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
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
Salvador didn't fare well along the long and tiring journey, his condition worsening with each passing day. Sebastian did what he could—applying needle treatment and using medicine—but all he could offer was temporary relief. As they pressed on, the king's condition only seemed to deteriorate further.Fortunately, Salvador was a man of remarkable willpower. Despite his suffering, he gritted his teeth and carried on, unwilling to give in. He could not afford to back down—not now.Eldermere Keep lay in the southern province of Mendoria, where the climate was mild and temperate, perfect for someone needing rest and recovery. Even though it was now winter, the air was neither cold nor biting, more akin to the gentler days of autumn.The locals knew little of Eldermere Keep, though they often spoke of a physician's office that was the largest in Mendoria, as big as the one in the capital, also called Arcane Sanctum. There were other keeps, but this one was renowned for its abundance of r
Before Salvador left the capital, Rafael had already become regent and taken on the required duties. With his great military achievements, he had earned respect from both civil and military officials. At first, no one questioned his authority, and many even held him in high regard.However, with Salvador now ill and traveling incognito, rumors began to spread within the palace, warning people to be wary of the regent. The fear was that, as Cecil was still so young, Rafael might take advantage of the situation and eventually replace him.As often the case, such suspicion and rumors spread like wildfire, fueled by the mouths of many. Consequently, a number of officials lost their previous respect for Rafael. They even began to disregard his orders, paying them little heed and carrying out his commands half-heartedly.Noticing this troubling shift, Davis felt a sense of urgency. He decided to speak with Patrick, the Minister of Justice, who was also Cecil's grandfather and the father o
On the day of the first snowfall, a sudden idea struck Salvador. He hadn't attended court in some time, and now, seated on the throne, he declared his plans for a private journey to admire Starhaven's beautiful landscapes. As for the kingdom affairs, they had already been entrusted to Rafael, and that arrangement would remain unchanged.As Salvador appeared very thin and weary, many court officials tried to advise against the trip. But once he had made up his mind, there was no swaying him. He insisted that Carissa and Galen accompany him, along with Sebastian and Dorian.The very next day, they set off.It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision—Salvador had already discussed the matter with Rafael and Carissa beforehand. Sebastian had advised against it, but the king's mind was made up, so the renowned physician had no choice but to accompany him.While Salvador certainly wanted to see more of the kingdom, his true destination was Eldermere Keep, as he longed to see his son one last
Eustace waited patiently for Violet to finish her greetings before he could finally choke back his emotions."Rise, you little imp," he said softly, his voice thick with feeling.Violet slowly stood, her eyes brimming with tears. She tilted her head back, fighting to hold them in.At that moment, she regretted her decision. Why had she been so stubborn? Why had she insisted on getting married in the capital when none of her relatives were here?"Dad, once the wedding is over today, may we return with you? We can hold a celebration at home. Afterward, we can go to the guild and host another, if that's all right," Violet suggested.Eustace was pleased by the thought, but didn't want his daughter to wear herself out with so much traveling."Didn't you say you don't have many friends in Ebonflow? That's why you didn't want a grand wedding there," he reminded her."I don't, but you do, Dad, and so does our family. I can't be so selfish. I don't want you to be embarrassed because of m
Carissa had intended to spend more time talking with Violet today, but she had forgotten how many little tasks came with weddings. The hired bride attendants arrived to do Violet's hair and makeup, and before long, an hour had passed.Violet was already stunningly beautiful, but under the skilled hands of the bride attendants, she looked even more radiant—lovelier than the flowers themselves.Lunchtime came and went with only a light meal, and soon, the guests began arriving to see Violet off.As the groom's elder sister-in-law, Zoey wasn't supposed to be present but had insisted on coming. She said that since she was family to the groom, and as good as family to the bride, there was no problem. After all, it was a good day, and as long as everyone was happy, what did it matter?As Violet put on her wedding gown, a sudden wave of nervousness washed over her.Was she really getting married?Marriage meant taking on responsibilities—managing a household and having children. It woul
Isaac and Violet were finally set to marry in the golden month of October.In truth, Violet had accepted Isaac's proposal the year before, during the Starlight Harvest Festival. From that moment, she knew he was the one she wanted to give her heart to. When she agreed to marry him, she did so with all sincerity, trusting her feelings in that moment.It had taken a full year to arrange the wedding, but it wasn't because of the wedding gifts or dowry.Violet's dowry had been prepared by the Spencer family since her birth, gradually adding to it year after year. Now, they had even bought a house and a large estate in the capital. As for the wedding gifts, the Pathfinders Guild had long since prepared them on Isaac's behalf.Instead, the delay was due to differing opinions among the Spencer family, the Inferno Guild, the Pathfinders Guild, and Violet herself.Violet wanted to get married at Hell Monarch Estate, then have Isaac escort her to her estate in the capital. It seemed easier