The next day, Carissa woke as if nothing had happened. She took up her riding crop and headed out the door, her demeanor calm and unbothered.Meanwhile, Barrett was nursing severe injuries and had taken a leave of absence. After learning the full story, Salvador was livid. "If he'd truly been loyal, he wouldn't have treated Carissa that way in the first place! And now, injuring himself over a criminal? Neglecting his duties? Disregarding the reputation of his family? He's neither loyal nor devoted. What use is he? A disgrace through and through."Derek observed the situation and knew exactly why the king had been reluctant to abandon Barrett despite repeated offenses. One reason was out of respect for the late General Matthias Warren. Another was to use him to control the Mystic Army. Lastly, it was difficult to remove him right away without affecting the generals at Victory Pass.But with the Westhaven forces retreating, Derek suspected the king's patience was running thin.As
Viola sat in the chair for a long time before finally deciding to compromise. "Can you promise me two things?" she asked. "If you can, I won't ask for a divorce."Barrett let out a weary sigh. "What are they?""First," Viola said, her tone firm, "you're never to mention Carissa or Aurora again. At least, not in my presence."Barrett fell into a long silence. Then, finally, he nodded. "All right.""Second," Viola continued, "you must pull yourself together and return to the Nightsteel Guard. Get your old position back as deputy commander."Barrett blinked, clearly taken aback. "But I've been dismissed. How am I supposed to return to the Nightsteel Guard?"Viola leaned forward, her words quick and insistent. "I'll ask my sister-in-law to pull some strings for you. All you have to do is agree. Once you're reinstated, you must commit yourself fully to your duties—work hard, earn a promotion, and listen to me from now on."Barrett shook his head. "I can't ask her to do that. I've a
Viola's heart was as cold as ice. She couldn't understand why she kept ending up in this situation.Divorce was always a last resort—something she had never wanted to resort to unless absolutely necessary. She turned to her father-in-law Jonathan and her brother-in-law Benjamin, hoping they could help persuade Barrett. She even went so far as to seek Charlotte's support, who had long been indifferent to their affairs.The death of Amelia had utterly hardened Charlotte's heart. So, it was surprising that she agreed after hearing what Viola said. "Return to the military and starting from the bottom again? That's a good idea. I support it."Viola knew better than to rely on Charlotte. But she thought since the woman was still an elder in the family, Barrett might listen if she stepped in to persuade him.After hearing the words, Viola angrily swept the cup off the table. "If you won't help, at least spare us the cold remarks."With that, she stood up and left.Jonathan and Benjamin
It was Hannah who finally spoke up, saying there was no need to keep searching. Since the Whitley family denied Karen's existence, she would be a new person, with no ties to them anymore.Though Carissa and Violet felt that the Whitley family was heartless, they couldn't deny that Hannah's words made sense. There was no use in continuing to pursue the matter—it wouldn't change anything. Getting revenge, even just to vent, wouldn't solve the problem. What mattered now was getting Karen to live, to give up on the idea of ending her life, and to speak out about the person who had wronged her.Zoey had already promised to help with counseling, and now seemed like the right time to step in.She brought in a bowl of millet porridge and glanced at the pale and listless girl lying on the bed. She looked so exhausted yet still so beautiful, with her pale face barely hiding her beauty.Zoey entered without saying anything. She simply took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the young woman
Violet took care of the matter at Skye Embroidery, while Carissa had her own pressing concerns—mainly, the opening of the women's academy.Carissa had already found five teachers—the royal chancellor's granddaughter Rosalind, Meredith's sister-in-law Harriet Wright, the Ashford family's matriarch Catherine, Kyle, and the Wardell family's eldest daughter, who had once served as Meredith's study partner.Athena Wardell was now thirty. She had been engaged to a childhood friend, but he had died on the battlefield while they were preparing for their wedding. Since then, Athena has refused all proposals and had no intention of marrying.Kyle was the only man among the teachers. He was a renowned scholar in Starhaven, known for his noble character and virtuous nature. No one would have objected to him becoming a teacher at the women's academy. In fact, his reputation only drew more students to the school.Catherine had withdrawn from social circles for many years. In her younger years, s
Rafael had gotten the gossip from someone working in the Supreme Court. He had been discussing matters with everyone, and during a break, he and Matthew went inside for some refreshment. As they talked outside, the topic came up.Douglas had been in office for five years and was looking to advance. He had heard that Malcolm had a mistress, who had since been sent to a convent, but not before she had given birth to a daughter.This led Douglas to believe that Malcolm was a man of indulgent tastes, and he decided to offer his daughter as a concubine to Malcolm. When Malcolm refused, Douglas, ever the schemer, assumed Malcolm's wife had disallowed the arrangement. Douglas devised a plan to send his daughter to Malcolm while his wife was absent, hoping to force the issue.He learned through various means that Malcolm, whenever he had time off, would go with his wife to visit temples or take walks in the countryside. Douglas bribed the gatekeeper to find out their plans. Once he learne
Violet's heart sank. "What are we supposed to do? Just let him continue to harm his daughters? For the sake of his so-called career, he's sacrificing one daughter after another, treating them like mere objects to be given away!"And I just can't understand why he would push Karen to kill herself. With such a vile mind, shouldn't he have kept her alive so that... Ugh, I can't even finish that thought."Rafael picked up his cutlery, took a few bites, then put them down again. He had lost his appetite."Because he doesn't know who the culprit is. The whole thing has already leaked out, and he's afraid there might be consequences. So, it was easier for him to have Ms. Whitley kill herself, deny her being his daughter, and cut off any future leverage. He probably erased her from the family record too," the prince explained.Violet's eyes blazed with fury. "Is there really nothing we can do? Can we only watch as he keeps ruining his daughters? The officials are so corrupt, yet the king w
Carissa personally went to The Golden Tower to see Nathaniel.As a businessman, he was sharp and straightforward. While he wasn't overly meticulous in his business dealings, he worked hard to make money. However, he also had a strong sense of patriotism. Unable to pursue a scholarly path or master martial arts, he had always generously donated to the nation's cause during times of war.He greatly admired Carissa and wanted to befriend her. However, he rarely had the chance to meet her, and being a businessman, it was difficult for him to visit her. So, when she came to see him in person, he was eager to give her a warm reception.Nathaniel had heard a little about the incident at Crystal Springs, but it involved too many sensitive matters tied to officials for him to probe further. What he did know was that a young woman had suffered greatly there.When Carissa said she wanted to investigate the matter, Nathaniel didn't hesitate for a second.He slapped his chest confidently and s
Lisandra continued, "The irony is, when I was a grand princess, I could call for women to join the ranks of government without hesitation. Now that I am the queen, I must move slowly, cautiously, balancing all the factions, weakening their hostility and wariness toward me. There are so many things to consider and so many forces at play. At times, I grow impatient, and I wish I could simply rid myself of those who oppose me."Carissa thought for a moment before replying, "In truth, whether one is a king or an official, man or woman, I believe their goal is the same, Your Majesty. It's to ensure the long-term stability of the kingdom and the peace and prosperity of the people. "When the nation prospers and war is no longer a threat, any reforms you wish to make will face less resistance. But for now, you must first secure your position, Your Majesty."Her meaning was subtle, but Lisandra understood clearly. The kingdom was still in turmoil, with various factions causing obstacles. Si
The royal palace of Orivenia stood resplendent and imposing, its golden architecture gleaming under the night sky, exuding an air of solemn grandeur.Upon passing through the first palace gate, the carriage rolled smoothly along the wide palace path, its spaciousness a stark contrast to the more cramped streets outside. However, what stood out the most was the abundance of lamps. It seemed as if oil was no object, for the palace grounds were lit up as though the night itself had been banished. As they got out of the carriage and walked along the winding corridor, the large trees ahead were hung with many lamps. Anyone trying to hide in the trees wouldn't stand a chance; they would be seen immediately.Liam led the way. As they approached a grand palace hall, two female attendants stepped forward. They exchanged a few words with Liam in the Westic before smiling and nodding to Carissa and Violet."Ladies, Her Majesty invites you to enter the palace," Liam said with a polite gesture
By the time they reached the capital of Orivenia, it was the 13th of August. A full month had passed since they left Starhaven.The afternoon sun shone brightly, and Kendrick lay back in the carriage as they entered the city.Since entering Orivenia's borders, they had endured seven assassination attempts. The last one had been particularly brutal, likely involving suicide soldiers. Many of the Mystic Army were injured, and even Violet had been grazed on the shoulder. Thankfully, it hadn't struck anything vital.Kendrick's fear was understandable. The attack had come when he was emerging from the washroom. The assassin's sword had pierced his chest, nearly plunging in completely. It was Carissa who noticed in time and swiftly turned, driving her spear into the assassin's chest before dragging him back with the hooked tip of her dagger, saving Kendrick's life.Though the injuries were minor, Kendrick reacted as if he had been mortally wounded. He howled in agony for half the night b
Kendrick had been shaken by the attack, and the royal physician had already been called to prepare a sedative to calm his nerves.When Carissa visited him, it was a pitiful sight. His face was as pale as paper, drained of all color. His lips trembled, and he shakily asked if the assassins were gone.She reassured him, saying they had gone, and only then did his trembling subside slightly.The people around him had already informed him that the assassins were driven off, but he hadn't believed them. He needed to hear it from Carissa to feel any sense of security.Carissa reminded him to rest and recuperate before she left.Meanwhile, Davis was busy comforting the others. As the Defense Minister, he had seen his fair share of chaos and remained calm. Also, he trusted Carissa and the Mystic Army. He didn't think there was much to fear—at worst, they had just risked losing a head.It was Meadow Ridge's members who gathered together, speculating that the black-clad figures they had en
At the break of dawn, the large procession set out for Orivenia.Carissa didn't feel much regret in leaving. After all, they would pass through Victory Pass on the way back, and she would have the chance to meet with her grandfather and his family again.Once they had left Victory Pass, the road grew rougher. Many sections were full of deep potholes or had been intentionally damaged, making it difficult for the carriages to move forward.However, Kendrick was determined not to ride a horse again. Even after days of rest, his legs were still sore from the relentless friction of the saddle. Walking was manageable, but sitting on horseback? That was pure agony.So, despite having earned his merit at Victory Pass for establishing an orphanage there, Kendrick insisted on traveling by carriage. When the wheels got stuck or the path became too treacherous, the Mystic Army soldiers dismounted and pushed the carriage forward, inching their way through the difficult terrain.Fortunately,
Wallace gave the order, and Barrett was tasked with the job of investigating. He led a group to search the area.Barrett was aware that Carissa had arrived at Victory Pass. He had been there to greet the group. However, he had stayed at a distance, watching from afar without approaching. From that distance, he hadn't been able to make out any faces, only a vague silhouette that seemed to resemble hers.He had thought his actions unnecessary. After all, what business did he have with her? The affairs of the capital were nothing for him to involve himself with.While the diplomatic envoy rested in Victory Pass, they spent their time discussing strategies and rehearsing their approach. Everyone understood that while this negotiation might seem easier compared to the last, it was by no means a simple task.Lisandra had long kept this matter at the forefront of her mind and would not easily yield to any compromises.The Sullivan family also feared that someone might infiltrate the envo
Spring Pavilion was full that day.The restaurant wasn't very big to begin with, and it usually had some customers. The black-clad men that lady brought had taken up all the remaining seats.Carissa, Violet, and Travis had to sit at a small table the owner had set up at the last minute, separate from the others.The man's voice, soft and apologetic, reached Carissa's ear. It was warm and pleasant. "These are my brothers-in-arms. We've been traveling since last night and haven't had a bite to eat. If it troubles you, I can have them wait outside and just pass them some bread each when we're done."Violet paused, surprised, but quickly shook her head. "No need for that. Please, let them stay. They can sit where they like and order what they wish."The man smiled kindly. "You are kind-hearted, miss. In that case, we'll order freely, and we'll take extra.""Alright… That's fine," Violet replied, casting a glance at the sea of black. The men were dressed in a way that suggested some
Carissa studied the man and woman carefully, feeling a sense of unease. She couldn't quite place their age. They looked to be in their thirties, yet there was an undeniable vitality about them, as if they were no older than twenty.Her gaze moved to their eyes, particularly the man's. His eyes were as deep and mysterious, yet they held the calculating sharpness of a seasoned old fox.Before Carissa could say anything, the man stepped forward and spoke. "This is where the orphanage is being built? Is the local government funding it?"Travis glanced at them, noting their perfectly spoken Starhaven dialect. They clearly weren't from Victory Pass, yet he saw no malice in their faces. He nodded. "Yes, it's a place to take in abandoned children," he replied. "It's being supported by the local government."The man nodded. "That's a good cause."Carissa stepped forward. "Are you from the capital?"The man regarded her but didn't answer her question. Instead, he asked, "Are you the He
Kendrick didn't wake until well into the afternoon the following day, his body heavy with exhaustion and hunger. When his eyes finally fluttered open, he felt as if his entire body had been shattered. Every muscle ached, and lifting even his arm seemed like a Herculean task.The weariness sank deep into his bones, and he had no energy to move. His attendant, a trusted servant by the name of Avery, stood at his bedside, awaiting his attention. He said quietly, "Your Highness, Lady Carissa has been waiting for you for half the day. She wishes to speak with you."Kendrick had initially planned to stay in bed, have all his meals brought to him, and then drift back to sleep. He was simply too tired to move. But when he heard that Carissa had waited so long, he immediately threw the covers off and commanded, "Prepare me, quickly."Over the course of the journey, Kendrick had come to understand just how formidable Carissa was. As a woman, she had never once complained about exhaustion