Her Majestic Battle Cry

A bowl of chicken noodle soup was placed before Rafael, but it was nowhere near enough to fill the emptiness in his stomach.

Louis mentioned that he had ordered roasted lamb and skewers, and that there was no shortage of rich food now. It was nothing like the days when the Southern Frontier was struggling. Even the common folk could afford meat these days.

Rafael shakily picked up the bowl and drank the soup in one go. The broth was salty, and he followed it with a whole jug of water. Slumping into his chair, he felt his strength gradually returning, though there was still an odd sensation, as if he were still bouncing on horseback.

The faces around him seemed to blur and retreat. He had to focus to make out their features.

Alec’s voice cracked with emotion. “Your Highness, you look utterly exhausted.”

Rafael rubbed his cheek. “Have the medic give me needle treatment for my face. It feels like it’s been blown off–kilter.”

Everyone took a closer look and indeed noticed that Rafael’s face was slightly askew.

Louis spoke up. “Marshal Sanford, you haven’t rested the entire way at all, have you?”

“There was no time,” Rafael said, then revealed a shocking truth. “I feigned illness first, then secretly came to the battlefield. All this time…”

He sheepishly pulled out a handful of medicine, holding his head low in a way that almost looked embarrassed.

“Actually, I wasn’t feigning illness. I was really sick. I’ve had to take these medicines along the way, and sometimes I forget. I have to take them again, or else Commander Sinclair will have my head.”

The others exchanged concerned glances but didn’t press further. Instead, they immediately sent for the military physician. Rafael’s health came first. They could discuss what came after later.

Brandon checked Rafael’s pulse. Upon feeling it, he let out a deep sigh. “How did you get in such a depleted state?”

“Is it serious?” Timothy asked urgently.

Brandon remained silent for a moment, but Rafael waved his hand dismissively. “It’s nothing. A little rest, and it’ll be fine.”

But Brandon’s face turned grave. “The body can be gradually restored with care, but this depletion of your vital energy—I’m afraid it won’t be so easily fixed. You may struggle in certain…intimate matters going forward, Your Highness.”

Rafael gripped the armrest tightly, his eyes widening. It’s that serious?”

Brandon looked at Rafael’s young, handsome face and sighed. “Alas, your body needs rest, yet you’ve been riding day after day without pause. You’ve neglected your restorative medicines, and the prolonged sitting in one place has caused heat to build up. Naturally, it’s affected…that part of you.”

“Are you saying I won’t be able to function as a man anymore?” Rafael gaped, stunned.

If that were the case, what use would Carissa have for him?

“It’s not that serious,” Brandon replied. “With Mr. Dalton’s treatment, your condition will surely improve. But for a while, I’m afraid you’ll have to live like…a priest.”

Brandon paused and chuckled. “Perhaps a bit of chastity wouldn’t be such a bad thing. After all, you’re a soldier, and you’ve had your share of injuries. This is the perfect time to rest and recover.”

Rafael looked uncomfortable for a moment, then quickly put on a stern face. “Misdiagnosis. This is a complete misdiagnosis. No word of this to anyone, or have you punished by military law.”

The others immediately covered their mouths with their hands, their eyes filled with deep sympathy and pity.

They understood… They all understood.

The roasted lamb arrived, and they all sat down to eat. Recently, they had struggled with appetite and sleep. But now that Rafael’s steadying presence was present, they devoured the food eagerly.

As they ate, they reviewed the recent battle. Rafael insisted that as long as they hadn’t been defeated, it wasn’t a loss. They couldn’t let the enemy shake their confidence.

However, Alec looked worried. “Your Highness, you snuck onto the battlefield. If His Majesty finds out, he might punish you.”

At that point, Rafael still hadn’t received the royal edict sent by Carissa. He dismissed the concern with a casual wave.

“They’ll only question me after we return with a victory. Until then, let them say what they want. What matters now is the battle at hand. Anything else can wait.”

Though everyone understood his reasoning, they were still concerned about Rafael facing difficulties upon returning to the capital.

Rafael scolded them. “You’ve all gotten more and more indecisive, just like Mr. Prince. There are times for everything, but the immediate task is the most important. What could be more important than winning this battle?”

The others quickly nodded in agreement. As they ate the roasted lamb, they discussed Oliver’s actions in the Southern Frontier, as well as Barrett’s investigation into Oliver’s corruption.

Then, they turned to the matter of Celeste’s adoptive father. It was confirmed that he was indeed a branch of the Spencer family. When Celeste had been in the Southern Frontier, they had shared information with one another. They had spies there. noveldrama

Upon hearing this, Rafael asked, “Did you find the spies?”

“We did,” Louis replied, pausing for a moment. “But when Mr. Prince fled, they fled too. It’s possible they didn’t actually run away… With rumors spreading so fast, they might have blended in with the common folk.”

“Find them and kill them!” Rafael’s voice was cold as he uttered those words.