Her Graceful War Song

Chapter 864

Carissa’s voice rang clear, neither too loud nor too soft, ensuring that everyone in the hall could hear her.

‘Perhaps some of you believe that Madam Amelia’s death is trivial, but what if she were your sister, daughter, or relative? Would you be able to empathize a little more? After all, everyone here has studied the teachings of the sages, and you’re all compassionate toward the elderly and the weak. Many women are divorced because of serious illness or infertility. They were innocent, to begin with.”

Carissa sighed, her expression heavy with sorrow. This is property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

“A woman’s life is still a life. Are we truly in a world that seeks to exterminate them?”

What if she were your sister, daughter, or relative?

Many people scoffed inwardly at Carissa’s words. Yet, her mention of the teachings of the sages cast a moral shackle on them. How could they argue against that? Any rebuttal would make them seem unreasonable, as if they were out to destroy women completely.

If these words had come from a man, it would have been easier to counter. But they were spoken by a woman–the only woman in the hall–at Salvador’s behest.

Carissa had expressed sentiments filled with compassion, speaking on behalf of women. Who could counter that without appearing to bully her? It would be shameful for so many officials to gang up on a lone female official, especially when it was the king who had called on her to speak.

For a moment, the grand hall fell into a heavy silence. Though some faces displayed discontent, no one dared to argue with Carissa.

Seeing this, Salvador recognized that the moment was ripe. It was time to move forward with the plan. It was necessary to remove any remaining obstacles. After all, Velrune had set a precedent. Starhaven could not afford to fall behind.

“Since there are no objections, let us try it out,” he declared. “While the court will not provide funding, the embroidery workshop must operate under government supervision. It shall not exploit or mistreat women, and all the money earned 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 take action against you.”

Rafael knelt on one knee. “You are benevolent, Your Majesty. I thank you for your grace.”

Finally, they had succeeded. A smile crept onto Carissa’s lips. She hurriedly hid it by lowering her head, anxious that someone might notice her joy.

Amidst her joy, she felt a twinge of sadness. If only the embroidery workshop had been established sooner, Amelia might still be alive.

Davis raised his voice to say, “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 don’t, what difference is there between us and beasts that prey upon the helpless?”

His words carried a righteous weight, pleasing Salvador with their sentiment.

Rafael inwardly gave Davis a thumbs–up. It was clear Hannah had trained a wise husband.

Salvador gave a rare smile and announced, “Court adjourned!”

As Rafael and Carissa exited together, they exchanged a lighthearted touch of their thumbs and shared a knowing smile.

They each had their own duties–Rafael needed to return to the Supreme Court, while Carissa was due for her shift. They entrusted Jacob with the task of managing the official processes, and they would reconvene that evening to discuss details.

The public still harbored some resistance to the changes, so they needed to find storytellers and scholars to spread positive sentiments. The existence of the embroidery workshop would not adversely affect the common folk, as it was simply a refuge for abandoned women–unless, of course, the men were contemplating divorcing their wives.

Once most of the arrangements were in place, Rafael thought it was time to celebrate. Not a grand celebration with everyone, but a small one with just him and Carissa.

It was a rare chance he and Carissa had a day off the following day, and New Year was approaching. He planned to take her to Glimmering Tower for a nice meal, then to Richspire Peak to enjoy the scenery, He had wanted to take her there for a long time.

After hearing his plans, Carissa paused for a moment before asking, “Are you sure you want to go to Richspire Peak?”

Rafael’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “Absolutely! It’s supposed to be stunning there. 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, who had never spent a winter in the mountains. It was rare to see him so animated, especially after the heaviness of recent events. Perhaps a trip to a place filled with beauty would do them both some good.