Melody of Strength novel

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Rafael nodded, his admiration for Carissa always evident in his gaze.

“That’s right. The family, including her, consisted of thirteen people. She killed twelve of them–her father- in–law, husband, and three sons, all of whom were in good health, as well as her mother–in–law and two unmarried daughters. The remaining victims were servants and maids.

“The issue is that this incident happened at dusk, not in the dead of night when everyone was asleep. After dinner, she suddenly turned violent, grabbed a kitchen knife, and killed everyone. This woman had no martial skills and was known to be ill, requiring long–term medication.”

“A sickly, somewhat harsh person could kill one person, but they’d be quickly subdued. Were they all poisoned? Did they all lose consciousness?” Carissa asked.

“No, they were all awake. Neighbors who witnessed the scene said the woman seemed to have gone mad and possessed extraordinary strength. She killed anyone she saw. If those neighbors hadn’t fled quickly and locked themselves in their homes, they might have been killed too. The local authorities have verified that the wounds and the murder weapon match.”

Carissa understood why Rafael had been hesitant to authorize the review of the death penalty. The case did indeed have its doubts, but there were reasons for the widespread uproar. With neighbors as witnesses, the woman’s own confession, and the matching of the weapon with the injuries, it seemed nearly impossible to avoid the conclusion.

“By the way, since the murders happened after dinner, have you checked the food?”

“No, because the bodies showed no signs of poisoning,” Rafael said. “I’m wondering if the woman might have been poisoned to make her go mad and gain superhuman strength. I’ve consulted several physicians, but they all say they’ve never heard of such a poison.”

Their gazes met, and they spoke in unison, “We can consult Sebastian!”

Rafael immediately changed his clothes and headed to Arcane Sanctum. He couldn’t wait any longer.

The case had stirred public outrage, with people clamoring for the woman to be executed in the most extreme manner. The Ministry of Justice was pressuring him, and most of the court officials were not on his side. Even if there were doubts, no one was willing to investigate further, given the eyewitnesses and

the woman’s confession.

In light of these factors, the doubts seemed trivial.

The day after Rafael visited Arcane Sanctum, he summoned Patrick and his two deputy ministers to the Supreme Court.

Patrick was growing increasingly anxious, and said, “I truly don’t understand what further doubts you have, Your Highness. This case has stirred public outrage. If the review doesn’t proceed, the people will accuse the court of incompetence.”

Rafael replied, “Please be patient. I’ve called for Sebastian to explain some of the doubts, particularly regarding how the woman could have such extraordinary strength to kill twelve people. She had been on medication for a long time and was in poor health…”

Patrick interrupted him, “She was just hiding it! She was unhappy with her father–in–law and husband for a

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long time, feeling that they wasted money on charity. The woman was a miserly and mean–spirited person. She has already confessed, and there are eyewitnesses and matching evidence. If we let her go due to a minor doubt, what happens to the authority of the law?”

“What about her motive? What was her motive for killing her entire family? Even if she were bitter and resentful toward her father–in–law and husband, why kill her own children? Why not spare even the servants and maids?” Rafael countered..

Patrick tapped the table in frustration and said, “Didn’t she already confess? She suddenly decided they deserved to die, that they all should go to hell. Neighbor testimonies also show she had a poor relationship with her family. Her children didn’t care for her.

“Perhaps there was an argument at dinner, and in a moment of rage, she acted. You’re new to public office and haven’t seen many cases, but I’ve seen plenty where people kill in a fit of rage. In extreme anger, people can exhibit strength beyond their usual capacity. So, the doubts you have are not really doubts at all.”

Meanwhile, at Horizon Estate, Yuvan was listening to reports from his subordinates.

“In less than half a month, the entire Starhaven population will likely be discussing this matter and condemning the court’s inaction.”