SWNOVELS Chapter 538
Carissa knew that going out at night with a weapon and being aware of a potential attack on the Warren family would undoubtedly raise Salvador's suspicions. Although she was the deputy commander of the Mystic Army, her position was largely ceremonial, and it was not
appropriate to carry weapons at night or to know the whereabouts of assassins.
Salvador would suspect her, and by extension, Rafael, of having a network of spies.
Carissa looked up and spoke directly, "Your Majesty, as you're aware, my family was massacred by spies. Since Ryan was found, I have been worried day and night about his safety. So, I asked my guild senior to assign a few people to keep an eye on suspicious individuals who enter the capital.
"A few days ago, we discovered that some suspicious individuals with strong martial arts skills had checked into Prestige Lodge. They didn't leave their rooms. It was as if they were plotting something. I was concerned they might be targeting Ryan, so I had people keep them under close surveillance.
"Sure enough, that night, they dressed in dark clothing and jumped out of a window on the second floor of Prestige Lodge. But instead of heading to Hell Monarch Estate, we discovered that they seemed to be heading towards Sparrow Street.
"Since the prime minister and royal chancellor's residences are in that area, I feared they might attempt an assassination on high-ranking officials. I immediately followed them, only to find they were not going to Sparrow Street, but heading straight for Valor Estate." Salvador listened to her explanation with a smile, but his eyes remained sharp.
"Given your past grievances with the Warren family, why were you still willing to come to their aid?" he asked.
"Ultimately, it was a matter of human life. Also, I hold no deep-seated grudge against the Warren family. Moreover, as deputy commander of the Mystic Army, it is impossible for me to stand by and watch without intervening."
Salvador nodded slightly. "Your explanation is reasonable. However, did you know the assassins were targeting Aurora?"
"At the time, I didn't know. After I severed the assassins' tendons, Mr. Gregory tied them up. Since Mr. Brown had arrived with the Capital Guards by then, I left shortly after," Carissa replied.
Salvador sighed slowly. "I see. It's a pity the assassins were killed, so we can't find out who was behind them. From your encounter with them, did you discern any leads?"
Carissa thought for a moment, then shook her head. "I couldn't tell which guild they were from. The people I know are from reputable guilds and rarely use such ruthless sword techniques." Salvador furrowed his brow. "How many blows did you exchange with them?"
Carissa hesitated, then replied, "I lost count, but it was probably around twenty or thirty moves."
She didn't want to mention how quickly she had subdued the assassins, but it was likely that the Royal Citadel had already investigated. The matter could not be hidden, so she could only tell the truth.
Salvador's eyes held a hint of
admiration as he said, "In just twenty
or thirty moves, you managed to sever their tendons? Even fighting together Barrett and Aurora couldn't restrain the assassins and ended up losing several people in their estate. Carissa, your skills are far superior to theirs. If you were a man, you could certainly follow in your father's footsteps and become a renowned general."
Carissa shook her head. "I only wish to accompany Ryan as he grows up. He is my only blood relative now."
As Carissa spoke, she kept her eyes lowered, so she didn't notice the mixture of relief and regret in Salvador's gaze.
If she were a man, she would
undoubtedly have become a renowned general like her father. Even as a woman, she could still manage the Hell Monarch Army and Sinclair Army. Yet, she was the beloved of Salvador's brother. Rafael had gone to great lengths to marry her, thus stifling her potential to soar and be in control of military matters.
The position of deputy commander of the Mystic Army was a mark of her status, but fortunately, she was sensible and did not misuse this role.
Salvador gazed at her delicate face. "I know that Rafael has established his household soldiers, and their instructor is an apprentice from a Meadow Ridge guild, right? Also, the young woman from the Spencer family, who is an apprentice of the Inferno Guild, is staying with you, correct?"
Carissa replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. The instructor's name is Travis. He once fought alongside me at the Southern Frontier, and you awarded him a hundred gold coins. His guild consists entirely of women who live in difficult conditions, so his master sent him to the capital to seek employment and support the guild. As for Violet Spencer, she's an old friend from my youth and is temporarily staying in the capital to keep me company."
Salvador nodded. "It's fine. I was just asking casually. You may leave now."
Carissa saluted. "Yes, Your Majesty. I'll take my leave."
After leaving the royal study, she let out a small sigh of relief. It was fortunate that she had personally gone to Valor Estate.
If Violet and Travis had gone instead, Salvador might have become even more suspicious since they all lived in Hell Monarch Estate. After all, martial artists carrying weapons and moving about at night was against the law.