Queen Mary hesitated for only half a second before she readily agreed, "You are quite right, Archbishop Brienne. It is time to grant Viscount Carolina absolution and let him return to Paris."
She had always appreciated Carolina's abilities and was even more satisfied with his loyalty to the Royal Family—if it hadn't been for the pressure from the Assembly of Notables, she would certainly not have exiled him.
Now that even Brienne didn't oppose granting Carolina absolution, she was naturally happy to go with the flow.
Brienne subtly nodded to Joseph, then bowed to the queen and said, "Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty."
"Oh, your broad-mindedness commands even more of my respect," Queen Mary smiled back at him, "In a way, Viscount Carolina is your competitor, yet you suggested I grant him absolution without hesitation, for the sake of the royal dignity."
"Thank you for your commendation. Serving the Royal Family loyally is my duty," he replied.
