Chapter 1308

Outside the hall, Derek was drenched in cold sweat, his legs trembling. Even when Carissa emerged, his heart remained suspended, uncertain and uneasy. Salvador hadn't exploded in anger as Derek expected—a surprising development. Wiping his brow, Derek bowed respectfully as Carissa passed.

She spoke quietly, just loud enough for them both to hear. "Don't worry, Mr. Walker."

A pang struck Derek's chest. "Take care, Commander Sinclair."

Once she was gone, Derek returned to the hall to attend the king. He couldn't resist stealing a glance at Salvador. To his astonishment, Salvador's face seemed happy—something utterly unexpected. Earlier, when he'd sent Connor to Serenity Palace, Salvador had discussed the Hell Monarch's journey to the Southern Frontier as part of a grand scheme. Why the sudden good mood? Truly, a king's mind was unfathomable.

Salvador noticed Derek's gaze. "Bring in the meal!"

Since hearing of Oliver's desertion, Salvador hadn't eaten. Derek instructed the servants to bring food and replaced Salvador's drink.

Salvador's mouth felt dry and bitter, but after a sip, he felt better.

"Still puzzled?" Salvador asked lightly, his mood visibly brighter.

Seeing his smile, Derek mirrored it. "I don't need to understand, Your Majesty. If you are pleased, then I am too."

Salvador smiled. "I am indeed pleased. If Carissa's report reflects my brother's true feelings, it reassures me. Conversely, if my brother has been deceitful and their unity is lacking, Carissa remains useful."

Derek laughed. "Your Majesty speaks wisely."

"I remember when my brother and I were without grievance. Those were happy days."

Chapter 1308 (continued)

Salvador placed his fist to his mouth, coughing several times. Raising his cup, he drank, but a tickle in his throat caught him off guard. He choked, unable to swallow, and a violent coughing fit ensued, culminating in vomiting. He'd eaten little lately, and the vomit yielded only yellow bile mixed with a trace of blood.

Derek's face changed. He immediately summoned the royal physician.

Robert examined Salvador quickly, explaining that the coughing stemmed from excessive heat in his liver and lungs. The severe coughing had strained his throat, causing the bleeding. Furthermore, Salvador's lack of sleep and food had weakened him.

Derek sighed in relief. At least it wasn't worse. If only Salvador could calm his mind, his health would improve significantly. He truly overthought things.

Meanwhile, Kylie waited anxiously since Connor's departure, her heart filled with anticipation and worry. She hadn't dared inquire, fearing Salvador's notice.

Hours passed without word. Unease grew, but she reminded herself that such a matter required meetings with officials or the Royal Astronomers, adhering to court procedure to announce Connor's destiny.

Even after the midday meal, there was still no news. Her patience finally snapped. She sent someone to inquire and learned that Salvador had sent Connor to be raised at Serenity Palace.

Kylie's face paled. "Why? Lydia, what happened? What angered His Majesty?"

Lydia, equally worried, replied, "I heard His Majesty asked Prince Connor to recite the Thousand Verses. Connor only managed the first line, then babbled. His Majesty flew into a rage and threw an inkpot. Thankfully, Mr. Walker intervened, protecting Prince Connor."

Kylie collapsed into a chair, pale. "Why test him now? Why the Thousand Verses? Is that truly important?"

"Perhaps I should go to Serenity Palace and check on Prince Connor. He's not used to it. Offending the Queen Dowager would worsen things," Lydia suggested hurriedly.

"Go quickly!" Kylie urged, her voice anxious.