Chapter 1189
Violet, along with Alana, Leah, and others, had formed a team to apprehend a group of rapists terrorizing the city. Initially, she believed it would be straightforward: apprehend, confess, and hand over to authorities. However, upon arrival, the culprits claimed they had only confessed due to being beaten.
Alana attempted to speak with the victims, but they uniformly denied any assault, some even turning away her team. Lacking evidence, the authorities released the perpetrators.
Violet's frustration mounted with each failure. Murderous thoughts, familiar from her martial arts background, briefly surfaced. But her current situation differed; Rafael's government position and Carissa's command of the Mystic Army prevented her from resorting to extralegal methods.
The seemingly simple solution—apprehending and handing them over—proved utterly ineffective. Her tireless efforts had yielded no arrests, leaving her visibly angry and frustrated.
During a conversation, Carissa offered solace, "Don't be discouraged. At least you've made them pay with a beating. They know you're watching and won't repeat their actions."
"A beating isn't enough! I want justice," Violet retorted, pressing a fist to her temple.
Carissa sighed. "The victims are too afraid to speak, preferring to bury their shame."
"So, we let these animals get away with it?" Violet exclaimed. "Is there no other way?"
"Next time, if you lack evidence, don't bother with the authorities. Beat them harder. Break an arm, a leg—ensure they can't walk again," Carissa replied.
Violet considered this, a softening expression crossing her face. "That's not a bad plan."
Carissa then asked, "Did you all thoroughly investigate these culprits?"
Violet nodded. "Don't worry. We've been thorough. No unjust accusations. The victims won't come forward, and our methods aren't exactly legal; the authorities are powerless."
She felt disheartened, having underestimated the need for evidence and victim testimony. Carissa offered no easy answers; the law demanded its due process. They exchanged a look of mutual support.
Rafael left the palace as the gates closed, snow beginning to fall. By the time he reached home, his cloak was heavy with snow. Carissa helped him remove it. "Have you eaten? Why so late?"
He warmed his hands by the fire. "Dinner with His Majesty. He wants me to go to Lunvale in a few days."
Carissa was surprised. "Personally? Why not send the Nightsteel Guard?"
"Ian already sent someone. They made discoveries but can't investigate further; they lack martial arts skills," Rafael explained. Carissa understood; rash action risked alerting and losing the target.
"How many people? When are you leaving?" she asked. It was December 15th—two weeks until New Year's.
"I'll speak with Randall tomorrow. I plan to leave in three days, taking Dylan, Travis, and some martial arts-trained household soldiers," Rafael replied, embracing her. "Don't worry. I'll be careful."
"Take Isaac," Carissa suggested.
Rafael frowned. "He's busy with the Ministry of Defense's firearms project. Don't trouble him."
Isaac, contrary to his claims, wasn't ignorant. He'd been assisting Adrian with firearms for a considerable time, initially feigning ignorance per Adrian's instructions. Adrian had advised less intervention in the capital, preferring to let people resolve issues themselves after providing a notebook. However, after a visit to the Ministry of Defense, Isaac found himself taking action, and was rarely at the Hell Monarch Estate.