Sebastian's apprentices were well-connected in the capital's medical circle and quick to catch wind of any news.As the controversy surrounding the workshop and Jessica grew louder, many in the medical community began to gossip. They questioned how a single dose of laxatives could lead to a miscarriage.One person muttered, "She's been drinking Redroot Restorative all along, and that's meant to stimulate blood circulation. That stuff can be dangerous, potentially causing excessive bleeding if taken in excess. How could she not lose the baby?"The gossip spread quickly, reaching Rowan's ears. Naturally, he investigated further. It didn't take long before he found out that the person who had spoken was Aaron Hawthorne's apprentice. Aaron was the personal physician to the Marquis of Ironridge's family, although he also ran his own small clinic and had several apprentices.Rowan dug deeper and discovered that Aaron, under someone's orders, had been sending a special blend of herbs to I
Although the authorities hadn't been alerted, the truth had already been uncovered through Rowan's investigation and Giles' admission. The only remaining question was whether the Marquis of Ironridge and Margaret had known about Emma's actions and chosen to cover for her.The entire scheme had indeed been orchestrated by Emma, with Giles and several of her trusted maids tasked with carrying it out.The reason behind it was simple—Emma knew her time was running out.Around this same time, Leopold had told her he planned to take another secondary wife to manage the household. He had already chosen the candidate: Flora, who had recently entered the household as a concubine.In other words, Leopold had intended to marry her as his secondary wife from the start. While secondary wives were technically concubines, they held a higher status than common concubines as they were still rightful wives.When Leopold spoke of Flora, he had admiration in his eyes. He mentioned that her father was
Carissa and Violet escorted Giles to Ironridge Estate.Following Emma's passing, Margaret's health deteriorated further. She remained bedridden after the funeral, unable to rise.When Carissa arrived, Margaret had just taken her medicine and was lying propped up in bed. Serena stood by, tending to her. Though Serena didn't look up at Carissa, a storm of emotions stirred inside her.It was because when Carissa arrived, she had announced she come to deal with Jessica's issue and had brought Giles along.Serena harbored a deep hatred for Carissa. She could never forgive Carissa for what had happened. No matter how much she hated Carissa, however, Serena couldn't help but fear Carissa. With Carissa's current position and power, taking down a lowly concubine from Ironridge Estate would be as easy as breathing.Margaret had rejected Carissa's invitation once before, but now, Carissa had shown up after the funeral had just concluded. Margaret knew this was because Jessica's situation h
The Marquis of Ironridge's family spent the entire night getting to the bottom of things.Once everything was clear, Margaret summoned Leopold. She laid out her plans. "Divorce Serena, bring Jessica back, and invite those storytellers to come and tell the truth. We need them to clear things up."Leopold was already filled with disdain for Jessica. He didn't want her back, and strongly disagreed with Margaret's approach."I don't agree, Mom. We should just leave things as they are. People have already been gossiping about me because of what happened to Jessica. After all this time, I finally got some peace when I divorced her. All the gossip outside doesn't concern us—it's all about Jessica."If we clear things up now, it will only tarnish our reputation and Emma's as well. She's your niece, and she's also the mother of your two grandchildren. You're being too harsh. Either way, I won't take Jessica back—if she's divorced, she'll stay divorced."Margaret looked at him, her chest
A few days later, the rumors finally began to die down.It was curious how fickle public opinion could be. After the storm of gossip, slander, and outrage, some began to look at Skye Embroidery in a new light.It might be because some agreed with the articles written by those scholars, prompting other academics to interpret the situation more positively.As one of the storytellers at the Ascension Coffeehouse had put it, Skye Embroidery was, at its core, a lifeline for women cast out of their homes. It wasn't some earth-shattering rebellion against morality or societal order. Could it truly be so difficult for anyone to show even a sliver of compassion?However, this line of thinking was shared only by a portion of the populace. Most still withheld their approval, though the vehemence of their opposition had lessened. Cooler heads began to prevail, even if grudgingly.It was around this time that Leona, the Duchess of Everpeace, made a shocking move.She stepped into the halls of
Jessica's expression shifted, her face twisting into irritation. "How many times do I have to tell you? Stop nagging me! You're so annoying! People like you are impossible to tolerate. If I were the lady of the house, I'd never keep a servant like you around!""Then go on back and become the lady of the house. I'm sure you'll find plenty of obedient servants to dote on you there," Selma shot back without missing a beat.Jessica scoffed, lifting her chin. "Of course I'm going back! Do you think I'd stay here to look at the sour face of an old servant like you when I could be living a life of comfort?""Go on, then. Don't bother packing your clothes—what need do you have for them when you'll have every silk and satin you could wish for waiting for you at Ironridge Estate?" Selma replied tartly.Jessica's head snapped up, and she pointed an accusing finger at the older woman. "I'm warning you—don't you dare touch my clothes! Once you've given them to me, they're mine!"Selma laughe
Jessica studied the woman before her. The woman's face was lined with sorrow, and her shoulders slumped as if the weight of the world had ground her down. With a voice softer than her usual sharpness, Jessica said, "If you're looking for a way to keep going, step inside. The life here is simple, but no one will hurt you ever again."At that, the woman's tears spilled over, flowing like an unstoppable river breaking through a dam.Her name was Camila Moore. Once upon a time, she and her husband, Soren Carter, had owned a thriving dye shop in the capital. They weren't among the wealthiest, but their lives were comfortable. Their marriage was harmonious, and their little family was complete with a cherished daughter.However, her daughter's birth had been harrowing. The blood loss nearly took Camila's life. While the midwife had managed to save her, the verdict had been clear: she would never bear another child.Camila had grieved deeply over the news, but Soren had always reassur
Camila settled into the third room of the Peace Wing, marking the arrival of Skye Embroidery's first true resident.When Violet saw Camila sitting at the embroidery frame, delicately stitching a flower, she couldn't help but smile with quiet satisfaction. It had been an arduous start, but it was a start nonetheless. Violet clung to the hope that, in their darkest moments, women with nowhere else to turn might think of Skye Embroidery before considering death.-Elsewhere, Serena had been sent back to her family after her divorce. Viola was thoroughly displeased, refusing to let Serena set foot in their home again. However, Barrett had insisted on bringing her back to Valor Estate. Furious, Viola stormed off to her own family's home.In her mom's sitting room, Viola wept bitterly, lamenting Barrett's state. "He's lost his position, he neglects his duties, and he's nothing but a useless wreck of a man! I can't live like this anymore!"Evelyn, weary of the many similar complaints
"Elise, must your mouth run on without end?" Carissa frowned at her daughter, who had been chattering away beside Ryan from the moment he stepped through the door.The little girl's face was flushed from the sun, her hair tangled into a messy nest that made it clear she had only just returned from playing outdoors. She hadn't stopped talking since Ryan came back from his travels, pestering him with questions about what he had seen and done.Elise turned to Carissa with wide eyes, looking up with a face so innocent it could soften stone. She truly had inherited the best features from both her parents."Mom, I haven't seen Ryan in such a long time. Every moment without him felt like an eternity. We've been apart for so long, so of course I have a lot to say to him."Carissa's frown deepened. "And who taught you to speak in such a ridiculous manner? An eternity—where did that come from?""Sage Isaac said it to Aunt Violet. He went back to Meadow Ridge for a few days and said it to her
Though Ryan had told Cecil he was going on a journey, he didn't stay long at Eldermere Keep. After just seven days, he left and made his way to the Pathfinders Guild.He had initially planned to return to the capital to seek out Claire, but soon reconsidered. Instead of troubling her, he thought it best to directly ask Winona to teach him the art of disguise.It was not difficult to learn, but to do it well—to the point where no one could tell—was another matter. Such skill could not be acquired in just a few months.The simpler form of disguise involved merely altering one's features with makeup and slight adjustments to the face. This was fine for ordinary situations, but could easily be seen through in more challenging circumstances, like on a rainy day for instance.Therefore, Ryan knew he couldn't settle for such a basic method.The more advanced form of disguise involved creating a mask as a false face. However, these masks had their own set of problems. They were thick, unco
That evening, Ryan and Clarence sat by candlelight and spoke quietly. They avoided discussing court politics as Clarence had no interest in such matters. As long as the kingdom was peaceful, that was enough for him.He was no longer the eldest prince of Starhaven, and only had himself to look after now. Everything else had faded into the past.It was better not to speak of politics; it was too sensitive a topic. In his younger years, Clarence hadn't understood why his "death" was so tied to such matters. But over the years, Sebastian had explained everything to him, bit by bit, including the risks and consequences.The bond between Clarence and Cecil was not without affection. However, to gamble with one's life and future for the sake of family might not be the wisest choice for any of them.Clarence had come to terms with it. Life had to go on; it was better to live it well today than to wonder about tomorrow."Aunt Carissa said you're no longer able to stand, but you were walking
The azaleas of Eldermere Keep bloomed in a riot of color, spreading across the hills in a blaze of purple and red. The sight was enough to dazzle anyone who set eyes upon it, especially those who had never visited this secluded place. It was the kind of beauty that made one long to stay forever.Yet, there was one exception.A young man rode his horse to the base of the mountain, dismounted, and secured his steed. Without a glance at the dazzling scene around him, he began to walk the path up the mountain, his gaze fixed firmly on the road ahead.The vivid azaleas stretched out along either side of the path, reaching out as if to claim him, but he merely brushed them aside with a casual swipe of his hand.His pace was swift, and he occasionally used his Lightfoot Skill. Eldermere Keep was not high up, but its location was well-hidden, with many winding paths leading in. However, he had studied the map countless times before embarking on this journey, so the route to the keep was et
Rafael glanced at the robe. "Isn't that mine? Are you saying I've gotten fat? I'm not fat.""Oh, is it yours? It's too long, then. I'll have someone alter it for me," Carissa replied casually.Rafael shook his head. "If you want something loose, just have someone make it for you. Why bother altering my old clothes? It's not even comfortable.""I'm going to Meadow Ridge for a year. Wearing your clothes will make it feel like you're still with me," Carissa said with a bright smile, as if the idea of being apart for a year was no more serious than being apart for a day."A year?" Rafael looked shocked. "You're going back for a whole year? Why?""Well, of course, my mentor misses me, and I miss him too," Carissa replied, placing her hands on her hips as she handed the robe to Lulu, who was standing by with a hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh."But I won't leave right away. Since Ryan is about to inherit the duke's title, I'll wait until that's settled before I go back to Meado
On the 13th day of winter, Salvador suddenly woke up feeling clearer than before. Saying he was hungry, he specifically asked for beef stew and milk pastries.Derek hurried to make the necessary arrangements. When the food arrived, Octavia sat by the bed as she had done many times before, ready to feed him. But Salvador insisted he wanted to sit up to eat himself.Derek gently helped the king sit up, placing a soft cushion behind him to support his back. Salvador had grown so thin that he seemed to be nothing but skin and bones. His body slouched as he sat, so Derek had to kneel beside the bed, holding his waist to keep him steady.Salvador finished an entire bowl of stew, eating it all without leaving a single bit behind. Then, he picked up a small milk pastry. But after a bite, he felt a little nauseous, so he didn't eat any more.Sebastian sent word to Victoria. After a brief conversation, her face turned pale and tears started to fall almost immediately. Though she had tried to
Once back at the palace, Salvador was unable to rise from his bed. Sebastian spoke briefly with him, hinting that he didn't have much time left. If there was anyone he wished to see, it should be done as soon as possible.The first person Salvador wanted to see was, of course, Victoria."That child… When he saw me, he couldn't stop asking about you. You didn't love him in vain, Mom," Salvador murmured, his voice weak.Victoria sighed deeply. "How cruel... his life must be lived hidden away in the mountains, never able to leave. Is there truly no hope for his legs?""I believe there is no hope," Salvador replied softly, his lips pale and drained of color. "But as I was leaving, he said, 'Dad, once I've learned enough medicine, I'll cure you. I'll make you better.'"Victoria's heart ached. "What a good child."Salvador's gaze drifted to the ceiling, his voice barely a whisper as he repeated, "Yes, he is a good child."After speaking with Victoria, Salvador asked Rafael to bring in
Salvador had temporarily settled at Eldermere Keep. The place was filled with every kind of medicine, yet his illness had reached a point where no remedy could ease his suffering.Still, staying there brought him peace. It was as if he had finally set down a heavy burden and could now live as an ordinary father. He spent each day with his son, sharing simple moments together.Carissa was allowed to visit and spend some time with Connor. He asked her about Ryan, specifically inquiring whether he had made any new friends."Ryan has no other friends but you. He always thinks about you," she reassured with a smile, thinking the eldest prince might be jealous.Connor was quiet for a long while, his expression tinged with guilt. Finally, with a deep sadness in his eyes, he softly said, "I have friends now, like Otto. Ryan should have his own friends too. I always think about him, but... I don't think I'll ever see him again."Carissa gently patted his head and smiled. "The future is lon
After the sun set behind the mountains, the temperature began to drop. Salvador had been carried up the mountain, but now, he was carrying Connor on his back as they made their way back into the estate.Connor had his arms tightly wrapped around Salvador's thin shoulders, and he couldn't stop the tears from falling. This was a scene he had never even dared to dream of. Not only had he never imagined being carried by his father, but even something as simple as having his father gently pat his head had always seemed like an impossible wish.But his father was so thin; there was no flesh on his back at all. How had he become so frail?Carissa and the others waited outside the gates. Not even Galen had been allowed in. Only Salvador's most loyal attendants, those who had carried the litter, were permitted to enter. The others, of course, were kept away from Connor. They all believed that Salvador had come to Eldermere Keep solely to recover from his illness.The estate itself was full