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
After dinner, Rafael and Carissa cornered Kyle and dragged him into the study, one on each side, leaving him no chance to escape. He was pushed into a chair without ceremony."This is undignified—utterly undignified!" Kyle complained, his tone reeking of scholarly pretension now that he was a teacher. "Stop all this pushing and shoving."Despite his protests, he was soon seated, pinned down by the eager, curious gazes of his junior guild members.He sighed and grumbled, "If you have questions, just ask them already."Rafael spoke first, "First question: We've noticed Isaac has been spending a lot of time around Silverstone Estate lately. Is this because Sage Adrian or Sage Everett has given him an assignment? Is it something to do with Marshal Prince?"Carissa asked more seriously, "Second question: I noticed that Isaac was looking at Vivi strangely tonight, and he's not opposing her anymore. It's a bit unusual. Do you know what's going on?"As usual, Kyle knew when to speak and
Kyle continued, recounting the rest of the story.After Isaac was cast out, the charlatan assumed the child would not survive. Whether he lived or died didn't matter. Eventually, wolves would eat him, and there would be nothing left.But by chance, Adrian passed through that area. One night, he heard a faint baby-like cry and got curious. Thinking he had found a spirit, he followed the sound, only to be disappointed when he found Isaac.First, it wasn't a baby—it was a five or six-year-old child.Second, it wasn't a spirit—it was a sick child on the brink of death. Having been abandoned there for who knows how long, one of his toes had been gnawed off by rats and his foot was covered in blood.Worse still, there were poisonous snakes nearby. Luckily, Isaac was so sick he barely moved, and the snakes didn't approach.What incredible luck the child had. Barely breathing, he was still alive when Adrian found him. Despite his misgivings, Adrian took Isaac back with him. After a few d
Kyle was unaware of the matter. He had assumed David was the previous Earl of Silverstone."Didn't David inherit the title? Could it be that the people Sage Adrian sent to investigate made an error?" asked Kyle."We'll know once we ask Jacob," Rafael responded promptly.Jacob was invited to the study and asked about the events involving the Prince family from years ago. He did know some details about it—he was familiar with the matters of each noble family, going back three generations, though only to a certain extent."Yes, Mr. David never inherited the title. At the time, the then Earl of Silverstone, Vincent Prince, was still ill and hadn't appointed a successor. After Mr. David returned with military achievements, he requested to be made heir. Once he became the heir, Mr. Vincent's health began to improve and he eventually made a full recovery."Because of that, the passing of the title was postponed. I'm not entirely sure what happened after that, but Mr. Vincent later appoin
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
On the twelfth day of July, the Starhaven envoy delegation departed the capital in a grand procession, heading toward Orivenia.Rafael rode alongside the group for five miles, only reining in his horse reluctantly when Dylan and Jacob both insisted it was time to stop. Carissa turned back to wave at him, her smile as bright as ever. There wasn't a hint of sadness on her face.Rafael gazed after her, his eyes filled with longing.But under his breath, he muttered, "She's heartless, truly heartless."The sun had risen high, and the road was still and stifling with the lack of wind. Still, Rafael waited until the last of the procession had disappeared from view before reluctantly turning his horse around and heading back.This journey to Orivenia was a significant one. Carissa had brought along three hundred men from the Mystic Army, as well as Travis, Violet, and the others.Though the two kingdoms enjoyed a temporary peace after the last conflict, Leroy had made public what happen
The evening before the trip, Carissa, accompanied by Rafael, made her way to bid farewell to Helen. Since she was leaving early in the morning, before her mother-in-law would be awake, Carissa chose to say her goodbyes the night before.Helen had known about the trip to Orivenia for some time. At first, she hadn't fully understood the situation and felt Salvador's order was a bit much. Why did it have to be Carissa, of all people, who had to undertake such a long and tiring journey?But after hearing from Violet that the real purpose of the journey was for Carissa to visit her maternal family, Helen only sighed quietly."The greatest pain in life is the separation from loved ones, whether by life or death. And the greatest joy is the reunion with loved ones after a long time apart."Of course, those words were spoken to Violet, and would never be said in front of Carissa. To say them to her would be like rubbing salt in an open wound. After all, Helen had come to love and cherish h