Chapter 796

Malcolm shifted uncomfortably, as if sitting on pins and needles, but managed to ask, “Your Highness, what will His Majesty do with these women?”

Rafael replied, “You should ask Commander Sinclair. She’s in charge of this matter.”

Malcolm awkwardly turned to Carissa, his gaze evasive. “If I may ask, Commander Sinclair…”

Carissa cut him off. “Lord Lionel has already spoken to me. I’ve informed him that the families can either keep the women or send them to the Capital Guard for centralized supervision. It’s up to you, Lord Malcolm. If you choose to keep them, they cannot leave the capital or contact anyone else, as the mastermind behind the treason case hasn’t been identified.”

Malcolm sighed in relief. “If we hand them over to the Capital Guard, where will they be taken?”

“We’re contacting various convents in the capital to find one large enough to accommodate them. The funds seized from the Marquis of Grovehill’s family and Eleanor will cover the expenses.”

“A convent?” Malcolm rubbed his knees, a thoughtful expression on his face. “That means the conditions won’t be very good.”

“Basic needs will be met, but don’t expect luxury,” Carissa stated. “This is temporary. Once the treason case is resolved, they will be free to leave.”

“So, they’ll stay in the convent until the case is resolved?”

“Exactly. However, if you’re reluctant to part with her, you could keep her, but any issues will be your responsibility.”

Malcolm shook his head. “I won’t keep her.”

“Then we will take her. You have a daughter with Casey. Will she come home, or follow Casey to the convent?”

With determination, Malcolm replied, “Neither. I will make separate arrangements for her.”

Carissa said, “Actually, if Casey takes the child to the convent, life won’t be too harsh. A child might mean extra care. At that age, being away from both parents isn’t ideal.”

Malcolm disagreed firmly. “That’s not your concern, Commander Sinclair. She can’t take the child to the convent. There can be no children around her.”

Carissa nodded. “Alright. His Majesty has classified the women as victims. If their families don’t arrange for them, we will. As for the child, she is your responsibility.”

“My responsibility alone. You needn’t concern yourself.” Malcolm clearly disliked Carissa’s continued mention of the child. “Is there anything else? These matters must be reported to His Majesty, right?”

Carissa replied, “Yes, they must be reported. His Majesty is closely monitoring this case and already has a list of the women. We must account for everyone’s whereabouts.”

“Your Highness!” Malcolm looked at Rafael earnestly. “I ask a favor. Please handle this discreetly. It shouldn’t be common knowledge.”

Noting Malcolm’s irritation, Rafael responded bluntly, “Commander Sinclair is in charge. You’re asking the wrong person.”

Malcolm sighed deeply. “Is discreet handling possible, Commander Sinclair?”

“This is the most discreet handling possible. Had I not kept it low-key, I would have given the case to the Supreme Court. This shouldn’t have been known by anyone in the Quinton family. It was your oversight. The Supreme Court has many cases and can’t wait for your family. We contacted the Quinton family last, giving you time to prepare. Strangely, you didn’t.”

“I wasn’t aware who she was,” Malcolm said wearily. “My household has an explanation. We just need to prevent this from spreading.”

Carissa replied calmly, “To protect these women, we won’t spread information. You should focus on your household, Lord Malcolm.”

Malcolm’s demeanor was tense. Carissa didn’t care for his feelings; his unwillingness to cooperate showed his arrogance. Since he’d chosen a mistress and fleeting pleasures, he had to face the consequences alone.