Chapter 1336

In recent years, workers for the riverworks project came from both within and outside the capital. The same groups were employed for various tasks. Cameron headed the Waterworks Department, under the Ministry of Infrastructure. Under the guise of river repairs and irrigation projects, the department had acquired considerable land and resources. Houses were scattered haphazardly across these areas, now housing workers and conscripted laborers.

The river channel crisscrossed the land, and the acquired areas extended in all directions. Jacob mapped these locations, revealing they encircled the palace district like a net. If these workers were the true mastermind's private soldiers, guarding the city gates would have been futile. They were inside the city, constantly surveying the terrain, likely knowing the capital's layout better than the Garrison Unit or Capital Guard.

Carissa studied the map, unease growing. "Given their land acquisition," she asked, "they must have received approval from the Ministry of Infrastructure and the king, correct?"

Jeremiah confirmed, "Yes, but as part of the river and drainage project, house construction wasn't authorized. Many people now reside in these areas. I checked the household registrations; none are officially listed."

"Are the conscripted laborers there as well?" Carissa inquired.

"Most are," Jeremiah replied. "Those from outside the city are all housed there. These are men who've spent years in hard labor. Lifting a heavy hammer or sword is trivial for them."

Carissa frowned. River channel and dam construction required stone cutting, using tools like hammers, axes, and knives, all provided by the court. Their discovery was only part of the puzzle. She resolved to report to Salvador the next morning.

Upon hearing her report, Salvador scoffed. "That rabble—are you suggesting they're rebels?"

"Your Majesty, they are more than rabble. These men have been conscripted laborers for years. They are strong and capable of great feats of strength," Carissa replied firmly.

Salvador shook his head, his expression serious. "You've been in court briefly. You don't know how the Ministry of Infrastructure has used them for years to clear silt, open irrigation channels, and even clear mountains. If they were rebels, they had their chance when the Mystic Army was at the Southern Frontier. Even if Prince Nicholas is behind Prince Yuvan, could he command them from Nerovia? Or is Prince Hayden pulling strings in the capital?"

Carissa continued, "Your Majesty, during the Southern Frontier war, the treasury was depleted, and riverworks were limited. Conscripted laborers were minimal. This is different. It's a massive operation—large-scale dam construction, irrigation channels, and reservoirs. The combined number of conscripted laborers and workers is nearly 20,000. Can you afford such a risk, Your Majesty?"

A risk. Salvador loathed the thought. With internal unrest and external threats, the last thing he wanted was capital unrest. Yet, he couldn't equate the riverworks workers to the Mystic Army. He studied Carissa, weighing her words.

He trusted her loyalty—Hector's principles guided her, and she would never conspire against the crown. However, the full might of Starhaven's forces was in her hands, a dangerous prospect. Halting construction would have consequences. Heavy rains this year meant uncompleted works would lead to flooded fields and homes, sparking public discontent.

"Are you suggesting we halt construction?" Salvador finally asked.

Carissa replied resolutely, "Halt construction. Arrest and investigate the Waterworks Department officials."

Salvador countered sharply, "If construction halts, do you understand the consequences of flooding?"

"Your Majesty, do you understand the consequences if the conscripted laborers are rebels?" Carissa shot back.

Salvador fell silent, wrestling with the dilemma. Finally, he conceded partially. "No arrests. Investigate secretly."

Carissa frowned. "How? Even secretly, investigating so many officials could take months—far too long."

Salvador, distrusting both sides, wouldn't listen solely to Carissa. "My decision is made. Commander Walker will investigate," he stated resolutely.

"So, you still don't trust me, Your Majesty," Carissa replied, frustration evident.

Salvador's expression hardened. "Bring me evidence. You can't even prove Prince Nicholas is a traitor, let alone implicate the riverworks workers."

"Your Majesty—"

"Bring proof!" Salvador cut her off sharply. "You're dismissed!"