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
How could Isaac dare leave his guild junior behind? Even while carrying Violet, he was still capable of fighting.As Isaac turned around, he saw Carissa's whip loop around Yuvan's neck, pulling him forward. She slapped him hard across the face, her strikes ringing out with fury.Good. Capturing the leader came first. If they had Yuvan, they could at least escape once they tied him up.Without hesitation, Isaac tightened his grip on Violet and ran. Her flushed face and the heat rising from her skin told him she had been drugged. He needed to find a way to insert silver needles to disperse the blood and break the toxin's grip.Carissa had captured Yuvan, but Claire and Iris had been taken by the guards as well. Their throats were pressed against the sharp edges of swords, the blades nearly cutting into their skin.Yuvan finally dropped his pretense and sneered. "If you have the courage, kill me. Go on, kill your uncle-in-law! Let's see how Rafael explains that to the world!"Cari
Wayne felt a headache coming on. His thoughts clouded with irritation at Yuvan's blind obsession.Wayne had thought this matter was nearly settled. He had expected a smooth departure from the capital, only to have Yuvan insist on a new arrangement. Yuvan even sent some of the suicide soldiers to carry out this task when they were supposed to remain in the city. What was more, Violet's involvement had completely shattered their plans.A flicker of anger crossed Wayne's gaze. If Carissa had been eliminated that night and buried quietly, no one would've known. As luck would have it, she had escaped and was now holding Yuvan hostage. This was not something easily dealt with.Fortunately, Wayne had already anticipated such a situation and had taken precautions in advance. He was prepared for what would come after the task was completed, and to smooth things over with the Spencer family.But now… No matter how this played out, it would cause a significant rift with the Spencers and m
At Carissa's words, both Wayne and Fiona's expressions shifted slightly, as if they hadn't expected her to deny that the woman was Violet.Carissa turned her gaze toward Fiona and changed the topic. "It seems your earlier comments were a bit odd, Lady Fiona. Why should I thank you? What relationship does that woman have with me?"Fiona's expression stiffened, and she faltered. "Well... then, Your Grace, you have even less reason to be holding His Highness hostage. We're all family, and making a scene like this doesn't do anyone any favors."Carissa smiled, but it was a cold one."Then, I apologize. It turns out this was a misunderstanding." She didn't release Yuvan, but kept her gaze fixed on Fiona. "However, why were these men in black staying near the western mountain pass? Are they from Prince Yuvan's household?""Yes, they escorted His Highness back to the capital. Edgeview Estate couldn't accommodate so many, so they were placed outside the city," Fiona replied.Wayne was ab
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