"Who doesn''t want children? I look forward to the expansion of the royal family," Salvador said. "He''s only a few years younger than me. At his age, he should be considering fatherhood."


    Derek replied softly, "Perhaps Prince Rafael understands your concerns and does not wish for any discord among brothers. Do you remember? From childhood to adulthood, he has always seen you as his role model and pride. Whenever he spoke of you, his expression was always one of admiration."


    At Derek''s words, Salvador reflected on many past events, and his gaze softened considerably.


    After a long pause, he sighed deeply. "Perhaps I have been overthinking things."


    Derek silently poured more coffee, understanding from years of service that such sudden sighs often reflected nostalgic sentiments rather than a shift in his cautiousness.


    Rafael''s decision to dy having children was a wise one. At least for now, without offspring, Salvador could feel somewhat at ease. Rafael had only recently returned from reiming the Southern Frontier, and at this moment, hemanded the highest respect among the court officials, as well as the greatest admiration from the people.


    Any ruler would feel uneasy with a prince so aplished and revered.Têxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    By handing over his military authority and settling down with a wife, Rafael was signaling his loyalty and offering Salvador a sense of security.


    Upon returning to the Supreme Court, Rafael had been approached by officials from the Ministry of Justice with inquiries about the case. He dismissed them on the grounds of not having finished reviewing the case files.


    That evening, after dining with Carissa, Rafael received a visit from the Minister of Justice, Patrick Lloyd. They argued in the study for half an hour over the case, and ultimately parted on unfavorable terms. When Rafael returned to Orchid Hall, the dark expression on his face vanished, reced by a rxed and gentle demeanor.


    Carissa had prepared a pot of tea. She wasn''t clear on the details of the case, but had heard from Dn that Rafael was troubled by the murder case.


    The Ministry of Justice had sent people to the Supreme Court earlier today, and tonight, the Minister of Justice himself hade, clearly indicating the urgency of the case.


    "So, what is it about this case that makes it so difficult for you to reach a decision?" Carissa asked straightforwardly.


    Rafael was clearly overwhelmed by the case, but upon entering, he acted as if everything was normal. She knew he didn''t want to burden her with his official troubles, but she also wanted to help share the load.


    "This case has sparked a massive


    uproar locally, with numerous schrs and even renowned


    intellectuals writing essays condemning the woman. The outrage isn''t just confined to


    Brightmoor District-it has Spel


    far and wide. In the capital, more than half the court officials are


    urging the Supreme Court to quickly review the death sentence, with many calling for immediate


    execution."


    "Such a widespread uproar indicates that the case has a significant impact, and it seems that someone is manipting public opinion," Carissa said.


    "Yes. I had someone look into it, and


    it''s true that there''s been


    maniption of public opinion. However the outrage isrgely due to the fact that this woman defied traditional family roles and authority. She murdered her entire family, including her own children, which is seen as exceptionally heinous."


    "Who''s behind the maniption?" Carissa asked


    Rafael took a sip of his tea, his voice still sounding a bit hoarse as he replied, "It''s Yuvan."


    "Not surprising," Carissa said. "If he wants to stir up trouble, he''ll need to create incidents that turn public opinion against the government. This case has solid evidence, doesn''t it?"


    "The woman has already confessed


    to her crimes Rafael sighed. "Her father-inw and husband are well-respected locals, but this woman herself was known to be rather petty. ording to testimony from neighbors, she disapproved of her father-inw and husband using money to do charity work."


    "You''ve reviewed all the evidence. Is it sufficient?" Carissa asked.


    "It''s fairlyplete."


    Carissa found this puzzling. "Then, why the hesitation? Are you concerned that Prince Yuvan might be exploiting this case, so you''re dying your decision?"


    But she quickly spotted a w in Rafael''s words. "Fairlyplete? That means it''s not entirely sufficient."