Chapter 1316
When Carissa and Violet returned, they informed Jacob and Kyle of the events. Both men agreed that a thorough investigation of Willowbrook Estate's inhabitants, including Chaya, was prudent. They had previously investigated the estate, finding no suspicious individuals. Several staff members, brought to the capital by Hayden years prior, were demonstrably loyal; calling them trusted confidantes would be no exaggeration. The remaining staff had been purchased from a merchant during Hayden's return; Jacob personally verified their identities and family histories through the merchant, discovering they had all been sold due to their families' financial struggles.
Carissa and Violet had spent the day searching Willowbrook Estate, but found no servants displaying martial arts skills. Even if any existed, they likely remained discreet. Jacob suggested another thorough check of Willowbrook Estate to identify any staff changes.
Several days earlier, Rafael, departing for the Southern Frontier, had meticulously disguised himself, even using a different horse known for its endurance. His thoughts focused solely on reaching the Southern Frontier and finding Louis, intending to enlist as a low-ranking soldier and blend in. Upon entering Southern Frontier territory, news of Oliver's flight with his concubine reached him.
Panic erupted, fueled by rampant rumors. Some claimed Sandoria had raised an army of 800,000, and the Southern Frontier's fall was imminent. Others spoke of Sandorian plans for a city-wide massacre. Reports even circulated that Salvador had killed the Hell Monarch to prevent him from leading the army. These rumors prompted widespread fear and abandonment of homes, leaving a land just beginning to recover bracing itself for war.
These rumors quickly spread through the military ranks, reaching even the highest echelons. The most devastating rumor—that Salvador had killed the Hell Monarch—infuriated the Hell Monarch Army's former soldiers. The Hell Monarch, a loyal and capable leader in their eyes, had been killed by the king, suggesting incompetence and folly. Many deserted, returning home. Louis and Timothy's attempts to quell the rumors and calm the troops proved futile.
Among the regiments, the Sinclair Army harbored the most distrust of the king. Hector's previous requests for reinforcements, and urgent reports to the capital, had been denied. Only after learning of Hector and his sons' deaths did Salvador permit Rafael to lead the Hell Monarch Army to the Southern Frontier. This fueled much of the unrest within the Sinclair Army. Seeing the situation worsen, Timothy and Louis felt helpless and despairing.
Meanwhile, Sandorian forces reached Simonton City. The enraged Southern Frontier Army continued to curse Salvador. The first siege was a grueling battle, barely holding their ground. Though they repelled Sandoria's forces, the battle highlighted the Southern Frontier army's exhaustion and vulnerability. The soldiers feared a disastrous outcome should Sandoria regroup and adapt their tactics.
The command tent reflected the low morale. The Hell Monarch and Sinclair Armies were not disunited, but united in their bitter resentment of the king, firmly believing the Hell Monarch had been murdered. Zachary, his arm bandaged and bloodshot eyes filled with fury, even believed the rumors—that Salvador had killed Rafael.
Homer, Zachary's relative and member of the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team, had corresponded with Zachary over the past two years. Homer's letters mentioned Rafael's difficult life in the capital due to the king's distrust, and the repeated downsizing of Carissa's Mystic Army. This led Zachary to believe the rumors held some truth. Before the battle, he sent an urgent report to the capital, detailing the circulating rumors and asking Jeremiah to convey the message to Salvador, hoping that if the king hadn't killed the Hell Monarch, he would send Rafael to the Southern Frontier to quell the unrest. Zachary also sought confirmation of the rumors; if Rafael lived, Salvador would surely send him.
The only question was, how long would they have to wait? Court officials, comfortably ensconced in their high positions, remained oblivious to the brutal battles. Even urgent reports faced delays before reaching the king, who would then deliberate and hesitate, as was his habit. Hadn't Hector died due to such delays? Now, a deafening silence fell upon the camp. Proposed plans had failed, morale plummeted, and the army was in disarray. Attacking now meant certain death. They felt utterly hopeless.