The next day, both the Garrison Unit and the Capital Guard learned of the incident. It was said that an assassin had broken into Douglas' home, severely injuring him to the point where he was vomiting blood and nearly died.The physician said that with injuries like his, he would likely end up as a bedridden, drooling mess for the rest of his life, unable to do anything except stay in bed to eat, drink, and take care of other basic needs.Naturally, both the Garrison Unit and the Capital Guard did everything they could to track down the assassin. In the king's domain, to commit such an audacious act against a government official was downright brazen.After some investigation, Carissa uncovered a witness who revealed that a martial artist had come to the capital. Knowing that Douglas had once caused his sister's death, the martial artist had snuck in and beaten him senseless in a fit of rage.Further investigation revealed that the rumors surrounding Karen's defilement were entirely
Violet thought for a moment, feeling a twinge of guilt. She hadn't been able to go back and spend time with her father. Maybe writing him a letter and asking him to send her some money would make up for it—spending his money would be one way to honor him."Alright, I'll write a letter. Please wait for a while," she said."There's no need to rush, my dear cousin-in-law. You can write it tomorrow and send it to me then. We won't be leaving for a few days. Why don't you stay and chat with your cousin for a bit longer?" Yuvan responded with a smile.Carissa's eyes flickered with a cold glint.Was Yuvan still not giving up?Violet turned to smile at Yuvan, unaware of how mischievous her expression was. "Alright then."Carissa shot her a glare.What was she up to now?Violet ignored her friend's warning gaze. She didn't meet Carissa's eyes, treating the unspoken rebuke as though she hadn't noticed.Rafael observed Yuvan's persistent gaze on Violet's face, feeling a surge of disgust.
Violet's patience had worn thin. With a flick of her whip, she chased Molly out, forcing her to shield her head with her hands as she scrambled to flee.Carissa couldn't afford to let her guard down until Yuvan left the city. Knowing his unscrupulous intentions, she sent Claire to keep an eye on Edgeview Estate, making sure Violet didn't defy her orders and secretly visit.For two or three days, Claire kept watch. Violet stuck to her usual routine, returning to Skye Embroidery each day, without once stepping foot into Edgeview Estate. Only then did Carissa allow herself to relax a little.Skye Embroidery and the women's academy were slowly becoming accepted in the city.But one concern about the academy remained: the fact that many people were only coming to build connections. Uninterested in studying, they spent their days bringing pastries, embroidery, and gifts to flatter the women from prominent families.Some of the women from these noble families started to boss around the d
Sometimes, the malice between women could be the most dangerous of all. Trevor may be the royal chancellor and a highly respected figure, but Rosalind was still young. Some of the students would naturally feel reluctant to fully accept her as their teacher.If it were only that, it would be easy to handle. What worried Carissa was that behind the group of troublemakers, there could be someone trying to sabotage Gracewood Women's Academy. Right now, the group of troublemakers seemed to be led by Jocelyn, but there was no sign they were following someone else's orders.With Carissa holding so much leverage over the Quinton family, how dare they disrupt the academy?Her first priority was to reassure Rosalind, fearing the toll it might take on her mood.Rosalind sat in her private study, flipping through a pile of practice sheets in front of her. Her brow furrowed as she examined each page, so deeply absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't even hear Carissa approach.It wasn't until
Carissa nodded and glanced over the other girls' practice sheets. Asking them to work on their handwriting was likely a way to see where their skills stood and ensure they could write neatly.Most of the writing samples were decent, but a few stood out. The delicate cursive characters were meticulously written, each stroke crafted with care, showing no sign of sloppiness or laziness.Setting the papers down, Carissa asked, "So, is this the only thing bothering you? What about all those things they're saying about you and General Farrell? You're not letting that get to you, are you?""Their mouths are their own, so they can say whatever they want. It doesn't stop me from eating, sleeping, or living my life. It doesn't hurt me, nor does it draw a single drop of my blood. So, why should I let it bother me?" Rosalind replied.She even laughed a little as she added, "Although I have to admit, their creativity is refreshing. Using an old story to insult me is at least more original than
Carissa glanced at the young women, all dressed in elaborate outfits.The woman speaking wore a pale pink satin gown with delicate golden embroidery along the edges and a flowing turquoise blue underskirt that swayed as she walked. The outfit was youthful yet exuded nobility. Around her neck hung a delicate necklace with intricate gemstones. A small blue sachet, embroidered with the letter 'Q', was tied at her waist.At a glance, one could tell her status.The others were similarly dressed in expensive, elaborate attire. There was no doubt these were the troublemakers.They were laughing, but Carissa didn't even smile."You're at the age where laughter comes easily. Well, stand here and laugh for two hours. You can leave once the time is up," she said in a calm, measured tone, though her expression remained friendly.When Carissa clapped her hands, Mabel appeared from around the corner.She nodded and respectfully greeted, "Your Grace."Claire, Lillian, Iris, and Mabel were all
Jocelyn and the others' faces had become stiff from forced laughter. They had never been humiliated like this before. Being made to laugh for two whole hours by Mabel was an immense insult and a great source of shame for them.They immediately went to report the incident to Catherine, who was known for being kind and gentle. She usually taught etiquette, bookkeeping, managing people, and overseeing the household. She hadn't yet begun teaching anything more advanced, as she was considering the girls' backgrounds. Whether they married high or low, they would need to know how to manage a household.Most of the girls had already learned the basics of etiquette, so Catherine only needed to guide them slightly to ensure they would behave properly when hosting guests or interacting with others. As for managing accounts, it was a woman's essential skill and knowledge. After all, in this world, women still handled the household. Once they mastered these basics, they could learn more.For wom
Before leaving the capital, Yuvan went to the palace to bid farewell to Ruth.Her eyes were brimming with tears as she spoke, "If you truly care for me, you'll petition His Majesty to allow me to go to Valken with you. At least then we wouldn't have to endure this separation, never knowing when we might see each other again."Yuvan knelt before her, his voice choked with emotion as he replied, "Mom, I don't want to leave you either. But Valken is nothing like the palace. Your body wouldn't be able to bear the long and exhausting journey."Ruth dabbed at her tears. "There was a time when your sister could stay in the palace and look after me. But now that she's been sent to the Heritage Bureau and you're returning to Valken, what hope do I have left here? Besides, I'm much better now. The hardships of the journey won't trouble me. If you won't petition His Majesty, then I'll do it myself. He's kind hearted. I'm sure he'll allow us to stay together.""Mom, we'll be reunited soon, I p
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