Chapter 739

Alistair, a man in his thirties with well-defined features and a strong, fit build, approached Carissa and her men. A hint of disdain flickered across his expression as he nodded respectfully. His eyes, however, betrayed his arrogance. "I apologize for my late arrival," he said. "I had matters to attend to. Please forgive me, Commander Sinclair."

Carissa nodded slightly, glancing at the twelve captains standing behind him in two rows. Each looked formidable, their expressions dismissive, as if unconcerned with a female commander. The caliber of a military leader, she reflected, was often mirrored in their soldiers.

"There's not much to discuss today," she began, "so let's disperse and return to our duties…"

Before she could finish, Alistair interjected, "Since there's nothing of importance, and we've all seen each other, I'll take my leave. I have much to attend to at the palace." He turned and strode away, ignoring Carissa completely.

Frowning, Michael called, "Alistair!"

Alistair didn't look back.

With a sigh, Michael turned to Carissa. "Your Grace, don't take it to heart. Commander Prince simply has a cold demeanor. It's nothing personal."

Carissa, sensing Michael's defense of Alistair, let the matter drop. "Alright," she said, "let's head to the Supreme Court."

The Supreme Court was bustling. Rafael, recently returned home from a rest, was busy and hadn't yet interrogated Eleanor. This delay stemmed from two factors: they weren't rushing the hearing, planning to let Eleanor stew for a few days, and they needed corroborating evidence to counter her potential claims. Consequently, various minor officials and consuls from Harmony Palace were summoned for questioning. Additionally, several fugitives needed apprehending.

Carissa and Michael arrived just as the court artists finished sketching the fugitives based on servants' descriptions, ready to hand the portraits to the Capital Guard. So engrossed were they in their work that they barely noticed the female commander. Carissa examined the sketches. Only when Matthew glimpsed her slender fingers did he look up. Seeing the bruise around her eye, he remembered the Hell Monarch's princess consort was now the Mystic Army commander.

He glanced at Rafael, whose gaze was fixed on Carissa. The tenderness and concern in his eyes were palpable.