Chapter 538

Carissa knew that going out at night armed, while aware of a potential attack on the Warren family, would undoubtedly arouse Salvador's suspicions. Although she was the deputy commander of the Mystic Army, her position was largely ceremonial; carrying weapons at night and knowing the assassins' whereabouts were inappropriate. Salvador would suspect her, and by extension Rafael, of having a spy network.

Carissa looked up and spoke directly. "Your Majesty, as you know, my family was massacred by spies. Since Ryan was found, I've worried constantly about his safety. Therefore, I asked a guild senior to assign people to watch for suspicious individuals entering the capital.

"A few days ago, we discovered suspicious individuals with strong martial arts skills checked into the Prestige Lodge. They remained in their rooms, seemingly plotting something. Concerned they might target Ryan, I had them closely surveilled.

"That night, they dressed in dark clothing and jumped from a second-story window. Instead of going to the Hell Monarch Estate, however, they appeared to be heading towards Sparrow Street.

"Since the prime minister and royal chancellor live in that area, I feared an assassination attempt on high-ranking officials. I followed them, only to find they weren't going to Sparrow Street, but directly to Valor Estate."

Salvador listened with a smile, but his eyes remained sharp.

"Given your past grievances with the Warren family, why did you aid them?" he asked.

"It was a matter of human life. Furthermore, I harbor no deep-seated grudge against the Warren family. Moreover, as deputy commander of the Mystic Army, I couldn't stand idly by."

Salvador nodded slightly. "Your explanation is reasonable. However, did you know the assassins were targeting Aurora?"

"At the time, I didn't. After severing the assassins' tendons, Mr. Gregory bound them. Mr. Brown arrived with the Capital Guards; I left shortly thereafter," Carissa replied.

Salvador sighed. "I see. It's a pity the assassins were killed; we can't discover who was behind them. Did you glean any clues from your encounter?"

Carissa thought, then shook her head. "I couldn't identify their guild. Those I know are from reputable guilds and rarely use such ruthless sword techniques."

Salvador frowned. "How many blows did you exchange?"

Carissa hesitated. "I lost count, but perhaps twenty or thirty."

She avoided mentioning how quickly she subdued them, but the Royal Citadel likely already investigated. The matter couldn't be hidden, so she told the truth.

Salvador's eyes held admiration. "In twenty or thirty moves, you severed their tendons? Even together, Barrett and Aurora couldn't restrain them and lost several people at their estate. Carissa, your skills far surpass theirs. If you were a man, you could follow in your father's footsteps and become a renowned general."

Carissa shook her head. "I only wish to accompany Ryan as he grows up. He's my only remaining blood relative."

Carissa kept her eyes down, missing the mixture of relief and regret in Salvador's gaze. If she were a man, she would undoubtedly be a renowned general like her father. Even as a woman, she could manage the Hell Monarch and Sinclair Armies. Yet, she was Salvador's brother's beloved. Rafael's marriage to her stifled her potential in military matters.

The deputy commander position marked her status, but thankfully, she used it responsibly.

Salvador gazed at her. "I know Rafael has established household soldiers, instructed by a Meadow Ridge guild apprentice. The young woman from the Spencer family, an Inferno Guild apprentice, is staying with you, correct?"

Chapter 835

Carissa replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. The instructor is Travis. He fought alongside me at the Southern Frontier; you awarded him a hundred gold coins. His all-female guild faces difficult conditions; his master sent him to the capital for employment and to support the guild. Violet Spencer is an old friend, temporarily staying in the capital for company."

Salvador nodded. "It's fine. I was merely inquiring. You may leave."

Carissa saluted. "Yes, Your Majesty. I take my leave."

Leaving the royal study, she sighed with relief. Fortunately, she'd gone to Valor Estate herself. Had Violet and Travis gone instead, Salvador might have become even more suspicious, as they all lived at Hell Monarch Estate. After all, martial artists carrying weapons and moving about at night was against the law.