Chapter 1234  +25 BONUS  Carissa cradled the cup in her hands, savoring the warmth. “Lord Malcolm, do you think you can offer me something that I can’t achieve on my own?”  Malcolm was momentarily stunned, unsure of what she meant.  Carissa gave a faint smile. “You should return now. I’ll be staying here tonight.”  The cold had begun to fog Malcolm’s thoughts, and he struggled to make sense of her words.  “Then, why not be direct and tell me what it is that you want?” he said.  “Nothing at all. I’m doing this for the sake of King Sigmund’s reputation, nothing more. Not every situation requires a trade of interests. Oh, and by the way, the Capital Guard headquarters doesn’t provide meals to those detained here. You can have someone bring food for Lord Gerald, or leave some money and we’ll arrange for it ourselves,” she replied, her tone sharpening slightly.  Malcolm stood, still confused by her actions.  Why was she doing this for the Quinton family? Though they weren’t bitter enemies, there had always been tension between them. He couldn’t understand why she would offer help so selflessly.  As for Sigmund’s reputation, Malcolm didn’t think it was something a woman like her would concern herself with.  “Commander Sinclair, if you have any suitable candidates for promotion to the court, perhaps below the sixth rank…”  “Lord Malcolm, I won’t walk you out,” Carissa cut him off sharply.  Malcolm fell silent for a moment, genuinely unsure of what she meant. He searched his pockets, only to realize he hadn’t brought any money. With a sigh, he muttered something about going back to prepare food and then made his exit.  As soon as he was gone, Violet came rushing over, her face lit with excitement. “I’m heading back now. Someone from Hell Monarch Estate just sent word that Thia and Bun will be here by this evening. Since you’ll be staying here tonight, I’ll go ahead.”  Her eyes brightening and her face glowing with joy, Carissa stood up abruptly. “Really? Then, I’ll… Oh, never mind. Go on ahead. After I report to His Majesty tomorrow, I’ll return to the estate. Make sure to take care of them in the meantime.”  Carissa hadn’t seen her friends since returning to the capital after the battle, and she missed them dearly.  Violet dashed off like the wind, her excited voice echoing through the cold halls of the Capital Guard headquarters.  1/2  with the biting cold night air, Carissa had arranged for some coal to be delivered to the prison It wasn’t the finest coal, and it smoked a bit when it, but it was better than nothing  Carissa personally inspected the area and found Gerald and Coby huddled in a comer. Cody was fiercely guarding Gerald, making were no one approached. His eyes were sharp, but when they met Carissa’s gaze, he instinctively lowered his head, using his body to shield his master.  Gerald still bad his face covered, so it was imposible to read his expression. However, his rigid posture betrayed his nervousness,  The entire prison fell silent when Carissa entered Before her arrival, some had been asking when the Capital Guard would release them. But now, with the one in charge present, they dared not speak a word.  Carissa glanced around and said, “The Capital Guard cannot provide meals for you. You may have your families send food. Also, if anyone needs to relieve themselves, raise your hand and someone will take you outside. Do not make a mess here.”  After she finished speaking, a member of the Garrison Unit stepped forward and asked, Which of you wants your family to send food? Come here and tell me which family you’re from, and we’ll send someone to inform your household. If you prefer not to notify your family, you can pay us the money and we’ll buy food for you. The cost is for two meals a day, for four meals total.”  “I–how much do I need to pay?” A young noble stepped forward, holding a silver ingot. His face was obscured, but his eyes, still visible, carried an air of arrogance. “Is this enough? If not, I have more.”  He probably thought the Capital Guard headquarters was extorting money, as the ingot he held amounted to ten silver coins. He figured the Capital Guard would make a huge profit from buying just four meals with the money he was giving them. After saying he had more, the young noble pulled out a banknote which was worth one hundred silver coins.  Carissa gave him a brief glance. He was unrecognizable to her, but she made a mental note to have Michael look into him. This kind of reckless young man would eventually run his family’s wealth into the ground.  “Four meals, simple fare, twenty–five copper coins per meal. That’s one hundred copper coins for four meals.”  The Garrison Unit member shoved the silver ingot and banknote back toward the young noble, his expression one of distaste.  Upon hearing this, the prisoners looked around in confusion. One hundred copper coins? Who even had copper coins on them?