Although it wasn’t proper, Carissa had someone buy two pots of meat porridge before Zoey returned to her cell. She told Zoey that it was a gesture of thanks from the common people, to repay her for her years of distributing
food
This time, Zoey was moved to tears. She wished so much that her children could have a bowl of hot porridge, even if just a small spoonful.
After leaving the Supreme Court, Carissa paused for a moment before instructing Jacob to spread the story of the supposedly donated porridge.
Once, people had spoken highly of Zoey’s charity. Over time, however, the talks had dwindled. Now, Carissa saw an opportunity to reignite that warmth, using this small act of kindness to revive Zoey’s image.
Naturally, Jacob spun the tale a little more, embellishing it with compassion. He spoke of a man who had once been a starving refugee from the outskirts of the capital. He had been barely alive, eating the porridge at the charity stalls for several days. Before he left the city, the stall attendants had given him a package of dry rations.
Now, the man had heard of Zoey’s misfortune. Although his life was still hard, he had traveled to the capital, bringing with him two pots of hot meat porridge as a token of his gratitude, and begged to have it sent to the prison for his benefactor.
Randall, the one in charge of Astral Prison, was moved when he heard the full story. He made an exception and allowed Zoey’s family to receive the meat porridge.
The story of gratitude spread
through the streets, quickly fling every comer of the city. The talk turned once more to the Earl of Silverstone’s family and Zoey’s strength of character. People began to speak of her again, pitying her and condemning the treatment she had received
Many felt that Zoey’s fall from grace wasn’t due to her own shortcomings, but rather the collapse of her family’s fortunes. It was also because she didn’t have any maternal family members to rely on, making her an easy target for Oliver’s repeated mistreatment.
The more they learned of Oliver’s cruelty, the more sympathy they felt for Zoey.
Soon, the Oversight Department caught wind of the stories, Once again, reports were sent to Salvador–this time, while he lay on his sickbed.
Salvador had just heard from Jeremiah about the change in the riverworks project workers, and was now listening to the tale of the grateful citizen who had traveled so far to deliver the porridge. Perhaps because of his own recent illness, the king’s heart was softer.
Jeremiah spoke gently, adding that it was clear that Oliver, who was in the wrong, had expected his family to suffer for it. Even during his escape, he likely foresaw what awaited them. And now, the man who had caused all this harm was safe, while his family suffered.
On the other hand, Zoey was truly pitiable. She had never known peace since marrying Oliver, much like Carissa when she was married to Barrett.
The difference was that Zoey’s situation was even more tragic. At least Carissa was young and had martial arts skills. Able to fight on the battlefield and earn achievement, she wouldn’t waste her years and end up imprisoned in Astral Prison
After a long silence, Salvador ordered, “The women of the Prince family are to be demoted to commoners. The men are to be exiled to the Southern Frontier for three years. As for the rest of the household servants, they are free to go as they please.”
“Your wisdom is unmatched, Your Majesty!” Irvin exclaimer, quickly bowing in gratitude on behalf of the Prince family.
After sending Irvin away, Salvador summoned his strength to rise from his bed. He called for a meeting with the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Infrastructure, and Cassa, the commander of the Mystic Army.
Edwin was paralyzed with dread. He could hardly believe that such a critical project had fallen into such disarray. Where had the conscripted laborers gone? Who had they been replaced with?
As his mind raced in panic, he felt as though his position as Minister of Infrastructure was now hanging by a thread. Without thinking, he glanced toward Carissa, who was speaking about defense matters with such precision. He couldn’t help but admire her, he hadn’t expected her to work so quickly.
Salvador was taken aback too. He watched Carissa, who had laid out a map on the table, guiding her fingers from one checkpoint to another. Her words were clear and concise, her plan unfolding effortlessly.
The distribution of troops and their roles were laid out in just a few short sentences, all perfectly understood.
Salvador looked at her bright, determined eyes, her face almost glowing with focus. For a moment, he lost himself in the sight. noveldrama
Just then, Carissa finished speaking and turned to him. Noticing his silence, she mistook his expression dissatisfaction.
“Do you think the Sacred Fire Regiment shouldn’t be used, Your Majesty?” she asked.
The Sacred Fire Regiment was responsible for guarding the palace and the city gates. Since the first batch of six- barreled matchlocks had already been sent to the Southern Frontier, the Ministry of Defense and Isaac were working quickly to assemble more.
When Salvador didn’t respond immediately, Carissa added, The Mystic Army has its own Sacred Fire Regiment. Though we’ve always used single–shot matchlocks, we’ll be fine with a bit of training. You needn’t worry. If that doesn’t work, we can use arrows. Our Elite Marksmanship Unit is also quite formidable.”
Salvador was taken aback by the brilliance in her eyes. She handled such a crisis with remarkable calmness, making many men pale in comparison.
“Good,” he said at last, his throat tight.