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How did one even respond when their mother-in-law suddenly declared her affection?
A few days later, after court had adjourned, Salvador retained Rafael for a private conversation. Ignoring the stack of documents left untouched, Salvador signaled to Derek to set up the chessboard.
“It’s been a while since we last played chess together,” he remarked.
Rafael adjusted his belt, and sat down comfortably. “After days of poring over case files until my head felt like it was spinning, it’s a blessing to have a reprieve. I’m deeply grateful for the leniency, Your Majesty.” Salvador watched Rafael’s actions with a furrowed brow. “You’re still clinging to those old military habits? How rude. You are now head of the Supreme Court and a high-ranking member of the court. Remember to maintain your dignity and composure.”
“Why worry about appearances in front of my own brother?” Rafael replied with a bright grin.
“Do you act so freely in front of your princess consort as well?” Salvador said, placing a white piece on the board with a deliberate motion.
Rafael held a black piece, and his expression was inscrutable. “In front of my own princess consort, I would be even more unrestrained.”
Salvador studied him with a smile on his lips. “I’ve heard that someone expressed interest in becoming your concubine at Aunt Helen’s birthday banquet?”
“That such rumors even reach your ears must be an offense, Your Majesty,” Rafael said, placing a black piece on the board.
“Well, I usually disregard idle gossip, but since you are my brother and Mother is concerned, I must ask are you considering taking a concubine?” Salvador inquired.
“I have no such plans.” Rafael flashed another wide grin. “Your Majesty, after so many years of warfare, my health is in pretty poor shape. I am still under Sebastian’s care. Even managing one wife is somewhat overwhelming, and I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to handle the additional burden of a concubine.”
Salvador shot him a disapproving look. “Nonsense. You are a trained soldier, strong and robust. How could you be overwhelmed? Are you implying that I, with my numerous concubines, might struggle to manage them all?”
“I would never dare criticize your harem, Your Majesty. Besides, as king, you have the duty to expand your lineage. It’s only natural to have more concubines. Even ordinary officials keep several con don’t they?”
“Expanding the family lineage,” Salvador repeated, glancing at Rafael. “As a member of the royal family, it is also your responsibility to ensure the family’s continuation.”
Rafael chuckled. “I had initially planned to remain single to avoid too many entanglements. With the current arrangement-having a wife and with my mother now out of the palace I find that too many concerns are rather unsettling. So, I don’t plan on having any children for the time being.”
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Salvador stared intently at Rafael while holding a white piece, lost in thought. After a moment, he said, “Let’s stop for now. Return to your duties. I hear there is a major case awaiting review at the Supreme Court.”
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“You’re right,” Rafael replied. “A woman killed twelve members of her husband’s family, including her own children. The case occurred in Brightmoor District. The local governor has sentenced her to death by execution, which the Ministry of Justice has approved. I have yet to finish reviewing the case files.”
Salvador frowned. “Such a cruel woman should not merely face death by execution. She deserves immediate beheading.”
Rafael responded, “I will review the case files and make a fair decision according to the law.”
“Alright, get going!” Salvador waved his hand dismissively, as if shooing away a fly. “You’re being so rude! I find it tiresome to deal with you!”
Rafael smiled. “Then, I shall take my leave.”
As Rafael exited the hall, Salvador grabbed a handful of white pieces and scattered them across the chessboard.
After a while, Salvador’s face grew pale. “Derek, have I been too harsh? He’s afraid to even have children.”
Salvador constantly had people watching Rafael. Did he really think Rafael couldn’t sense his lingering mistrust?
However, Derek dared not voice his thoughts. He only smiled and said, “Your Majesty, you are overthinking. Prince Rafael may simply not wish to have children at the moment.”
“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 delay having children was a wise one. At least for now, without offspring, Salvador could feel somewhat at ease. Rafael had only recently returned from reclaiming the Southern Frontier, and at this moment, he commanded 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 accomplished and revered.
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 Sophie, 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, replaced by a relaxed and gentle demeanor.
Sophie had prepared a pot of tea. She wasn’t clear on the details of the case, but had heard from Dylan 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 had come, 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?” Sophie 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 scholars 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 manipulating public opinion,” Sophie said.
“Yes. I had someone look into it, and it’s true that there’s been manipulation of public opinion. However the outrage is largely 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 manipulation?” Sophie asked
Rafael took a sip of his tea, his voice still sounding a bit hoarse as he replied, “It’s Yuvan.”
“Not surprising,” Sophie 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-in-law and husband are well-respected locals, but this woman herself was known to be rather petty. According to testimony from neighbors, she disapproved of her father-in-law and husband using money to do charity work.”
“You’ve reviewed all the evidence. Is it sufficient?” Sophie asked.
“It’s fairly complete.”
Sophie found this puzzling. “Then, why the hesitation? Are you concerned that Prince Yuvan might be exploiting this case, so you’re delaying your decision?”