Outside the palace, the sun blazed brightly over the grand city roads.
Joy and Maria were already seated in their carriage, as they made their way out of the capital.
Behind them followed three more carriages—filled with sisters from the Holy Order, each carrying the sigil of the Goddess.
News had spread swiftly: Her Majesty herself had approved their mission. And though she had said Cassius was innocent, that declaration only fueled their zeal further.
They would find the truth—and if he was guilty, no divine protection could save him.
Inside the lead carriage, Joy sat by the window, her posture rigid, eyes focused ahead. Maria, seated beside her, was quiet at first—still thinking of Marina's strange words.
Then Joy turned, pulling a small pouch from her cloak and handing it to her mother.
"Do whatever is necessary, Mother." She said calmly. "You're better with administration and resource management. Make sure these funds are used properly."
Maria smiled.
