Fiona's hair was a tangled mess, her cheek swelling from the force of the slap. The blow sent her tumbling backward, and she crashed into Yuvan. He winced in pain, gasping for breath.Violet's fury was barely contained, and she didn't hesitate for a moment. She turned and marched toward Molly, her steps swift and determined."Violet, what do you think you're doing?" Molly shrieked in terror, stumbling back. "I'm your cousin! I would never harm you—ah!"Before Molly could protest further, Violet grabbed a fistful of her hair, lifting her off the ground and slamming her into a tree. Molly's entire body seemed to crack with the impact; she collapsed, gasping in pain as tears streamed down her face."The last thing you said to me was that the scent on your body was the poison you used against me," Violet hissed, her eyes flashing with murderous intent. "Molly Spencer, what do you gain by helping that vile man? Did you think you could keep the title of princess consort after this? You'r
In short, this situation could blow up, but it couldn't get too out of hand—at least they still needed to let Yuvan and his group return to Valken.Violet exhaled a long breath, but her anger was far from quenched. She would get her chance for payback—there would be another time.The Garrison Unit and the Capital Guard arrived first. Alistair had intended to lead the Royal Guard out of the city, but the soldiers couldn't leave without royal orders. He had snuck out in disguise instead.Though they didn't know all the details, they had an idea of what had happened, and they had never been so angry in their lives. Violet was their mentor, and to harm her was like harming their own parents.This was unforgivable!When Claire had quietly told them what had happened and what Rafael and Carissa's plans were, they held their tempers in check for the time being. However, they still ordered the Garrison Unit and the Capital Guard to surround Yuvan and his men.The focus was on the black-c
Yuvan's reputation was ruined, and now, he was being sent back to the capital for treatment.The procession that left the city was grand, but it returned in defeat, escorted by the soldiers of the garrison outpost.Wayne claimed it was because he had fallen for a woman, but Thomas was as cautious as ever. He insisted that no conclusions could be drawn until a thorough investigation was done. The matter must be looked into carefully.The suicide soldiers had surrendered without a fight. Two had been caught before during a mission, and they were tough—refusing to say a single word. But now, they couldn't reveal themselves to be suicide soldiers. If they did, their presence near the garrison outpost would give Thomas grounds to accuse them of plotting an attack on a military outpost.So, they claimed to be Yuvan's household soldiers from Horizon Estate, and were there simply to escort him to the capital and then back to Valken. The special status of these soldiers meant they couldn't
At his core, Rafael was a military man. He had always been fascinated by weapons. His interest in them ran deep, and he often found himself eager to spend hours studying and improving them.Kyle didn't answer Rafael's question and gave him a small smile instead. "Let's head back. You and Carissa had a bit of a quarrel, and she probably doesn't know yet."Rafael felt a tightness in his chest. "It wasn't a quarrel. Isn't everything fine?""Sure. Come on, let's go," Kyle urged, nudging his horse forward.Rafael led his horse for a few paces before mounting and catching up with him. However, his heart still felt heavy.Why, when things happened, was Carissa's first thought never of him?He was always the last to know. She hadn't even bothered to send word. Instead, she had ridden out of the city alone without telling him. Though she had sent word to Travis, she hadn't sent a messenger to the Supreme Court, leaving it to the Capital Guard to seek him out only because they needed to
After a few baths, Violet had finally washed away the dirt and grime. When she emerged, she couldn't help but indulge in a little more time with Carissa, allowing herself to be pampered.Lulu arrived with a tray of snacks. As soon as Violet saw the food, she abandoned Carissa to rush toward the table."Lulu, has Isaac been settled in?" Carissa asked."Mr. Luke handled it personally," Lulu replied. "He's in Fortune Hall. I just heard from Mr. Luke that Mr. Isaac had two large bowls of ravioli."Carissa smiled. "He has quite the appetite. Make sure he's settled in early. Vivi and I will thank him properly tomorrow.""Understood." Lulu gave a small bow before retreating.The two women sat down to eat. Joy and Pearl were nearby, ensuring Violet had plenty of herbal soup."Lily says this herbal soup will help you sleep. She's worried you might have trouble sleeping tonight."Violet was eating peacefully when she suddenly heard Joy's words, and tears started falling from her eyes.S
Carissa remained silent, her eyes filled with a trace of regret.Every martial artist, at some point, likely harbored a dream—a dream of roaming the world with a sword, stepping in to right the wrongs they encountered, and having people call them "heroes" wherever they went.Carissa had often dreamed of such things as a young girl, especially when she had first started her martial arts training and seen a glimpse of her own potential. In those days, she had been proud and certain that she was destined for greatness. In her dreams, she was a peerless warrior, slaying countless evildoers. Even when they begged for mercy beneath her blade, she would still say, "This is for the sake of justice in the world."As she grew older, she realized that it wasn't that simple. Being a hero, dispensing justice on one's terms, was actually against the law. A heroine had no authority to enforce the law. She wasn't a member of the official courts or government.Also, to kill someone, there must be
Rafael listened quietly, then sighed deeply. "At least you're alive, Uncle Yuvan. The unknown hero showed restraint. As for the rest... Well, nothing is more important than life. I'll report this matter to the king myself. If the woman doesn't press charges, then this will likely be forgotten."As for the hero who harmed you, there's no need for me to pursue him unless you insist. Should that be the case, the Royal Citadel and the Capital Guard will cooperate fully. However, these men of the martial arts world are elusive. After all, none of you could even identify him. My suggestion? Let it be. Peace is the best outcome."Yuvan's body trembled with a mixture of pain and rage. His eyes no longer hid the cruel, vicious look as he hissed through clenched teeth, "Leave!""Then, I won't disturb you any longer, Uncle Yuvan," Rafael said, putting on a concerned expression. "You should focus on resting. The capital is prosperous, so staying another month or two shouldn't be a problem. Bu
When the palace gates opened, Rafael and Thomas entered to meet Salvador.The king was in the midst of his breakfast, and he beckoned them to sit. Everyone, except for Derek, was waiting outside in the hall.By the time Rafael and Thomas arrived, they had already coordinated their statements. They would tell Salvador everything, except for the fact that they had concealed the appearance of Alistair and Kevin outside the city.Alistair was less of a concern, as he wasn't accompanied by many men. However, Kevin had just been promoted and was now part of the king's Nightsteel Guard. His reckless actions—going out and attacking people without regard—might not draw the king's immediate ire, but it would certainly cause discomfort. In time, it could even affect his career.After hearing their report, Salvador remained silent for a long time and continued to sip at his bowl of millet porridge. Setting his spoon down, he started taking bites of a pastry. Though quiet, his mind was already
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