Feigning illness was no simple task. Carissa couldn't just immediately claim she was too sick to handle official duties after today's awkward incident in the royal study. That would be too obvious, and would make future encounters between them awkward, with unspoken tensions lingering.

For those in high positions, that might not matter much. But since Carissa and Rafael were officials, they couldn't afford to be disrespectful.

After some discussion, it was decided that Carissa should go about her routine as usual the next day- returning to the Capital Guard headquarters and leading a team outside the city to maintain order. A few days later, they would stage a minor incident.

Due to the recent chaos caused by bandits, many people had flooded into the capital seeking refuge. However, without proper documentation, they were unable to enter the city and were left stranded outside. Following Zoey's lead, many noble families and wealthy merchants had set up temporary relief efforts, offering food, medicine, and warm clothing. Because of this, many refugees were reluctant to leave. Life was tough, but it was still better than traveling home in the freezing winter.noveldrama

As a result, fights and disputes broke out almost daily outside the city. Carissa even sent the Garrison Unit to maintain order. It wasn't a difficult problem to handle.

For the next two days, Carissa personally led troops outside the city to patrol and keep things under control. There were indeed many refugees. However, with the Garrison Unit keeping things in check, they were able to line up in an orderly manner to receive porridge.

Carissa spent half the day outside the city, then returned to the palace in the afternoon to discuss military affairs with the court officials. Once the discussions were over, she left with the others as usual.

Salvador used to have her stay for lunch, but after that, he typically wouldn't keep her any longer. After dinner, he would review official documents late into the night before finally returning to his chambers to rest.

According to the plan, while Carissa was patrolling outside the city, her horse was startled and she was thrown off, injuring her leg. She was sent back to Hell Monarch Estate by the Garrison Unit guards. Once back, she called for Ivy to tend to her injury, then sent word to request time off. Upon hearing the news, Salvador immediately sent Robert to treat her.

Sticking to the plan of making the incident look real, Carissa had indeed hurt herself in the fall, but it wasn't serious. After all, Robert could only check her pulse and couldn't assess her actual injuries. And anyway, Ivy had already stabilized her leg with a splint. Based on the examination report, Robert returned to the palace to give his own report.

Naturally, the examination report Ivy provided was slightly exaggerated. When Robert delivered his report to Salvador, the latter became quite concerned. He immediately ordered Robert to send some of the palace's special medicinal ointments to Hell Monarch Estate.

Once the ointments were delivered, Robert didn't return, and everyone at Hell Monarch Estate breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Everyone knew Salvador may not have that kind of intention toward Carissa, but they couldn't let the palace consorts and officials misunderstand or exaggerate the potential problems of a woman holding a high position.

When Ryan returned on his day off, Victoria summoned Helen to accompany him into the palace to offer their greetings and also to visit Trevor.

Victoria knew about Carissa's injury but didn't ask further. The older woman simply told her to rest and recover for a while.

However, Helen found it odd.

Victoria was usually quite anxious about Carissa, always asking after the latter whenever Helen entered the palace. Yet now, with such a serious injury, she wasn't even inquiring about the details? Helen jokingly said a few words, but seeing that her sister wasn't smiling at all, she stopped herself. When Victoria wasn't smiling, her presence was commanding and intimidating, making people hesitant to speak.

Victoria had someone take Ryan to the study to meet Trevor, then dismissed Helen.

"If you want to visit any of the palaces, go ahead. Just come back after you're done and have lunch with me."

Helen stood with a grin. "You know me so well."

A smile finally touched Victoria's lips as she looked at her sister. "You're wearing new clothes today. Don't you want to show them off?"

Helen turned with a bounce in her step, eagerly heading off with Gillian.

Victoria watched her sister leave, a soft smile lingering on her face before a faint sigh escaped her lips.

Her head chamberlain, Keith, was puzzled by her intentions and asked, "Your Majesty, why let Lady Helen visit Lady Josephine and Lady Dakota? Aren't you afraid she'll overhear something?"

"If she hears something, then she hears it," Victoria replied with an unreadable look. "I'm actually curious

to know what they say when no one's around."

Victoria knew what her sister was like. Helen couldn't keep anything to herself. If she heard something, she would come straight to Victoria to talk about it.

Keith pursed his lips. "I fear it won't be anything good. But it's clever of you, Your Majesty."

"She didn't have a choice; she had to hurt herself for no reason. The king was really inconsiderate this time," Victoria said with a calm expression.

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