She tended to her in-laws, using her dowry to support the general's household. But in return, he sought to marry the female general as a reward for his military achievements. Barrett Warren sneered. "Thanks to the battles Aurora and I fought and our bravery against fierce enemies, you have such an extravagant lifestyle. Do you realize that? You'll never be as noble as Aurora. You only know how to play dirty tricks and gossip with a bunch of ladies." Carissa Sinclair turned away, resolutely heading to the battlefield. After all, she hailed from a military family. Just because she cooked and cleaned for him didn't mean she couldn't handle a spear!
View MoreBack at Hell Monarch Estate, Kyle tried to comfort the fuming Carissa. "Sending Lady Helen and Ryan to the palace isn't so bad, is it? If the rebels really manage to break in, the palace guards are the most formidable. They'd be safer there than if they stayed at the academy or here at the estate."Carissa drank down an entire jug of cold water, the chill in it only deepening her frustration. "I know. That's why I agreed, but agreeing doesn't mean I'm not angry. He's not doing it to protect Mother and Ryan. He's using them as hostages. He knows that with Mother and Ryan in the palace, I'll have no choice but to protect it with my life, even if it means sacrificing everything."If the rebels broke into the capital, the first thing they would do was surround Hell Monarch Estate, capturing anyone useful to control Dominic and Rafael. Carissa wasn't unaware of this—she just hated the thought of Salvador's motives. Besides, if Helen and Ryan weren't in the palace, she could still fi
The next day, Carissa went to the palace to meet Salvador. She suggested that all the Mystic Army soldiers in the Nightsteel Guard be placed back under her command.Upon hearing this, Salvador fixed her with a piercing gaze. "Are you suggesting that I hand over all the forces in the capital to you?""The Mystic Army, Your Majesty," Carissa replied, lifting her chin, her eyes unwavering. "The troops stationed outside the capital, including 15,000 men of the Sacred Fire Regiment, are being sent to Valken. The capital's only remaining line of defense is the Mystic Army, and it cannot be split any further."Salvador repeated the question, his tone flat but tinged with skepticism. "You want me to place all the forces in the capital, including my personal guards, under your command?"Carissa didn't hesitate or even consider whether he might suspect her. She simply nodded firmly and said, "Yes, Your Majesty!"Salvador looked at her for a long moment, then smiled. "Your husband commands
Salvador's investigation matched Winona's findings. Nicholas had not left his fief; he spent almost every day taking his wife and children to see plays or listen to music.In Nerovia, there were a few orphanages that Nicholas had established. They were dedicated to caring for orphans and the elderly who had nowhere else to turn. He would often attend a play and then visit one of these orphanages afterward.However, Winona uncovered something that Salvador had missed.It was the fact that Nicholas had once saved Eustace's life.This event occurred seven or eight years ago, when Eustace was not yet the head of the Spencer family. He had been ambushed during a routine inspection of his estates. By chance, Nicholas and his men had passed by, and he rescued Eustace from certain death.Nicholas was a modest man, and he had no desire for recognition or further dealings with the Spencer family. He had asked Eustace not to make a public fuss over the incident. To Nicholas, saving someone
Violet smiled and muttered something about the dullness of it all, then checked in with Bun and Cynthia before leaving the estate.She made her way straight to the Capital Guard headquarters, where she found Carissa waiting for her.Carissa pulled her inside and asked, "Well? Did you find anything?"Violet replied, "There's movement at night—almost like patrols—but I never see anyone during the day. It's as if they vanish the moment the sun rises. I checked most of the courtyards in Willowbrook Estate, and there was no sign of anyone living there. I even looked in the servants' quarters, and the number of beds matches what Chaya told me about the staff."Carissa thought for a moment. "Could there be hidden passageways or secret rooms? The curfew is in place now. No one's supposed to be out after nightfall. If what you heard is true, then these people must be living at Willowbrook Estate.""If there are hidden rooms, that's another matter altogether," Violet said. Then, remembering
Violet observed the group before her. Two of them were shorter in stature, stocky and muscular. They had arms that appeared unusually thick, and their necks had visible veins bulging slightly. The other three were taller. Though their breathing seemed normal, Violet couldn't help but notice that their shoes were nearly spotless, showing no sign of dust. This suggested they practiced Silent Force, a type of internal martial arts.Those who mastered Silent Force could control their breathing, making it shallow or deep at will. Judging by their composure, Violet suspected their skills were considerable."Do you know martial arts?" she asked.The group all shook their heads, their faces looking notably sincere. "No."Violet took another look; in a sudden motion, she threw a punch at the shorter man.His eyes flickered with alarm, but then he quickly shut them, his face showing a look of fear.Violet retracted her fist. From the brief flash of light in his eyes, it was clear this
After Jacob's investigation into Willowbrook Estate, he discovered that a few servants had indeed gone missing over the past few months.He inquired at every pawnshop in the capital, but found out that none of the missing servants had been purchased there, meaning they must have come from elsewhere. He even went to the government offices to check the slave registration records, but found nothing.Ultimately, after much discussion, it was Violet who decided she would stay at Willowbrook Estate. She told Carissa, "After all this time with Prince Hayden, I trust him. If he truly is the one who would deceive me, then I have no more to say."However, Carissa wouldn't let her go alone. She insisted that Violet bring Bun and Cynthia along. That way, they would be there to offer protection if anything happened. Besides, if Hayden truly felt threatened, he wouldn't have refused their company. After all, the more people to help, the better. On the other hand, if he had called Violet there
Some people were simply born for the battlefield.On the battlefield, Rafael was far more decisive than he had been in the capital. His mind was free of the usual constraints—he didn't need to worry about who was pleased or displeased, or who might fear him. He did only what he believed was right.Within three days, all those who had spread the rumors were captured.They were brought before the soldiers at the training field. In front of everyone, twenty strikes with a military cudgel brought them to the ground, their bodies shaking uncontrollably. When asked, they answered whatever they could.They didn't know who was pulling the strings from behind the scenes, only that they had been paid to spread these false rumors. They followed orders without concern for the consequences.The rumor that Sandoria's 800,000 troops were advancing was false!The claim that Salvador had killed the Hell Monarch? Obviously, it was a lie—he was right there in front of them.The rumor that Oliver
A bowl of chicken noodle soup was placed before Rafael, but it was nowhere near enough to fill the emptiness in his stomach.Louis mentioned that he had ordered roasted lamb and skewers, and that there was no shortage of rich food now. It was nothing like the days when the Southern Frontier was struggling. Even the common folk could afford meat these days.Rafael shakily picked up the bowl and drank the soup in one go. The broth was salty, and he followed it with a whole jug of water. Slumping into his chair, he felt his strength gradually returning, though there was still an odd sensation, as if he were still bouncing on horseback. The faces around him seemed to blur and retreat. He had to focus to make out their features.Alec's voice cracked with emotion. "Your Highness, you look utterly exhausted."Rafael rubbed his cheek. "Have the medic give me needle treatment for my face. It feels like it's been blown off-kilter."Everyone took a closer look and indeed noticed that Rafae
The crowd turned their heads at once and saw a horse galloping toward them, dust billowing in its wake. Its rider was wrapped in the warm sunlight, making it hard to see his face clearly.It looked like who they were expecting, but maybe it wasn't.Louis and Timothy both looked up sharply, their eyes instantly reddening. A lump caught in their throats, and they were too overwhelmed to even shout.He wasn't wearing armor—just the plain, rough clothes of a commoner. From a distance, he appeared ordinary and unremarkable.The man reined in his horse before the gathered soldiers, his gaze slowly sweeping across them. His face turned slowly, allowing the people in the front row to see it with crystal clarity.After a long, stunned silence, the crowd erupted into jubilant cries."It's Marshal Sanford! The marshal has returned!""Marshal Sanford isn't dead!""With Marshal Sanford here, we'll surely win!""Victory is ours!"The cheers came in waves, each one louder than the last. It
At Grace Mansion, the lanterns in the corridors cast intricate shadows on the window frames, resembling beasts looming on the walls.Carissa Sinclair sat on a chair with her hands folded in her lap, her slender body hidden beneath plain clothes. She looked at the man before her—her husband whom she had spent a year waiting for.Barrett Warren was still wearing his slightly-worn battle armor. Standing under the dim light, he looked commanding and handsome. His face showed a mix of determination and a touch of regret."Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for this marriage. Aurora will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett.Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has said that General Yates is a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?"Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife and equal to you.""Calling her that doesn't change an...
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