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
Zoey had wanted Evelyn to adopt this attitude, but when it came down to it, she couldn't help but feel uneasy.Evelyn was usually sensible, but became completely biased in matters concerning her children. Her anger and harsh words lasted only a moment before her concern took over.On the other hand, Zoey felt the weight of the situation more deeply, as it was something she had to face. She had hoped Evelyn might help her. But after seeing how she acted in this situation with Viola, it was clear that Evelyn knew Oliver was planning to take a concubine and was probably expecting Zoey to endure it.Evelyn understood everything else, but had endless tolerance for her own children.Though Evelyn had vowed not to interfere when Viola caused a scene, Zoey knew the truth—those words had been repeated too many times. In the end, Evelyn always stepped in."With a mom like you, Viola's truly fortunate," said Zoey.Evelyn squeezed her daughter-in-law's hand, her face softening into a look of
Barrett snapped at Serena to leave, then instructed Tara to dismiss all the servants, allowing only his father and older brother to remain in the room.Lately, Barrett had been drinking more than usual. His complexion appeared sallow and haggard. His hair was a mess, like wild grass growing unchecked. His beard, likely only shaved a few days ago, had already grown out in a thin, patchy circle around his pale, cracked lips. To any onlooker, he resembled a wild, mangy dog.His clothes were wrinkled, and the lingering smell of alcohol on him was unmistakable.Zoey couldn't help but think back to the day when Barrett had married Viola. Though he wasn't exactly brimming with youthful vigor, he had been a handsome and gallant young man. Yet now, he was reduced to such a pitiable state.He resembled a flower that had withered too soon—its once vibrant bloom now faded, its countenance heavy with ruin.He remained silent, and it was Jonathan who spoke first."Mrs. Prince, word has spread
This was Zoey's first time seeing Viola after everything that had happened recently.Viola lay in bed, her face hidden beneath a thin blanket. Her posture sent a clear message—she didn't want to see anyone. From beneath the blanket, she trembled slightly as a servant brought over a chair, setting it next to the bed for Zoey to sit."Now that we've reached this point, what do you plan to do?" asked Zoey, getting straight to the point.Her voice was firm as she explained, "Avoiding the situation won't help. It must be dealt with. Mother wants me to go to Mrs. Lewis and ask her to clarify things on your behalf. I don't know if she'll agree."As for Barrett, I went to Valor Estate today. He said he'd known about your situation for some time but never mentioned it. He said if you agree to stay married, everything can be forgotten and you'll live together as before. But there's one condition—he insists on returning to the army."The blanket shifted, revealing Viola's swollen, pitiful fa
"If you don't want to answer, then don't. If you insist on divorcing, I won't bother seeking out Mrs. Lewis anymore," Zoey concluded, done with the conversation.With tears still streaming down her face, Viola begged, "Please go to her and clear up the misunderstandings. When I was with Silas, he wasn't married yet. This isn't entirely my fault. Besides, you're already helping your daughter find a match. If this isn't resolved, how will you find a suitable match in the future?"Zoey's eyes hardened, her voice still calm but carrying an underlying edge as she spoke, "Your life is what it is. You say you were born into an earl's family and have been blessed, but your niece wasn't as lucky. She was also born into that same earl's family, but she has to make do with less. It's not wrong to think of yourself, but don't drag others down with you.""What do you mean by that? Are you forcing me back to the Warren family?" Viola asked.Zoey didn't answer. She turned away and walked out.It
"Violet, when did you become so pessimistic?" Isaac's voice came from behind them, sudden and unannounced.He stood behind them, looking dashing in his attire."There are people far worse off than you, yet they keep pushing forward with optimism. You've got wealth, talent, and beauty—everything a woman could dream of. And yet, here you are, sulking over one setback. Do you really think you're honoring the gods who gave you such a fortunate start in life?"Violet turned around to face him. His towering frame seemed to swallow her up, his chiseled features still carrying that reckless, carefree air. In the dim light of the lamps hanging along the corridor, his sun-kissed skin gleamed faintly. His dark eyes, almost pitch-black, were impossible to read—was he lecturing her seriously or simply teasing?"Come on, let me show you something," Isaac added, before reaching out and grabbing her wrist.With one swift leap, he soared into the air, gliding effortlessly as if carried by the wind
Isaac was silent for a long moment. He took a deep drink from the wine bottle, then tucked the Night Pearl away, wrapping it carefully before placing it in a small box. The glow faded, leaving only the faint light of the moon and a sky full of stars.Violet hadn't expected Isaac to have such a background. Carissa had never mentioned it before.He had always been someone who lingered in brothels, either listening to the courtesans sing or playing music for them himself, a carefree and roguish sort. How could he possibly be a nobleman's son?As Isaac remained silent, Violet's mind began to form an entire drama about a family rivalry behind closed doors.He had said that he was born in a way that benefitted his dad. That surely meant he was well-loved, but a concubine's son gaining favor was a challenge to the legitimacy of the first wife's children.As for what kind of woman his mother was, that remained unclear, but one could surmise she didn't seem to have much influence. Otherwis
Isaac didn't respond, focusing instead on drinking in silence. His bottle was empty in a few swigs, and he reached for Violet's. She figured he had drunk enough, so no matter how much he insisted, she wouldn't let him take it. Soon, the two of them were chasing each other around the top of Glimmering Tower, the earlier tension forgotten.Violet never did tell Carissa about their conversation, though she hadn't promised to keep Isaac's secret. He didn't want people to know, and had treated her as a good friend when he confided in her. It wasn't her place to spread rumors and stir up trouble—that wasn't how people of the martial arts world behaved.But lately, Isaac had been seen lingering around Silverstone Estate, drawing the attention of the Garrison Unit.Max told Carissa, who found it strange. Why did Isaac keep going to that place? Did he know someone there?Later that evening, when they sat down to eat, Carissa couldn't help but ask, "Isaac, what have you been busy with lately
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
After lighting a candle for Edith, everyone returned to the backyard. They wiped away their tears, set aside their grief, and gathered around Carissa to ask about her married life. The most frequent question was about how well Rafael treated her.That was how families were. They knew she was capable, yet they couldn't help but yearn for her spouse to treat her with genuine love and care.Carissa had many cousins, all daughters of her uncles, but most had only met her a handful of times. Still, when they saw her, they were all overjoyed.Her cousins were all married, and many had returned to Victory Pass with their husbands and children. Having heard so much about Carissa, they couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and sympathy.Among them was Shayla Sullivan, the eldest daughter of Carissa's second aunt. She had married Chase Hudson, one of Dominic's subordinates. But within a year of marriage, Chase died in battle before their child had even been born.Now, the child was 12
After nearly twenty days of grueling travel, they finally arrived at Victory Pass on the third of August.The heat had been unbearable along the way, causing many in the party to fall ill. Fortunately, Carissa had come well-prepared with plenty of medicine. They had also brought along a royal physician, Dorian, who was able to manage the illnesses without any major issues.But Kendrick, having never endured such hardship, was exhausted beyond measure. By the tenth day of their journey, he could barely speak. His face and lips were pale, and the exhaustion was evident in every line of his features.When they finally reached the outskirts of Victory Pass and saw the Sullivan family and the troops come out to greet them, Kendrick collapsed. The sight of him fainting right there gave everyone a fright, and they quickly rushed to carry him back.However, Carissa barely noticed Kendrick's condition. As soon as she saw her family, she ran straight into her grandfather's arms, tears stream