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
Seeing that Yuvan was unable to leave the capital, Wayne deliberated for several days before saying, "Your Highness, you need time to recover and cannot return to Valken. However, it is concerning that Prince Harvey has been managing affairs there for so long. I fear he may take advantage of the situation and claim your position for himself. I must return to Valken to handle matters."Yuvan stared at Wayne, stunned, and then his face shifted into anger. "So, you're abandoning me here and going back to Valken? How do you expect me to handle this mess on my own?"Wayne was prepared for Yuvan's outburst. He took a deep breath and said calmly, "Your Highness, the situation is already a mess. While you're recovering, the public will soon forget about it. It's best if you stay here in the capital for now. I'll go back to discuss the next steps with Prince Harvey. Half of our suicide soldiers are now under his control. We need to reorganize and strategize. And besides, can you really trust
Barrett sat motionless for a long time. Randall had thought he might cry, but not a single tear appeared in his eyes. He just sat there blankly, lost in thought.Unsure of what was on Barrett's mind, Randall handed him a bottle of wine. Barrett drank it all in one go and passed out drunk. Randall didn't bother sending him back home, letting him stay in the guest courtyard for the night instead.By the next morning, the steward reported that Barrett had left before dawn.He came by a few more times after that. The two didn't talk much—they were simply drinking companions.Randall heard that Barrett's wife had returned to her family, intending to divorce him.One drunken night, Barrett let slip that he knew one of his wife's secrets. It was like a thorn lodged deep in his heart—something he couldn't quite remove, yet he also didn't feel the need to. He could live with it.However, she no longer wanted to look back.When Randall asked what the secret was, Barrett didn't answer. He
Carissa was a bit surprised. "I remember your son is quite good with his studies. Why would he want to study martial arts with me? Madam Zoey, I don't know how to be a good mentor, especially for someone who is meant to inherit a title. Surely his best path is to continue his studies and become an official?"Carissa didn't want to take on an apprentice. She already had a public position, and she couldn't devote the time necessary for proper teaching. And Cedric was still young—just a boy in his teens. Besides martial arts, she would need to teach him how to conduct himself and guide him toward the right outlook on life.It wasn't like Violet, where her apprentices were all older than her, each with their own responsibilities."Inheriting a title?" Zoey gave a wry smile, her eyes full of helplessness. "Your Grace, whether this title can even be kept is still uncertain. And even if it is... I fear it will be more of a troublesome burden."She sighed. "I'm not asking you to take him
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