Chapter 716

"This time, it's not just about rescuing people," Jacob said. "We've uncovered something much bigger. We of the Hell Monarch household won't be able to take the credit. Whoever risks their life gets the honor. Let's drop the topic of Mr. Warren for now. Please eat, Your Highness."

Jacob avoided further discussion of Barrett to avoid upsetting Carissa. He urged Rafael to eat, noting the lingering scent of the dungeon on the prince.

Violet, however, remained unsatisfied. "Barrett still played a role in our plan, and that bothers me. I'd rather Michael get the credit!" She couldn't forget Barrett's harm to Carissa and his attempt to seize her dowry. Despite their battlefield alliance, they were fundamentally different. Violet would always hold him in low regard.

Jacob smiled. "Lord Brown will definitely receive credit. It's not as if Mr. Warren will get sole credit; he didn't go into the dungeon alone, after all. Ms. Spencer, you really shouldn't dwell on it."

Violet glanced at Carissa. "Doesn't it bother you, Cari?"

Carissa shook her head. "Honestly, when I think back to those times, it feels like another life. It's so distant that I almost feel like I never even married into the Warren family. Barrett's name feels unfamiliar now. If that's the case, I might as well treat him like a complete stranger."

Violet shifted awkwardly. "Alright, let's consider him a stranger—a particularly annoying one."

Carissa laughed. "Exactly!"

Rafael glanced at Carissa. Though not overly concerned about the past, he enjoyed hearing her true feelings. He finished his meal with a smile.

"Well, since there are no more questions, let's call it a day."

After returning to their rooms, Rafael had just finished bathing when a knock sounded at the Hell Monarch Estate. Someone from the palace urgently summoned him. Michael had likely already sent word.

Rafael donned his official attire, then pulled Carissa close. "You should get some sleep. You'll need to visit the Sinclair family and meet Carmen tomorrow. You also need to take Jacob to meet his sister."

Carissa studied Rafael's slightly tired face. "You've been working so hard these past couple of days. If this case goes to the Supreme Court, it will be a lot of work."

He kissed her forehead gently. "At least we've cut off one of Uncle Yuvan's arms in the capital. Without Aunt Eleanor, he'll have to reassess many of his plans."

"But getting him to abandon the idea of rebellion won't be easy," Carissa replied.

"One thing at a time," Rafael said, securing his cloak. "I need to go now, or the king will be waiting too long."

"Alright, hurry back," Carissa said, watching him disappear into the darkness.

She yawned and retired to her room. Two hours remained before the morning court session, but the palace's eastern gates were already open. Rafael rode directly to the palace, dismounting before the royal study and handing his horse to an attendant.

"Your Highness!" Derek rushed down the steps. "You need to go inside right away! The King and the Prime Minister are waiting for you."

"Understood."

Rafael knew the royal chancellor was bringing the report. He had instructed Michael earlier that if any government matter arose at Harmony Palace, Jeremiah should be the first to be informed, as only the prime minister could enter the palace at such late hours.

Entering the royal study, the flickering candlelight revealed Salvador's fury. Jeremiah sat beside him, his expression grave.

Rafael knelt. "Greetings, Your Majesty."

"Rise!" Salvador said in a low voice. "The Supreme Court will handle the matter regarding Harmony Palace."

Salvador didn't specify the issue, assuming Rafael was already aware. This confirmed Salvador's knowledge of the night's events, though likely not the treasonous implications.