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
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