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
Salvador summoned Eustace to the palace for an audience.Eustace had come prepared. Though he had led his bodyguards and the merchant convoys to quell the unrest, the connection between the Spencer family's collateral branch and Nicholas couldn't be easily dismissed. Even if Salvador publicly declared their merits balanced with their faults, it was not something that could be swept aside without consequence.However, Salvador's attitude towards Eustace was surprisingly warm. The former even praised him for his loyalty to the throne and his patriotic spirit, noting that he resembled his late father in his unwavering commitment. The previous head of the Spencer family had been generous to the court, contributing substantial funds during times of war.Eustace understood the underlying message and quickly offered, "With both the Southern Frontier and Victory Pass embroiled in battle, the Spencer family is willing to contribute in whatever small way we can. We will donate 300,000 silve
Adrian had been in the capital for some time now. In the past, he had been consumed with his studies on sacred firearms, leaving little room for anything else. But now, with some free time, he used the excuse of being unable to let go of the business in the city to extend his stay.The truth was, he was concerned for Carissa.His interest in sacred firearms had begun with his trip to Nerathia to study their methods. He had done it for the Southern Frontier, then Hector, and ultimately, for Rafael and Carissa.As a mentor, Adrian knew that they each had their own paths to walk. He couldn't prevent them from forging their own futures, but he could help them however he could and act as their support.Adrian often claimed he wasn't cut out to be a teacher. But the truth was, his apprentices were exceptional. Each one of them was a person of great character. None of them needed his constant concern—except for Carissa.She had always been wild and carefree. But even so, she had mast
As Nicholas was paraded through the streets, the weight of his downfall crushed him entirely. His sanity fractured and he screamed curses at the people, accusing them of ignorance and foolishness. He raged at the masses, claiming they had been deceived by the court, that they had mistaken a foolish king for a wise ruler. He claimed that only he was the true sovereign—the one destined to bring justice and prosperity.His hoarse cries were drowned out by the roar of the crowd. The people shouted for his death, calling for him to be torn apart. They said that the execution by Torso Cleaving was far too merciful. They demanded he be cut into pieces and slowly tortured to death, as punishment for his evil deeds.On the other hand, Yuvan stayed silent the whole time. Inside, he was filled with resentment and hatred for Nicholas. He believed that if Nicholas hadn't turned his people against him, he could have succeeded.Nicholas was like a poisonous snake, hiding in the shadows. When Yuv
Now that everyone had been gathered, the long-awaited reckoning could finally begin.After thorough investigations by the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Justice, in cooperation with the Capital Guard, it was confirmed that Yuvan, Nicholas, and his associates were indeed guilty of treason.The charges were indisputable. After such a long delay, it was time to list all their crimes for the world to see.Yuvan's entire family—except for Randall, who had provided valuable information—was sent to Astral Prison. However, Randall was also removed from the royal registry. He remained in his post at the Supreme Court, still serving as warden. Despite that, it was clear that any prospects for promotion were now out of reach for the next ten years.Matthew had ordered Randall to take a temporary leave, telling him to stay away from Astral Prison and reflect quietly at home while the matter was sorted.Matthew thought Randall was a bit slow, but at least the latter was honest and willing t
Clifford's eyes gleamed with a sharp light. "Very well. Let's hear some of your self-righteous words."Salvador, ever the suspicious soul, had always been wary of the Hell Monarch's household. Even if Carissa hadn't risen for women's rights, Salvador would still remain cautious of her.How could Carissa not know Clifford's intentions? From the moment he asked, she knew it was a trap.Before she could respond, Clifford sneered and added, "You can always start by flattering King Salvador. Praise him for how he treats women under his rule. As long as your conscience is clear, feel free to do so."Carissa was infuriated, but she wasn't willing to be baited. She met his mocking, challenging gaze. "Don't make assumptions. That's not the same thing at all. You think people are ignorant and narrow-minded as they can't understand your preferences, so you resort to extreme measures to gain their approval. But that's your personal problem. You can't speak for others like you, and you're not
Gerald and Clifford met in the Supreme Court's interrogation room. They sat across from each other, an old wooden table between them. Carissa sat behind the scribe's desk, not far from them. Even if they spoke in hushed tones, she could hear every word clearly.The only sounds in the room were the quiet rustle of breath, the steady beat of hearts, and occasionally, the almost imperceptible sound of a sigh.Yet, no words passed between them.Neither of them exchanged even a fleeting glance. It was as if they were two strangers who were forced to sit together—distant, indifferent.Carissa wondered if it was her presence that made things so strained, though she could not leave. All she could do was endure the awkward silence alongside them.At last, Gerald asked, "Why?"Gerald was truly baffled, struggling to reconcile the person before him with the image of someone he thought he knew. No matter how he looked at Clifford, he could not align the two.Clifford clasped his hands tog
As Carissa returned to the Capital Guard Headquarters the next morning, Heather intercepted her at the door.It had been a long while since Carissa had last seen Heather. In fact, it seemed Heather had kept herself mostly secluded lately.Since Harvey had been brought back to the capital, his son Lennon Sanford had not been captured, but Chester's forces continued their search. It was almost certain that the boy would be caught soon enough.Heather, anxious that Lennon might be implicated and face the same brutal punishment of beheading, rushed to Carissa for help.Carissa knew Heather had already tried appealing to Leona when Harvey was first brought back. She had asked Leona to talk to Carissa on her behalf. Yet Leona had refused, and she never mentioned the matter to Carissa. Carissa only learned of this from Alana."Carissa!" Heather hurried toward her, her face frantic with worry. "I need to speak with you. Could we find a quiet place to talk?""I have matters to attend to.
In her study, Carissa wrote a letter. Then, she handed it to Jacob with instructions to have it delivered to Rafael in the Southern Frontier.She knew the situation in the Southern Frontier. Victor was amassing troops but neither attacking nor retreating, keeping things in a stalemate.Everyone knew that Victor was just stalling. He had been given a military order to invade the Southern Frontier, but since Nicholas had failed, he could not return with any captured cities or military achievements to report.If Victor made a hasty retreat now, he would likely lose more than just his position—his life might be forfeited as well. He attempted to forge alliances with the nomads, hoping to find a way out—perhaps a way to secure his future or an escape from certain doom.The nomads, tired of conflict, had no interest in picking sides. Caught in the middle, they were doing everything they could to remain neutral, refusing to aid either side. If they really had to choose, they would choos
At precisely three in the afternoon, the long execution block was brought forward. The block was forged from ironwood, solid and unyielding. It was the only one of its kind in Starhaven, used solely for execution by Torso Cleaving.The block had been kept in storage for years.Augustus had once deemed the act of Torso Cleaving too brutal. Even those who committed the most grievous offenses were spared this form of execution. Yet, the punishment had not been abolished. It remained a tool to strike fear into the hearts of would-be traitors.The cruelty of Torso Cleaving lay in the fact that after a person was cleaved in two, the upper body could still crawl, struggle, and leave behind a bloody trail.Normally, Torso Cleaving wasn't meant to be witnessed by the public. But treason, betraying the kingdom, and plotting to overthrow the throne were considered unforgivable crimes. Salvador didn't know how many people had dealings with the traitors, and some conspirators were too deepl