A flicker of disgust passed through Celeste''s lowered eyes.


    What a waste-no skills, no abilities,cking in both wisdom and courage, unable even to be ruthless. How could someone like that aplish anything significant?


    But when she lifted her gaze, her eyes shone with renewed light. "You have a kind heart, my love. I didn''t fall in love with the wrong man."


    Having made his decision, Oliver found himself unexpectedly calm.


    He cupped Celeste''s face in his hands, imagining a future where they ran away together-living in


    secrecy, enjoying a life of wealth and leisure. That idea didn''t sound half bad.


    He had known glory once, served the kingdom, and given his all. Who didn''t value their life? He wasn''t doing anything wrong.


    And honestly, to speak what shouldn''t be spoken-whether he stayed or left the Southern Frontier, it would hardly matter. After all, Louis and the others didn''t hold him in high regard.


    "Send for Carl. I need to discuss things with him. If we are to leave, we''ll take everyone with us," Oliver instructed.


    Carl had once been the drill master at Silverstone Estate, and Oliver had brought him along to the Southern Frontier.


    Oliver hadn''t known that Zoey had sent her people along with him. When Celeste arrived, she had discreetly removed all those spies. Now, everyone left in Redstone Manor were trusted confidants. Carl was initially stunned by the n but quickly warmed to it.


    He had been ustomed to the luxury of the capital, enjoying afortable life as a drill instructor in Silverstone Estate. But since arriving here in the Southern Frontier, everything had been a struggle. Even a simple drink was hard toe by, and there were no fine dishes to enjoy when they dined out.


    If he could return to wealth andfort, why would he stay here and suffer?


    Moreover, if war came and Oliver went to the frontlines, could they sit idly by? They would be expected to fight too. It would be a death sentence for them! They weren''t even official soldiers. Even if they tried to flee, they wouldn''t be punished.


    So, it was better to leave with Oliver. They had umted a fair amount of wealth in Redstone Manor. If they could take that with them, they would livefortably, no matter where they went. Whether or not they returned to the capital mattered little.


    Though that was Carl''s thoughts, he was surprised Oliver would dare do such a thing. After all, if Oliver fled from battle, it would bring disaster to his family. Even if he didn''t lose his head, his assets would likely be seized, and he could be exiled.


    But then again, if Oliver didn''t care, why should he?


    The next day, Carl announced that with the war imminent, Oliver would send his wife and young son back to the capital. So, they needed to buy some supplies for the journey. He also needed to send the household servants back, so they would buy a few carriages.


    Timothy and Louis heard the news but gave it little thought. After all, Oliver''s wife was not one to endure hardship. Why would she want to stay in a war zone with the fighting imminent?


    Besides, the infant had only just turned a month old-leaving the child in such a dangerous ce was hardly fitting. Sending them away seemed entirely sensible.


    That day, the necessary items for the journey were procured. Five carriages were prepared, along with boxes, crates, and several crates of local Southern Frontier delicacies. They were said to be gifts for Evelyn and Zoey in the capital.


    Timothy knew Zoey well enough. She was a woman of virtue, skilled in managing a household, with both the strength and the wit to lead. It was unfortunate she had married a man like Oliver.


    Now, with Oliver''s concubine and child returning to the capital, this "grand gesture" was surely a tribute of the highest order.


    Timothy couldn''t help but feel a pang of irony.


    That evening, Oliver hosted a banquet at his manor, iming it was also to discuss preparations for the battle. He invited Louis and Timothy, as well as the two military advisors, to join him.


    The Southern Frontier Army now numbered little more than 200,000. There were several generals, but in truth, it was Louis and Timothy who had long held the reins. Today, they had even sent for Zachary Larkin. Zachary was busy overseeing repairs to the catapults and other siege equipment. Once the repairs werepleted, he had to inspect them, so he didn''t attend the banquet.


    "Whatever ns are discussed, just have General Quinton brief meter," Zachary had said.


    Louis and Timothy had their strategies to share. Ever since they received reports from scouts, they had been preparing for battle. Multiple ns had been drawn up, and today, they would finally be able to hash out the details.