the tangible benefits they had agreed to provide.

As part of the agreement, Sandoria would compensate Starhaven each year with 5,000 cattle, 5,000 sheep, 500 fine horses, 10,000 bushels of grain, and 100,000 silver coins.

Sandoria had always been an agricultural powerhouse with fertile land well-suited for farming. However, years of warfare and constant drafts had left vast fields abandoned. Now, with war reparations to pay-both in grain and silver-they would need time to recover. For the next 10 or 20 years, they likely wouldn't dare provoke another conflict.

Besides, the Hell Monarch was still young. No matter how ambitious others might be, when faced with true power, all they could do was prop up their pillows and dream.

Meanwhile, some of the military officers from the Southern Frontier began returning to the capital in batches. They took the opportunity to bring their wives and children back to the Southern Frontier with them.

That land was rich and fertile-surely, it would soon blossom into something magnificent.

After the busy farming season, Salvador announced that the Verdant Hunt would be held in early May.

This hunt, usually held in spring, was not merely a tradition-it had a purpose. Salvador intended to use it as an opportunity for his three sons to make their first public appearance before the court officials. noveldrama

It had been years since a Verdant Hunt was last held. Back when Sigmund was alive, he had loved the event. He had used it to strengthen the bond between the royal family and the ministers.

Salvador had revived the tradition in his first two years on the throne, but with war breaking out year after year, the hunt had been set aside.

The princes had spent most of their lives within the palace, rarely meeting the court officials. This time, it was their moment to be seen.

The Verdant Hunt was a grand affair-before it began, there would be a ceremonial offering of game to the heavens. The court officials' families would also attend, making it a lively occasion.

Naturally, as queen, Kylie was expected to make an appearance as well.

By now, she understood that she could no longer rely on her maternal family. Instead, she planned to use the Verdant Hunt to forge new alliances among the court officials' wives and families.

Although she was still officially under house arrest, in the days leading up to the hunt, she copied numerous scriptures in preparation for the offering. Then, dressed in thin, plain garments, she knelt outside Serenity Palace, asking for forgiveness.

She knew that her house arrest would be lifted for the Verdant Hunt-but she had

to create the proper pretext. She needed to appear humble, to admit fault, to appease both Salvador and Victoria.

By chance, Grace, Sylvia, and a few others were already at Serenity Palace. Seeing Kylie kneeling, they joined her in pleading for mercy on her behalf.

Of course, this was nothing more than a social courtesy-everyone knew Kylie would be released soon, and it cost them nothing to lend her their voices.

Victoria wasn't the type to make things difficult for no reason. After Kylie had knelt for a while, and with others speaking on her behalf, Victoria finally allowed her inside. She was given a cup of hot coffee but no further words.

There was nothing more to say. Everything had already been made clear-

whether Kylie chose to listen or not was up to her.