Before leaving the capital, Molly made another trip to Hell Monarch Estate to see Violet and ask her for the letter she wanted to write to her father.Having been warned by Carissa, Violet didn't entertain Molly's request. She didn't give her the letter and quickly dismissed her instead.Molly tried again, but only embarrassed herself. But this time, she didn't seem angry. Instead, her eyes brimmed with tears. "Violet, I know you look down on me, but I truly see you as my little sister. While we were in the capital, we bought so many things that we can't take back with us. If Skye Embroidery can use them, I'll send everything there."Violet crossed her arms, her tone skeptical as she asked, "Are you really this generous?"Molly bristled at the accusation. "I'm a woman too. Naturally, I want to help other women. Besides, it's all things we don't need anymore—grain, clothes, fabrics, embroidery supplies, and even flowers. It's impractical to bring them back to Valken. If you don't
It took five carts to fit all the items. The flowers and plants were transported on a wagon. Almost everyone from Edgeview Estate had been mobilized to help.As they were leaving, Yuvan himself came out. He greeted Violet with his usual charm, exuding masculine charm and looking compassionate. "I hope these items will be of use to your workshop. There are also many different types of silk threads in the manor, perfect for making high-quality embroidery. If you'd like, you're welcome to come inside and take a look, Ms. Spencer."Violet's guard immediately went up. "No need for that. Just have them all brought out, and we'll take it from there."Yuvan didn't push the matter. Instead, he turned and gave orders to his servants."Bring out all the silk threads and load them onto the carts. If there aren't enough carts, send someone to hire more."The servants quickly headed back inside to retrieve the silk threads.Meanwhile, Yuvan's gaze lingered on Violet. She wore a soft lavender
Carissa knew that Yuvan and his family were leaving the city today, so she gave orders to the Garrison Unit to keep an eye on them. After they left the city, they were to report back.Max personally led a team to keep watch. As they saw several of Yuvan's carriages leaving Edgeview Estate in a grand procession, they didn't stop them. Because of Yuvan's status, he didn't need to be checked when leaving the city. However, Yuvan still lifted the curtain of his carriage and nodded politely. The officer at the city gate raised his hands in a salute as he saw Yuvan off.There was no order to check, so no one dared to. With Yuvan's emblem, they didn't even need to show their face to be allowed to pass.Once they were gone, Max and his team returned to the Capital Guard headquarters to report to Carissa.When Carissa heard that they had left, she finally felt at ease.Recently, the Garrison Unit had been conducting fitness tests. Even after clearing out some people, the Garrison Unit coul
About an hour later, the person Carissa sent to inquire returned. "Ms. Spencer is not at Hell Monarch Estate. I asked the people at the estate, and they said she went to Skye Embroidery. I went there, but she wasn't there either. They did say that some supplies had arrived from Edgeview Estate today, but Ms. Spencer didn't personally inspect them. They're all piled outside, and they won't take them until they're checked."Carissa's heart skipped a beat. Supplies from Edgeview Estate were sent to Skye Embroidery? What about Claire and the others? Had they gone with Violet?She quickly stood up and ran out, calling for Mabel. She waited a while, but Mabel didn't come out. That was strange—Mabel had been with her today. Where had she gone?Something was off—very off."Commander Sinclair, what's wrong?" Max came running after her. "Are you looking for Mabel? I saw her when I came back. She seemed to have left in a hurry.""Where did you see her?" Carissa asked quickly."Right out
Carissa quickly sorted through the information in her mind. Her thoughts were in chaos, but she forced herself to stay calm and asked, "Is it just Claire chasing after her?""Iris is with her. But if Prince Yuvan really took Ms. Spencer, he would have many skilled people with him. They wouldn't be able to match him. That's why I came back to get help, but we still don't know for sure if Ms. Spencer was taken," Mabel replied.Carissa knew there was no time to waste. Lightning should be able to catch up. If Violet was still in the capital, she would probably be safe—the danger would be if Yuvan had taken her.She turned to Lillian. "Go back and tell Deputy Commander Brown to search the city. Then, go to Hell Monarch Estate and find Mr. Mullen. Have him gather people and follow me. I'll leave markers along the way."With that, Carissa snapped her whip and galloped off.Claire had always been with Violet, but now Violet had disappeared right before her eyes. This was no ordinary situa
The sound of a donkey's bell rang out along the main road, clinking in the night. The man had a blade of grass in his mouth, humming a tune.He loved traveling at night.There was something about the darkness that felt mysterious, as if anything could happen in the blackness. It was a thrill that couldn't be matched.It would be perfect to run into a few strange creatures—maybe sit down with them for a drink. His flask was filled with Everett's wine. To steal some, he couldn't even ride his horse. He had to borrow one from the Lunar Guild.But how could the Lunar Guild have a horse? The guildmaster had hesitated for a long time, then reluctantly led out a donkey. She warned him repeatedly to walk with it instead of riding, saying that the old donkey couldn't carry his weight and might collapse from the strain. It could carry his things, though.It was ridiculous. If he was going to walk down the mountain, he might as well carry his things himself and not bother with the donkey.B
Isaac had barely settled down when he heard movement in the distance—soft footsteps accompanied by some muttered curses.He sat up abruptly, squinting in the direction of the noise. From the opposite hill, a group of people was descending. He could hardly make them out as they were all dressed in black, with one exception—he couldn't exactly see what color that was, but it was definitely not black.The curses quickly stopped, as if someone had silenced them.The distance was still too far, much farther than the group camped nearby. Despite Isaac's sharp eyes, he couldn't make out any details. All he could sense was their quick movements. It seemed they were heading to meet up with the camped group.Isaac stood up, his expression turning serious. It looked like he wouldn't be running into any strange creatures, but perhaps a conspiracy was brewing. There was something dark going on, and it looked like they were holding a woman who had cursed earlier.He reached behind the donkey an
Isaac didn't bother to count the enemy's numbers. "How many of you are there?" he asked."It's just me and Iris. She's over there." Claire pointed across the road to a patch of dense trees where a figure was slowly making her way toward the convoy."We're dead meat," Isaac muttered, his face darkening. "You two and me—three against over a hundred, plus the suicide soldiers." He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. How had everything gone so wrong so quickly after he descended the mountain?His handsome face furrowed in concentration as he quickly ran through possible plans in his mind. Okay, the chances of success were zero—but he couldn't just stand by and do nothing.Violet had already been dragged into the tent. She seemed drugged, her body limp, and the only sign of resistance she had left was the curse she muttered earlier. After that, she had gone completely silent.The men moved out of the tent, and Yuvan entered. Isaac felt his blood rush to his head.Earlier, h
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
After lighting a candle for Edith, everyone returned to the backyard. They wiped away their tears, set aside their grief, and gathered around Carissa to ask about her married life. The most frequent question was about how well Rafael treated her.That was how families were. They knew she was capable, yet they couldn't help but yearn for her spouse to treat her with genuine love and care.Carissa had many cousins, all daughters of her uncles, but most had only met her a handful of times. Still, when they saw her, they were all overjoyed.Her cousins were all married, and many had returned to Victory Pass with their husbands and children. Having heard so much about Carissa, they couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and sympathy.Among them was Shayla Sullivan, the eldest daughter of Carissa's second aunt. She had married Chase Hudson, one of Dominic's subordinates. But within a year of marriage, Chase died in battle before their child had even been born.Now, the child was 12
After nearly twenty days of grueling travel, they finally arrived at Victory Pass on the third of August.The heat had been unbearable along the way, causing many in the party to fall ill. Fortunately, Carissa had come well-prepared with plenty of medicine. They had also brought along a royal physician, Dorian, who was able to manage the illnesses without any major issues.But Kendrick, having never endured such hardship, was exhausted beyond measure. By the tenth day of their journey, he could barely speak. His face and lips were pale, and the exhaustion was evident in every line of his features.When they finally reached the outskirts of Victory Pass and saw the Sullivan family and the troops come out to greet them, Kendrick collapsed. The sight of him fainting right there gave everyone a fright, and they quickly rushed to carry him back.However, Carissa barely noticed Kendrick's condition. As soon as she saw her family, she ran straight into her grandfather's arms, tears stream