Her Graceful War Song

Though Salvador had trained in martial arts, he lacked Rafael's keen eye for detail. He hadn't noticed that Caden had prior training-he only saw a son who was diligent, disciplined, and improving rapidly.

A brilliant child.

If only he had been born to Kylie!

It would have made things so much easier. Salvador wouldn't have to hesitate- he could have simply chosen Caden.

The day before the Verdant Hunt, Salvador summoned Rafael to the royal study.

"What do you think of my three sons?" he asked.

Rafael answered bluntly.

"Prince Connor has no interest in martial arts. His talent is poor, and his attitude is indifferent. Even after days of training, he still holds the bow incorrectly. Every time I correct him, he makes the same mistake again the next day.

"Prince Caden is strong, skilled, and takes archery seriously. He already had a foundation before this, so he's nearly on par with Ryan.

"As for Prince Cecil, he's just there to play."

Salvador paused. "A foundation? Caden's trained before?"

"I checked his arms and bone structure," Rafael said. "He's practiced martial arts before specifically archery."

Salvador's expression eased slightly. "He's talented, hardworking... A child worth teaching."

But talent alone didn't make a crown prince. If ability was all that mattered, Salvador wouldn't be sitting on the throne-Rafael would.

Salvador's insistence on naming his eldest son born from the queen as heir... wasn't it, in part, a way of justifying his claim to the throne?

He studied Rafael, lost in thought.

Had their father ever regretted choosing him as heir? Especially when Rafael's brilliance began to shine?

When he saw such an exceptional son rising before him... Did he feel even a twinge of regret?

Now, the roles were reversed.

Now, Salvador was the one making the choice and he finally understood how impossibly difficult it was.

The day of the Verdant Hunt arrived.

A grand procession of carriages set out for Everwood Park.

Located on the outskirts of the capital, Everwood Park was a vast hunting ground reserved for the royal family, its rolling hills strictly off-limits to commoners. At its heart lay a pristine lake, its waters

ove

reflecting the endless blue sky and drifting white clouds-a breathtaking sight.

By the lakeshore, the families of court officials set up camp. Elegant ladies, adorned in fine silks and exquisite jewelry, sat surrounded by maids and attendants, their laughter bright as they chatted amongst themselves.

To make the hunt more exciting, Meredith presented an elaborate gold and glass hair clasp as the prize-whoever caught the most game would win it.noveldrama

Kylie had also come prepared. She produced a pair of finely crafted gold bangles and an ornately carved ebony jewelry box as additional prizes.

Grace and Sylvia still held authority over the harem, so they couldn't afford to be too reserved.

To show her generosity, Sylvia brought out a dagger she had obtained years ago-sharp enough to slice through iron with ease. She declared that she wanted to drink deer blood today, and that whoever managed to hunt a deer would win the dagger.

Grace went even further, presenting an entire set of gemstone hairpieces, each one dazzling enough to steal the breath of anyone who laid eyes on them. The sight alone was enough to make the ladies around her nearly salivate with desire.

The other concubines joined in the fun, each offering up precious trinkets of their own to add to the excitement.

Rare and coveted as these prizes were, everyone knew the truth-no matter how many treasures were laid out, the real victor would be Hell Monarch's princess

consort.

Who could possibly compete with Hell Monarch himself?

Before long, the young men rode onto the field, their horses galloping through the open expanse.

Carissa had yet to arrive. As the

commander of the Mystic Army, she

was overseeing security today,

ensuring the safety of everyone

present. At the moment, she and

Michael were inspecting the

lakeside, checking whether the area had been properly treated with sulfur powder-this season was when venomous snakes were most active.

Only after completing the inspection did she ride toward the forest's entrance, where she spotted Rafael. He was dressed in fitted hunting attire of deep blue, sitting with effortless ease atop his horse.

Her brows furrowed slightly.

Sebastian had warned that Rafael must not use his inner force. While horseback riding posed no issue, the real danger lay in the hunt itself—if he got carried away and instinctively used his Lightfoot Skill, it could spell trouble.

Carissa rode closer, lowering her voice in warning. "Your priority is to protect His Majesty. Don't get greedy for prey."

Seated atop his horse, Salvador glanced over, flanked by Louis and Thomas.

At Carissa's words, Thomas laughed. "No need to worry, Your Grace. His Majesty has us by his side. His Highness can go on his killing spree as he pleases."

Salvador chuckled dryly. "As if I need him to protect me. I've hunted in Everwood Park more times than I can count. I know every hill and every dip in the land like the back of my hand."