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
The next day, when Zoey arrived with her son, Cedric Prince, in tow, she mentioned the annual salary she intended to offer Travis—three hundred silver coins.Travis was fond of money, but even he knew he wasn't worth that much. He immediately tried to refuse."No, that's far too much. Sixty silver coins a year is already more than enough. Three hundred is too generous, and I wouldn't feel right accepting it."No matter how Zoey insisted, he refused to take three hundred silver coins and stood firm on his demand for just sixty silver coins a year.Zoey turned to Carissa, silently pleading for help in convincing him.Carissa smiled warmly. "Sixty silver coins it is, then. Listen to Mr. Mullen. Whether it's sixty or three hundred, the teaching will be the same. This way, he won't have such a heavy burden on his conscience."Since Carissa had said so, Zoey could only express her deep gratitude. Whether it was for schooling or learning skills, Zoey had no objections to spending money—
Rafael didn't care much about other people's marital issues. He had only overheard the matter, and he casually mentioned it now that the topic had come up.Cedric had been practicing for four full hours, not returning to Silverstone Estate until nearly late evening. For several days now, he hadn't complained about being tired or found his training dull. Sometimes, he would even recite his lessons while holding the horse stance.Carissa often watched him in disbelief, finding it hard to imagine that he was Oliver's son. Then again, remembering that he was Zoey's son, it seemed only natural.At that moment, Jacob hurried over and announced, "Your Highness, the intelligence report is back. It hasn't been successful yet."Rafael wasn't surprised and merely asked, "Was there someone secretly escorting them?""Yes, there were experts sent along the route. Three battles took place, but we didn't gain much."Rafael's brow furrowed. "Were they suicide soldiers?""Based on their fighting
Violet had been leaving early and returning late lately. Even before the sun was up, there would be no sign of her. Yet, without fail, she would return to Skye Embroidery for an hour or so. The workshop had gained a new addition recently—Eliza Carter, a woman cast out of her home. Her brother had offered to take her back in, but her sister-in-law disagreed. Not wanting to cause trouble for her brother, Eliza had instead chosen to come to the workshop.The two of them worked on embroidery and shared quiet conversations, never speaking of the past, only of the future. Violet quite enjoyed this peaceful atmosphere. On her occasional visits, she found herself chatting with Leona while Alana and Leah were also around. Their relationships seemed to grow closer with each passing day.Zoey also came by and happened to run into Violet that day, so they chatted casually for a while.Violet knew that Cedric was training under Travis, and said frankly, "He's diligent, but he lacks some natura
By chance, Carissa was aware of Viola's predicament.Of all the unfortunate timing, she happened to be there.Today, Carissa had been quietly monitoring the Garrison Unit's patrols. Recently, there had been assessments for several tasks, and patrolling was one of them. Though the previous misconduct had been rectified, many merchants, seeing the patrols, still tried to flatter them by offering goods, much like before.There had once been people assigned to watch over this, and though goods were confiscated, the effort had become lax. The patrols had grown more negligent, often stopping at coffeehouses to relax, a far cry from the discipline they were meant to uphold.Carissa had hoped to catch a group of them in the act, to set an example and deter others. Unexpectedly, she stumbled upon this situation instead.She had just been passing by Arcane Sanctum and had stopped in to ask for a cup of water. From behind the faint blue curtain in the back hall, she had witnessed the entire
Silverstone Estate was in chaos.Riley had slapped Viola across the face several times. Aside from the patients in Arcane Sanctum, passersby also witnessed the scene and stopped to stare.Poppy mentioned that amidst the confusion, someone had shouted that a princess consort was inside Arcane Sanctum, advising everyone to stop before they acted disrespectfully.Zoey was surprised at first, but then realized the princess consort in question must be Carissa, who frequently visited Arcane Sanctum. But no matter which princess consort it was, the news had already spread. The reputation of the Earl of Silverstone's family was now completely ruined.Zoey took a moment to drink a cup of coffee in the outer courtyard. She sat there for quite a while before finally going to see her mother-in-law.Evelyn grabbed Zoey's hand, tearfully pleading, "Just tell me what we can do. We have to cover this up somehow, or find Mrs. Lewis and give her whatever she wants. Let her clear things up and say i
That evening, Ryan and Clarence sat by candlelight and spoke quietly. They avoided discussing court politics as Clarence had no interest in such matters. As long as the kingdom was peaceful, that was enough for him.He was no longer the eldest prince of Starhaven, and only had himself to look after now. Everything else had faded into the past.It was better not to speak of politics; it was too sensitive a topic. In his younger years, Clarence hadn't understood why his "death" was so tied to such matters. But over the years, Sebastian had explained everything to him, bit by bit, including the risks and consequences.The bond between Clarence and Cecil was not without affection. However, to gamble with one's life and future for the sake of family might not be the wisest choice for any of them.Clarence had come to terms with it. Life had to go on; it was better to live it well today than to wonder about tomorrow."Aunt Carissa said you're no longer able to stand, but you were walking
The azaleas of Eldermere Keep bloomed in a riot of color, spreading across the hills in a blaze of purple and red. The sight was enough to dazzle anyone who set eyes upon it, especially those who had never visited this secluded place. It was the kind of beauty that made one long to stay forever.Yet, there was one exception.A young man rode his horse to the base of the mountain, dismounted, and secured his steed. Without a glance at the dazzling scene around him, he began to walk the path up the mountain, his gaze fixed firmly on the road ahead.The vivid azaleas stretched out along either side of the path, reaching out as if to claim him, but he merely brushed them aside with a casual swipe of his hand.His pace was swift, and he occasionally used his Lightfoot Skill. Eldermere Keep was not high up, but its location was well-hidden, with many winding paths leading in. However, he had studied the map countless times before embarking on this journey, so the route to the keep was et
Rafael glanced at the robe. "Isn't that mine? Are you saying I've gotten fat? I'm not fat.""Oh, is it yours? It's too long, then. I'll have someone alter it for me," Carissa replied casually.Rafael shook his head. "If you want something loose, just have someone make it for you. Why bother altering my old clothes? It's not even comfortable.""I'm going to Meadow Ridge for a year. Wearing your clothes will make it feel like you're still with me," Carissa said with a bright smile, as if the idea of being apart for a year was no more serious than being apart for a day."A year?" Rafael looked shocked. "You're going back for a whole year? Why?""Well, of course, my mentor misses me, and I miss him too," Carissa replied, placing her hands on her hips as she handed the robe to Lulu, who was standing by with a hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh."But I won't leave right away. Since Ryan is about to inherit the duke's title, I'll wait until that's settled before I go back to Meado
On the 13th day of winter, Salvador suddenly woke up feeling clearer than before. Saying he was hungry, he specifically asked for beef stew and milk pastries.Derek hurried to make the necessary arrangements. When the food arrived, Octavia sat by the bed as she had done many times before, ready to feed him. But Salvador insisted he wanted to sit up to eat himself.Derek gently helped the king sit up, placing a soft cushion behind him to support his back. Salvador had grown so thin that he seemed to be nothing but skin and bones. His body slouched as he sat, so Derek had to kneel beside the bed, holding his waist to keep him steady.Salvador finished an entire bowl of stew, eating it all without leaving a single bit behind. Then, he picked up a small milk pastry. But after a bite, he felt a little nauseous, so he didn't eat any more.Sebastian sent word to Victoria. After a brief conversation, her face turned pale and tears started to fall almost immediately. Though she had tried to
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