As soon as Connor said those words, the mood in the room shifted.Ryan stood beside Carissa, awkwardly fidgeting with the hem of his garment. There was indeed a scent about him. Every time he returned home, he had to soak in the medicinal bath Sebastian prepared. He had grown accustomed to the smell, and so he thought it had faded.A quiet feeling of shame rose within him. When he had been a beggar, the most frequent insult he had heard was, "You stink! Get away!"Carissa squeezed his small hand, brushing her other hand across his cheek. "I like the fragrance of the medicine."Ryan lifted his eyes, finding solace in his aunt's warm gaze. Right—wasn't it just a few remarks? Was he really so fragile that he couldn't handle that?He smiled at her. He didn't mind what others said.Kylie noticed Victoria's expression darkening and quickly stood up, pulling Connor over with a stern look. "Who taught you to speak like that? Apologize to Lord Ryan."Connor raised his chin. "I won't ap
Salvador listened to Derek's report, his face darkening with anger. "Wretched little fool!" he muttered."Your Majesty," Derek continued, "the queen dowager has instructed Lady Helen, Prince Rafael, and Lady Carissa to leave the palace. She told them she wanted Lord Ryan to stay for lunch, and she will send him out when the palace gates close.""Go to the kitchen yourself. Have them prepare some of Her Majesty's favorite dishes. I will join her for the meal," Salvador said."Yes, Your Majesty.""Then go to Everspring Palace and deliver my command. Have Barrett take Connor to kneel in the royal chapel. Barrett is to recount every battle the Sinclair family has fought. I will interrogate him on the details."Derek thought this was an excellent idea, particularly the bit about sending Barrett to handle it.After Derek withdrew, Salvador stared at the stack of reports before him, his mind drifting.In recent years, the calls to appoint the crown prince have grown louder. Throughou
Salvador's eyes were filled with guilt. "It is my fault, Mom.""I could remind you of your bond with the Sinclair family, speak of the past, and ask you to forget your position as king and treat Ryan as an elder would," Victoria continued, "but I will not do so. If you need to be reminded of a relationship to remember it, then that bond was never genuine in the first place. So, I will be direct with you: You must treat him well. No one is allowed to bully him."Her words stirred many memories within Salvador.It was as if he had just remembered that he too once had had close friends. When he formed his alliance with the Sinclair family, he didn't act with ulterior motives—his friendship with them had been sincere.When Hector and his sons died on the battlefield for the kingdom, Salvador had recently ascended the throne. His mind had been consumed with securing his position, gaining the loyalty of his subjects, and building achievements.He valued the success of reclaiming the Sou
Kylie's words incensed Salvador to the point of fury. With a swift motion, he swept the cup off the table, sending it crashing to the floor in a sharp clang that startled Kylie into silence.She felt his reaction was somewhat excessive. "Your Majesty, it was just a careless remark from a child! It didn't hurt Ryan. Why such an outburst over something so trivial?"Salvador's voice was cold as ice. "If you'd rather Connor remain a mere child with no responsibilities or expectations, I will gladly grant your wish."Kylie was stunned. "Your Majesty, you can't say such things! If word of this gets out, I fear the ministers will take it to heart!"Salvador sneered. "And what's wrong with that? After all, you've made it clear you hold no great hopes for him. If he's to be nothing more than a lazy prince begging for scraps from his younger brother, so be it."Kylie's vision blurred, her mind reeling with the shock of his words. She nearly fainted, and a cold dread settled in her chest.
That night, the Hell Monarch Estate was brightly lit.Jacob personally recorded Salvador's gifts, carefully cataloging and setting them aside. When Ryan returned to Northwatch Estate to inherit his title, Jacob would send the items there.Carissa held Ryan's hand as they strolled through the garden. After today's events, she feared they might have left a lasting impact on Ryan's spirit. She decided to take him out for a walk, hoping to ease his mind and inquire about his feelings and thoughts on what had happened.To her surprise, her worries were unnecessary. Ryan was calm as he looked up at her."What's the big deal? It was just one comment. There's no reason to be upset over it. The queen dowager and the king have been kind to me. They've given me so many gifts—shouldn't that outweigh a single remark? Besides, Prince Connor is still young. Once he grows up, he'll learn to respect others."Carissa playfully tapped his nose. "You clever thing! Saying Prince Connor is still young—
Before today, Carissa had never paid much attention to the question of who would succeed the throne.First, Salvador was still young; it seemed unlikely that he would appoint a crown prince so soon.Second, the royal family already had a legitimate eldest son, which was rare. Even in noble families, it wasn't uncommon for a legitimate son to be born after a concubine's child. There were many women in the king's harem, and it was always possible for a lesser concubine to bear the first son.In many noble families, it was customary that before the primary wife entered the household, no other concubines were allowed to bear children. Even during the nights of intimacy, a special medicine was consumed to prevent conception. If a woman were to accidentally become pregnant, a medicinal abortion was a common solution.However, the royal family was different. Any child born to a concubine, boy or girl, was still considered part of the royal bloodline.One of Salvador's concubines, Penelop
Yuna continued to massage Lisandra's scalp, and asked softly, "Your Highness, General Stellwyn has agreed to retreat his troops. How do you plan to handle Penny?""Are you trying to plead for her?"Yuna hesitated, then said, "She tried to harm you, Your Highness, which is an unforgivable crime. But there are so few women in the court, and Penny at least had the potential for promotion. People like us probably won't get another chance to rise. Is there any way you could give her another opportunity?"Lisandra's gaze was as cold as ice. "She has no chance left.""She only wanted to avenge Prince Arthur—""Yuna Rutherford!" Lisandra pushed her hand away and warned coldly, "If you truly think her position is so hard to come by, then you shouldn't be pleading for her. Do you remember how hard we've fought to get here? One misstep could ruin everything. Even the smallest mistake would be enough for others to tear us down, especially for her—she should have been more careful than anyone!
Aurora trembled. Of course, she would never forget these two villages.She took a sharp breath, her elbows pushing against the ground as she crawled forward, moving slowly. "N-No, I won't go! You said you were taking me back to Westhaven's capital, didn't you?""Of course we are." Yuna's expression was cold as ice. "We'll just bring your head back. It's simpler that way."Aurora's eyes widened in terror, and her hands gripped the iron bars weakly. "No! Please, don't take me to Grapevine Village! Take me to the capital. Kill me in front of the prince's grave!"Yuna's face twisted with hatred. "What makes you think you're worthy to reach the prince's grave? Don't think I don't know what you're trying to do. Do you really believe your coward of a husband will come to save you? Stop fooling yourself—he won't come.""No, you've got it all wrong!" Aurora's eyes darted nervously. "I truly regret my actions. I shouldn't have used such cruel methods against the people of Fawnrun City. I
"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