Chapter 719
Rafael pretended to be deep in thought before replying, "As for the military generals, I currently have no suspects."
Though Salvador found this answer unsatisfactory, he remained calm. "The Supreme Court will investigate this case. I will assign others to look into the other matters separately."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Salvador rotated the emerald ring on his thumb. "You mentioned you don't plan to have children anytime soon, correct?"
"That's right. We have no plans at the moment."
"I see," Salvador replied thoughtfully. "Carissa is the deputy commander of the Mystic Army. Since you've become Chief Judge, I intend to promote her to commander."
Rafael was taken aback. "You mean, with actual power?"
"Exactly. She'll assume the position immediately."
Rafael hesitated. "While there are precedents for female generals, there are no examples of women holding this official role."
"Precedents can be established," Salvador said.
Rafael struggled to understand the king's intentions. Was he truly willing to let Carissa control security in the capital and palace district without reservation? Or was there a hidden motive?
"Carissa mentioned wanting to establish a women's academy. She's considered resigning from her deputy commander role, a largely nominal title," Rafael said.
"Then she needn't resign. The Mystic Army includes the Capital Guard and the Royal Guard. I'm handing its military authority to her. I hope she won't disappoint me."
Seeing his brother's silence, Salvador chuckled. "What's the matter? Do you doubt her abilities? Do you think she can't handle the responsibility? Or are you reluctant to let her step into the spotlight? Do you want to confine my female general to the inner household?"
Rafael smiled. "Not at all. I fully support her. It's just that she's never mentioned wanting court service. She only expressed a desire to start a women's academy. Why not let me ask her opinion?"
Salvador cut him off. "There's no need. I'll issue a royal edict for her to enter the palace directly. As for the academy, I believe the Queen Dowager will support it. I have someone in mind to recommend—Rosalind, the royal chancellor's granddaughter."
Rafael realized he could no longer object.
He looked at the king. "You mentioned speaking frankly as brothers. Perhaps you could explain why you want Carissa to oversee the Mystic Army. Although the Capital and Royal Guards are technically part of it, they've operated independently. Does this mean you intend to entrust command of both to Carissa?"
Salvador paused. "The Mystic Army is divided into three divisions: the Capital Guard, the Royal Guard, and the Crown Guard. Carissa will oversee all, including the Garrison Unit."
This perplexed Rafael. The Crown Guard, previously under the Royal Guard, had been established separately by Salvador to train his most trusted aides. Now, he was giving that responsibility to Carissa. Was he truly willing to relinquish control of those he'd nurtured for so long?
It seemed illogical, especially given Salvador's usual caution regarding Rafael. Yet, he was promoting Carissa to such a high position without checks on her authority. Command of the Mystic Army essentially meant controlling the capital and palace district. Why would Salvador suddenly place so much trust in the Hell Monarch's household? Furthermore, Carissa would now have access to all of Salvador's suspicions about various ministers.
"It's settled," Salvador declared. "You needn't attend court today. First, take control of the situation in Harmony Palace and bring the people back for questioning. If you can't extract confessions, hand them over to Commander Sinclair for interrogation."
Commander Sinclair!
Rafael frowned. This case was under the Supreme Court's jurisdiction. Passing it to Carissa felt like a signal that if Eleanor didn't confess, harsher methods would be used.
Stepping outside, Rafael saw Derek waiting. Their conversation had been loud enough for him to overhear. Rafael cast him a pleading look, and Derek lowered his gaze.
"Take care, Your Highness."