Chapter 294
Carissa had no desire to attend Helen's tea party. Relieved that Ryan could finally speak again, she turned her attention to organizing the defensive strategy maps and tactical diagrams left by her father and brothers. Her family had guarded strategic points like Victory Pass and the Southern Frontier, were well-acquainted with the fortifications, and had drawn numerous defensive strategy maps. Even during peacetime, they sent scouts to explore surrounding forts, meticulously marking every detail on their maps. However, some sketches were haphazard and disorganized, so Carissa decided to create refined versions.
This was a time-consuming task. Looking at the stack of rough drafts, Carissa estimated that completing them herself would take two or three months. She sighed, thinking how much easier it would be if Kyle were around. His keen eye and sharp mind allowed him to memorize information at a glance. With a quill in hand, he worked with the speed of a calligrapher.
After two or three days, Carissa had made little progress, and her eyes ached. Rafael had visited only once since Ryan regained his speech. The position of Minister of Justice seemed burdensome, perhaps beyond his expertise, requiring gradual learning. The last time he visited, he muttered legal codes under his breath—phrases like "thirty lashes for this crime," "exile for that," and "imprisonment for three to five years," listing punishments for various offenses.
Seeing Rafael overwhelmed, Carissa felt sorry for him. Commanding troops and training soldiers was one thing, but memorizing the kingdom's laws was evidently a struggle. She advised him, "You don't need to memorize everything. There are books to refer to, and the clerks at the Ministry of Justice are knowledgeable. You can always ask them for help."
He responded earnestly, "As Minister of Justice, not understanding the laws would be a dereliction of duty. Either I don't take the position, or I do it to the best of my ability."
Carissa laughed and said, "Does the king have it out for you? Why else would he assign you to the Ministry of Justice? In this position, you not only review cases but also handle matters involving high-ranking officials. It's a job that can easily earn you enemies."
What started as a joke seemed to weigh heavily on Rafael. His expression darkened momentarily, but he quickly recovered, forcing a smile. "Don't you understand? When it comes to authority, who besides the king can rival me? My years of battle have seen me subdue all manner of treacherous and dangerous people." He lifted his head haughtily. "Moreover, the government ministries are of critical importance. The king trusts me, which is why he has appointed me Minister of Justice."
Despite his proud words, Rafael left with his head bowed, looking as though he were about to cry, continuing to mutter legal codes under his breath.
Chapter 204 (+25 Bonus)
Sitting at her desk, Carissa recalled the scene with a chuckle. She made a sweeping motion with her quill, striking through a document with such force that it almost pierced the paper. That piece of paper was now useless. She knew she shouldn't be thinking about men; it significantly impacted her daily life and work.
As Carissa struggled with her tasks, Frederick ran in excitedly. His legs moved in circles as he burst into the study, panting. "My lady, a guest has arrived. He says he's your guild senior, Kyle Spencer."
Frederick's excitement was palpable; his eyes trembled, and he fidgeted with his clothes. Carissa had never seen him so nervous. Her face lit up. "Really? I'm coming right out!" Her wish seemed granted—her eldest guild senior had arrived, so she didn't have to continue working.
As she dashed out like a whirlwind, Frederick called after her, "My lady, put on a cloak. It's cold outside." Seeing he couldn't stop her, Frederick grabbed a cloak and hurried after her.
In the main hall, a man dressed in a black cloak sat in a chair. His long black hair was partially tied back with a blue ribbon, the rest cascading down his back. A faint smile graced his handsome face, as if the snow, rain, and hardships of the journey hadn't marred his appearance. Wildly free-spirited yet elegant and refined, these qualities made this legendary figure even more captivating.
Carissa burst into the room like a gust of wind. Before she could get a good look, she called out excitedly, "Kyle!"
Kyle stood up, his eyes soft and affectionate as he looked at his guild junior, whom he considered a younger sister. "It seems you've grown a bit taller and more beautiful," he said.