Chapter 864

Carissa's voice, clear and neither too loud nor too soft, filled the hall. "Perhaps some of you believe Madam Amelia's death is trivial," she said. "But what if she were your sister, daughter, or relative? Would your empathy not be greater? After all, we have all studied the teachings of the sages, and we are all compassionate toward the elderly and the weak. Many women are divorced due to illness or infertility—women who were innocent."

Carissa sighed, her expression heavy with sorrow. "A woman's life is still a life. Are we truly in a world that seeks to exterminate them?"

Many scoffed inwardly. Yet, her mention of the sages' teachings imposed a moral constraint. How could they argue? Any rebuttal would paint them as unreasonable, as if intent on the complete destruction of women.

Had a man spoken these words, refutation would have been easier. But they came from a woman—the only woman in the hall—at Salvador's behest. Carissa, expressing compassion on behalf of women, could not be countered without appearing to bully her. It would be shameful for so many officials to gang up on a lone female official, especially since the king had called upon her to speak.

A heavy silence fell upon the grand hall. Though some faces showed discontent, no one dared to argue.

Seeing this, Salvador recognized the opportune moment. It was time to proceed. Remaining obstacles needed to be removed. Velrune had set a precedent; Starhaven could not lag behind.

"Since there are no objections," he declared, "let us proceed. While the court will not provide funding, the embroidery workshop will operate under government supervision. It will not exploit or mistreat women, and all earnings will belong to them. Should I learn that the people of Hell Monarch Estate intend to profit from these women or exploit them for personal gain, I will be the first to act."

Rafael knelt. "You are benevolent, Your Majesty. I thank you for your grace."

They had succeeded. A smile crept onto Carissa's lips, quickly hidden as she lowered her head, anxious that someone might see her joy. Amidst her joy, however, a twinge of sadness remained. If only the workshop had been established sooner, Amelia might still be alive.

Davis then spoke, his voice ringing out. "Your Majesty is wise and benevolent. I hold you in the highest regard. Women are inherently weaker. As men, it is our duty to protect them. If they find themselves at their wit's end, should we not allow them even one path to survival? If we do not, what difference is there between us and beasts that prey on the helpless?"

His words, carrying righteous weight, pleased Salvador.

Chapter 864 +25 BONUS

Rafael inwardly gave Davis a thumbs-up. Hannah had clearly trained a wise husband.

Salvador smiled—a rare occurrence—and announced, "Court adjourned!"

As Rafael and Carissa exited, they exchanged a lighthearted thumbs-up and a knowing smile. Rafael needed to return to the Supreme Court; Carissa to her shift. They entrusted Jacob with the official processes, planning to reconvene that evening.

Public resistance remained, so they needed storytellers and scholars to spread positive sentiment. The embroidery workshop would not adversely affect the common folk; it was simply a refuge for abandoned women—unless, of course, men were contemplating divorcing their wives.

Once most arrangements were in place, Rafael decided it was time to celebrate—not a grand celebration, but a small one, just he and Carissa. They both had the following day off, and New Year's approached. He planned to take her to Glimmering Tower for dinner, then to Richspire Peak to enjoy the scenery; a trip long overdue.

Carissa paused after hearing his plans. "Are you sure you want to go to Richspire Peak?"

Rafael's eyes sparkled. "Absolutely! It's supposed to be stunning. Thomas said if you don't go, you'll regret it for the rest of your life."

"Alright," Carissa nodded.

She looked at her junior guild member. He'd never spent a winter in the mountains. It was rare to see him so animated, especially after recent events. Perhaps a trip to a beautiful place would do them both good.