Chapter 186

Carissa felt a strange sense of unease, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on it—something like hostility, yet not quite. This feeling intensified after Salvador ended his remarks with that enigmatic smile.

What did he mean by suggesting she was already defending Rafael? It was baffling.

She paused before speaking. “Your Majesty, in war, there are no absolutely foolproof decisions, especially during decisive battles. It’s practically a gamble. Our strategy for attacking Simonton City was sound. Minor errors should be forgiven, considering we ultimately reclaimed the Southern Frontier and achieved victory.”

Salvador burst into hearty laughter. “I only asked a question or two. Look at you, so nervous. There’s no need to worry. I was just asking out of curiosity.”

Carissa felt her back dampen with sweat. It was hardly a casual inquiry. Salvador had seemed so serious; it was almost as if he were ready to lay blame on someone.

Holding Rafael accountable for the mistakes of his soldiers seemed unnecessary, especially since they had successfully reclaimed the Southern Frontier. Yet, Salvador’s intentions were hard to decipher.

Feeling it best not to linger, Carissa bowed and said, “I won’t disturb Your Majesties any longer. I will take my leave.”

Victoria, who had been listening with a stern expression, softened slightly. “You may go.”

As Carissa reached the door and turned to leave, she took Lulu’s hand. Lulu’s palm was sweaty, just like Carissa’s. Salvador’s sudden arrival, his lack of small talk, and the seemingly accusatory nature of his questions had frightened Lulu.

Watching Carissa depart, Salvador’s gaze slowly shifted back to Victoria. Meeting his mother’s stern eyes, he felt an unspoken tension and chuckled.

“See how scared she was?”

Victoria sighed. “Why did you frighten her?”

“It’s amusing. I wanted to see her flustered, unlike her usual impassive demeanor. She was a bit like that when she was younger, though she’s changed a lot since then.”

Victoria’s expression grew serious. “People change. She has faced many hardships these past years. Do you find comfort in unsettling her, in seeing her worried? Son, if you need amusement, go to the harem and amuse yourself with your concubines. Don’t frighten or bully Carissa.”

“Did I upset you? Alright, I won’t tease her anymore. Is that acceptable?” Salvador chuckled and waved for Derek. “Bring the list of gifts I’ve prepared for my younger brother’s wedding for my mother to review.”

Upon hearing this, Victoria’s expression softened a bit.

Derek presented the list, and Michelle unfurled it for Victoria. The more the queen dowager read, the more satisfied she seemed. It was clear that Salvador still thought of his younger brother fondly.

The list included royal gifts, which could not be sold, as well as items bought from the market, such as gold and silver jewelry, precious gems, and malachite. Most of these items came from jewelry shops in town.

The Royal Management Department procured silks, satin, and fine fabrics of the highest quality. This included over twenty rolls of brocade, which were extremely valuable.

The Royal Management Department also procured furniture, partition screens, wooden chests, wardrobes, and other large items. These items were made from exquisite woods like zebrawood and mahogany. There were also several jewelry boxes and a vanity.

Victoria looked up. “Why did you even include gifts for the bride’s dowry?”

“Well, some of these are for Carissa’s trousseau,” Salvador explained. “After all, we have a bond from our youth. I was very close to Zion, and now that he’s gone, I want to make up for his absence by preparing gifts for his sister.”

Zion Sinclair was Carissa’s third brother. Among the Sinclair family’s young generals, Salvador had the closest friendship with Zion. However, Salvador held the greatest respect for Hector, the eldest general among them.

“It pleases me greatly to see you thinking and acting this way,” Victoria said.

She ordered the list to be put away and dismissed everyone, clearly indicating she wanted to speak privately with Salvador.

Once the palace doors were closed, Victoria placed her hands on her lap, still feeling a tinge of unease. “What were you trying to accomplish by testing Carissa like that?”

Salvador smiled gently. “Mother, I just wanted to see if she would truly protect my younger brother. And, of course, to have a bit of fun with her.”

“Now that you see she indeed cares deeply for your brother, how do you feel?”

Salvador’s smile remained, though it was tinged with a hint of melancholy. “Naturally, I’m pleased for my brother. At least Carissa is genuinely devoted to him.”