Chapter 1278  Salvador knew Rafael had endured a long journey but he still kept him in the palace and summoned the Defense Minister, his deputy minister, and Thomas to discuss matters.  It was essential to consider all possible scenarios inake multiple predictions based on the current situation, and then organize their forces accordingly.  Above all else, Salvador’s greatest fear remained the Southern Frontier, but when Rafael mentioned Leroy from Westhaven, Salvador’s expression faltered.  “It’s impossible for someone to have the capability to collude with both Sandoria and Westhaven,” he said, his unease evident.  Starhaven’s relationship with Westhaven had always been delicate, and their negotiations hadn’t fully concluded. There was still a debt to settle with Westhaven that loomed over them.  But that wasn’t the greatest concern.  The real issue was that if the true mastermind behind the rebellion truly had the skill to forge such alliances, then how long had they been biding their time? How long had they been plotting?  Davis‘ eyes widened as he repeatedly looked at the maps. He was very familiar with these terrains in his mind. If private armies or bandits were hiding in these areas, rooting them out would be no easy task.  He turned to Rafael. “What’s the plan for dealing with these bandits?”  “We deal with them as they come,” Rafael simply replied.  Davis blinked, incredulous. He couldn’t believe Rafael had given such an unsophisticated  answer.  Who didn’t know that they should deal with them as they came? The problem was that there needed to be a strategy!  “Your Highness, is that all you have? Are there more private armies we should know about?”  “There are,” Rafael replied. “We haven’t discovered where the private army from Stonebridge County has moved for now. I suspect they’re waiting for a signal to reunite, so we shouldn’t waste time looking for them. When the rebellion starts, the private army will make itself known.”  The Ministry of Defense officials studied the maps and compared them with the distribution of the troops. The forces stationed at the Southern Frontier and Victory Pass couldn’t be moved. The garrisons outside the capital were also off–limits.  That left only the troops at Brightport and Ebonflow available for deployment.  Salvador listened intently, but his mind wasn’t focused on Yuvan’s rebellion. What truly  +25 BONUS  Chapter 1278  worried him was the possible threat to Victory Pass and the Southern Frontier.  Suddenly, he realized that while he had been obsessively guarding against Rafael, the true rebels had been quietly plotting and scheming. It struck him that he had done everything, yet had still missed the mark.  A sense of resignation settled within him, and for a moment, he felt utterly defeated.  It wasn’t until late in the evening that Rafael finally returned to Hell Monarch Estate.  Carissa had someone keep the food warm for him. As soon as he came back, she immediately ordered the meal to be served.  She had already eaten, but stayed to keep him company, as eating alone felt lonely.  Rafael didn’t eat much. He placed his cutlery down and sighed. “Today, I caught His Majesty looking at me several times. His eyes… They were full of complexity. I could tell there’s some guilt there.”  Carissa handed him a cup of hot coffee. “Don’t worry. Once everything’s settled, he’ll still keep a watchful eye on us.”  Rafael smiled softly. “Your words strike true.”  Carissa tilted her head, considering. “If I were the king, I’d probably always worry about someone with power trying to take my throne. After all, too many people want to rule.”  Well, such rebellious words shouldn’t be said out loud.  Rafael seemed disinterested, his expression weary. “Being a king is exhausting. I saw His Majesty’s hair graying at the temples today.”  Carissa thought about replying that their lives weren’t any easier, but then decided it was true -they were still in a better position than Salvador.  Jacob and the others came by to check on them. Seeing their exhaustion, they decided not to disturb them further. It had been a long day.  Exhausted as he was, Rafael didn’t slack off even a little in bed.  He pulled out all his tricks!  He unlocked new techniques!  Carissa had endured a long ride back on horseback. Her legs were sore and chafed, and now she had to keep up with an overly hungry man, stretching and moving as if the day hadn’t been  taxing enough.  It was exhausting!  Two hours later, she felt like she had been trampled by a mule. Every part of her body ached  +25 BOPRIS  Chanter 12/2  terribly  Finally, Rafael collapsed in exhaustion. He held Carissa in his arms and quickly fell into a deep sleep. His mind was still somewhat active, and he remembered that he had wanted to speak to her. But his eyelids were heavy, and his mouth too dry to form words.  Never mind. It was time to sleep first!