Chapter 1344

Improper though it was, Carissa arranged for the purchase of two pots of meat porridge before Zoey returned to her cell. She told Zoey it was a gesture of thanks from the common people, repaying her for years of distributing food.

This time, Zoey was moved to tears. She longed for her children to have even a spoonful of hot porridge.

After leaving the Supreme Court, Carissa paused before instructing Jacob to spread the story of the supposedly donated porridge. Once, people had spoken highly of Zoey's charity; over time, however, this praise had faded. Carissa saw an opportunity to reignite that warmth, using this small act to revive Zoey's image.

Jacob naturally embellished the tale with compassionate detail. He spoke of a man, once a starving refugee from the capital's outskirts, who had subsisted on porridge from charity stalls for days before receiving a package of dry rations. Hearing of Zoey's misfortune, despite his own hardships, he traveled to the capital, bringing two pots of hot meat porridge as a token of gratitude, and begged to have it sent to his benefactor in prison.

Randall, the warden of Astral Prison, was moved by the story and made an exception, allowing Zoey's family to receive the porridge.

News of this gratitude spread swiftly throughout the city. Conversation turned again to the Earl of Silverstone's family and Zoey's strength of character. People spoke of her again, pitying her and condemning her treatment. Many felt Zoey's downfall stemmed not from her own failings, but from her family's ruined fortunes and lack of maternal support, making her an easy target for Oliver's abuse.

The more they learned of Oliver's cruelty, the more sympathy Zoey garnered.

The Oversight Department soon learned of these stories, sending reports to Salvador—this time, while he lay sick. Salvador, having just heard from Jeremiah about the riverworks project's labor issues, now listened to the tale of the grateful citizen. Perhaps due to his own recent illness, the king's heart was softened.

Jeremiah gently added that Oliver, clearly in the wrong, had likely foreseen his family's suffering, even during his escape. Now, the man who caused the harm was safe, while his family suffered. Zoey, on the other hand, was truly pitiable; she had known no peace since marrying Oliver, much like Carissa during her marriage to Barrett. Zoey's situation, however, was even more tragic. Carissa, young and skilled in martial arts, could fight and achieve; Zoey's years were wasted, ending in imprisonment.

After a long silence, Salvador ordered, "The Prince women are to be demoted to commoners. The men are to be exiled to the Southern Frontier for three years. The remaining household servants are free to go as they please."

Chapter 1341

"Your wisdom is unmatched, Your Majesty!" Irvin exclaimed, bowing deeply in gratitude on behalf of the Prince family.

After dismissing Irvin, Salvador summoned the strength to rise from his bed, calling a meeting with the Ministries of Defense and Infrastructure, and Cassa, commander of the Mystic Army.

Edwin was paralyzed with dread. He could hardly believe the project's disarray. Where had the conscripted laborers gone, and who had replaced them? His position as Minister of Infrastructure felt precarious. He involuntarily glanced at Carissa, who was speaking with precision about defense matters. He hadn't expected her to work so quickly.

Salvador was equally taken aback. Watching Carissa, who had spread a map on the table, guiding her fingers across it, he was impressed by her clear, concise words and effortless plan. The troop distribution and roles were outlined perfectly in a few short sentences.

Salvador looked into her bright, determined eyes, her face glowing with focus, momentarily lost in the sight.

Carissa finished speaking and turned to him. Noticing his silence, she mistook his expression for dissatisfaction.

"Do you think the Sacred Fire Regiment shouldn't be used, Your Majesty?" she asked.

The Sacred Fire Regiment guarded the palace and city gates. Since the first batch of six-barreled matchlocks had been sent to the Southern Frontier, the Ministry of Defense and Isaac were working to assemble more.

When Salvador remained silent, 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 formidable."

Salvador was struck by her brilliance and calmness in handling the crisis.

"Good," he said at last, his throat tight.