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
Rafael returned to Hell Monarch Estate with Thomas.When Thomas saw Violet as cheerful as ever, he felt a small measure of relief.When Travis had come to the garrison outpost to find him the night before, Thomas had been genuinely frightened. He had immediately rallied his men and ridden out in haste. He had planned to scold her, but seeing her smiling with red-rimmed eyes, he knew she had been just as terrified. So, he couldn't bring himself to reprimand her.Instead, he simply told her about Yuvan's current condition. Aside from his injuries, he had been beaten so badly by Kevin that he would never be able to live a normal life again.Violet was aware of the chaos of the previous night—how her apprentices had rushed out of the city to rescue her, especially Kevin, who had even resorted to violence. A bitter mix of sorrow and gratitude filled her heart. Among all her apprentices, Kevin had always been the most focused on his future and the most rational. Yet, he had thrown caut
The steam from the bath enveloped Rafael and Carissa. The water was neither too hot nor too cold, but just right.Carissa had indeed reflected on it herself. Rafael was probably upset because she had left the capital to track down Violet without considering the danger.She placed her hands gently on his chest and explained softly, "At the time, I was so anxious, I feared something terrible would happen. You know, she came to the capital for me. She's always supported me in everything, and I couldn't let her get hurt."Her voice was soft and filled with endless apologies, her face flushed slightly from the warm water. The sincerity in her tone, laced with a hint of guilt, made her sound even more fragile, like a soft feather brushing against Rafael's heart.Rafael thought to himself that Kyle was just a meddling fool. He was still single and alone—what did he know about love? What did he understand about marriage? It was a bit ridiculous for him to try and act as someone's guide in
Isaac sat back in the armchair, propping one leg up and resting his elbow on his knee, eyeing the pair before him with some confusion. "Are you two really that tired? You look drained. You didn't even stop to eat when you got back?"Rafael and Carissa awkwardly turned their faces, each clearing their throat lightly.After clearing his throat, Rafael said, "We've eaten already. It's just that we're a bit w-worn out... Yes, we're exhausted from the whole night's work. I also went to the palace, then came back and bathed. It was all just…very tiring."Isaac furrowed his brows, looking at Carissa with confusion. What was this? Was Rafael really stammering now?Carissa avoided his gaze and quickly asked, "Have you eaten yet, Isaac?"Isaac perked up immediately, clearly enjoying the change of subject. "Since last night, I've had three meals already. By the way, Lily's ravioli is fantastic—better than any delicacy from the mountains or sea!""Yes, it's really good," Carissa agreed, an
Isaac watched as everyone's eyes nearly popped out of their heads in shock. To him, it was no big deal.After all, he had seen plenty of these things in Meadow Ridge, and they had been broken more times than he cared to count. So, when Adrian said this would be useful to Rafael and Carissa, Isaac didn't give it much thought. He just figured if it could keep them safe, it was worth bringing over.Rafael wanted to give it a try himself, and Isaac was more than happy to teach him.This time, instead of aiming at the target, Rafael aimed at a rock that was at least 200 feet beyond the 300-foot mark. The sight wasn't necessary—Rafael had perfect vision, and his archery skills were good. He decided not to use the sight and just fired the matchlock directly.Under everyone's watch, he missed, and the shot landed on the grass about 10 feet from the large rock.But that didn't dampen Rafael's excitement—because this was 500 feet! 500 feet!That meant if an enemy commander was over 500 f
Davis also thought of a problem—he couldn't openly announce it yet, because the six-barrel matchlock hadn't been tested enough. Although Rafael said it had been tested, one test wasn't enough to confirm its reliability. Multiple tests were needed to ensure the risk of the barrel exploding was low before it could be used in the military.Davis stood there, almost as though in a dream. He carefully examined the matchlock, feeling it over and over again. "No need for a matchstick to light it... The convenience is incredible. With this, we can establish an elite shooting unit and even an ambush unit. With such a godly weapon in hand, what can we possibly fear?"He held the matchlock and hugged it, laughing and crying all at once."To put it bluntly, the one at home would be considered a concubine next to this! Why not take a concubine? Do you think I'm afraid of the one at home? No, I always have a special place in my heart reserved for my true first wife—this six-barrel matchlock!"
In his excitement, Salvador momentarily forgot the consequences.Adrian's ancestors had once been given a royal title, but the hereditary line had long since ended. Granting such a title again, especially without a major accomplishment to back it, would surely raise suspicion.At present, the six-barrel matchlock had yet to be mass-produced and an elite shooting unit was still not established. It was far too early to grant a royal title, and doing so now would only draw the eyes of the entire kingdom to Meadow Ridge."Yes, you're right. We'll hold off on it for now. There's no rush," Salvador said, his eyes gleaming.It was the brightest light Rafael had seen in his eyes since he had ascended the throne.Salvador was eager to see the full power of the six-barrel matchlock for himself. He ordered the Nightsteel Guard to seal off the Cold Palace, forbidding anyone from entering.The Cold Palace was vast and uninhabited since Sigmund's reign. Out of kindness, the women who had lived
These past few days, the talk on the streets and in alleys was all about Yuvan and his family. No one mentioned a word about Violet.Violet's apprentices were no pushovers. Not only did no one dare to criticize her, but when someone even lightly mentioned the connection between Violet and Molly, they quickly found someone to lash out at those people.Sisters in unity? Violet and Molly were cousins with different parents. Molly had married out and become part of her husband's family. What connection did she have with the Spencer family or Violet?As for the incident at the western mountain pass, Thomas had sent someone to investigate. It was confirmed that witnesses had seen a group of men abducting a young woman who appeared to be disoriented. Some common folk had even tried to help, brandishing hoes. However, none of them could make out the woman's face, as it had grown dark and she had been struggling. Her hair had been a mess, obscuring her features.Thomas was relieved when he
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