Chapter 734

Violet’s eyes widened in astonishment. "Oh my! Let me take a good look at this honored person! Where are you off to, Your Excellency? May I accompany you?"

Carissa playfully punched her friend's shoulder. "You arrived just in time. I need your help."

"Whatever you command, Your Excellency, I shall carry it out," Violet replied teasingly, curtsying.

Carissa rolled her eyes. "Can't you speak normally? Must I beat you?"

Pulling out a handkerchief and waving it toward her friend's face, Violet's tone remained exaggeratedly sweet as she quipped, "Oh dear, you're so rude!"

Carissa grabbed Violet by the shoulders and tossed her over her shoulder.

Violet landed nimbly on her feet, flipping over with a laugh. "Now, now. What's with the violence?"

Everyone burst into laughter, and Sydney remarked, "You're delightful, Ms. Spencer. It's no wonder Lady Helen adores you."

"Of course! Lady Helen loves me more than herself," Violet boasted haughtily, reminding everyone of Helen.

Carissa shot her an annoyed look. "Can we focus on the important things? I need to leave soon."

Violet composed herself. "Alright. Everyone, please leave for a moment. I need to discuss something serious with Her Excellency."

The others stifled their laughter as they filed out of the room.

Once everyone was gone, Carissa turned back with a beaming smile and asked, "So, do I look good?"

"I knew you'd be vain about this! You're probably thrilled, aren't you?" Violet grinned. "You look amazing—regal and full of spirit!"

Carissa studied her reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing herself. "I really do look good, don't I?" Violet cupped her friend's cheeks, practically bouncing with excitement. "Carissa, you're truly remarkable! You've set a precedent for women in power! You bring glory to all the people in Meadow Ridge!" Carissa couldn't help but smile, though she tried to suppress it. "I never actually thought they'd give me a real position. To be honest, when the royal edict and appointment letter arrived yesterday, I didn't feel much. But the moment I put on this uniform, I suddenly felt the weight of responsibility. Yes… I have responsibilities now."

Her expression gradually grew serious. She understood that this role as a commander wouldn't be easy, but she couldn't afford to bring shame to her family.

Violet took Carissa's hand. "Don't worry. Focus on your duties. I'll stay at the estate. When you need us, Rod and I will be here for you. Should I also ask Bun and Thia to come over? Alana and Leah are in the capital, too—just let us know if anything comes up."

Carissa shook her head. "No need to bring them here, at least not yet. I'm worried the king only wants me to help with this case and will dismiss me once it's solved. No point in making them travel here for nothing. Besides, you and Claire are here to help."

"Have Claire keep an eye on Hartstone Estate and Edgeview Estate. Raf and I both think they're still forging weapons. If they can't transport them, they'll likely try to destroy or hide them. We need to find out where these weapons and armor are being forged. The Supreme Court will investigate, too, but Raf suspects the people making them might contact Prince Yuvan."

"Leave it to me," Violet replied confidently.

"And then there's Celeste…" Carissa paused, then decided to tell Violet the truth. "You should talk to Carmen. We deceived her about the October fifteenth plan, so she might feel betrayed. She might think we didn't trust her. Tell her to be careful of her sister. Celeste got involved with a physician in Harmony Palace and tampered with Melanie's medicine. It seems she was trying to kill her mother."

"She poisoned her own mother? That's brutal!" Violet stared at Carissa in shock. "But why?"

"Only Celeste knows. Either way, warn Carmen. Celeste has gone into hiding. She's probably looking for a safe place. Right now, the only person she can rely on is Carmen, so give her a heads-up before something bad happens. Also, send some medicine to Melanie or have Ivy check on her. Her condition is probably worsening."