Chapter 437
Within a few days, rumors about Aurora ceased. Storytellers in coffeehouses and taverns quickly changed their tune. They now claimed that while Starhaven soldiers had been captured at the Southern Frontier battle, Starhaven’s army had also taken many Sandorian soldiers prisoner. Both sides exchanged prisoners, with no mistreatment or abuse reported.
To outsiders, this might seem minor. However, those aware of the situation sensed something was amiss. The general populace was unaware that Westhaven soldiers had assisted Sandoria in the battle—such military matters were kept confidential. Even if a few knew, it was a minority, and the information wouldn't spread widely unless someone intentionally disseminated it.
Meanwhile, Rafael’s household army was established, including over two hundred men from the Hell Monarch Army, recovered from the king by Rafael. These men, Rafael's original personal guards, hadn't received court rations, so Salvador approved their inclusion. Two hundred men were not considered a significant number.
Additionally, over one hundred men from the Sinclair family's army joined. These men, once personal guards to Carissa's father, Hector, were recalled to service. Jacob and Travis recruited more, assembling a five-hundred-strong force with those already on the estate.
Quarters for the household soldiers were established in open space on the estate, far from the main house and rear courtyard. Travis organized patrols and defenses.
Apart from soldiers on daily duty, all others underwent training with Travis—martial arts instruction, actually. Most had seen battle, but combat experience didn't equate to martial arts proficiency.
While five hundred men weren't many, properly trained, they could become elite troops and alleviate immediate difficulties.
As Carissa assumed responsibility for household affairs, Luke summoned estate heads and shopkeepers to Hell Monarch Estate to meet the princess consort. They would now be under her management.
Carissa didn't merely go through the motions; she asked each person detailed questions. Jacob and Luke had clearly chosen their staff well—all were skilled and respectful. She rewarded them with gifts, instructed them to manage diligently, and promised year-end bonuses. The estate managers and shopkeepers saluted before departing.
Carissa immersed herself in the account books for several days, scrutinizing records for discrepancies. She tallied income and expenditure, discovering the estate was vast and prosperous. The king's previous attempts to suppress Rafael had resulted in substantial rewards and land grants.
Bonus:
Chapter 437
After the Southern Frontier battle, additional mountain lands were acquired. Luke sent people to inspect them; they were suitable only for farming and fruit growing, had little other use, and were remotely located, making them difficult to manage.
"Grand Princess Eleanor suggested exchanging these mountain lands for prime farmland," Luke said. "I reported this to His Highness, but he refused."
Carissa looked up. "Exchanging prime farmland for mountain lands?"
"Yes," Luke confirmed. "We asked twice, but His Highness declined."
Carissa smiled thoughtfully. "Intriguing. What does Grand Princess Eleanor hope to achieve?"
"His Highness believes there's an ulterior motive," Luke added. "He's already dispatched people to watch those in Harmony Palace."
Carissa nodded. "I understand. Next month is Mother's birthday. It's her first year out of the palace, so she'll undoubtedly want a grand celebration."
"We've asked Lady Helen," Luke said, smiling. "She suggested a small gathering."
Carissa chuckled. "That won't do. There must be proper decorum."
Helen had recently gone on a shopping spree, buying expensive flowers, decorating the garden, and refurbishing the theater, all in preparation for a grand birthday celebration. How could they only invite a few people?
"Please draft a guest list, Luke," Carissa instructed. "I need to review who should and shouldn't be invited."
"Certainly," Luke replied respectfully before leaving.