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
Jacob and Luke used their connections to dig into this old affair. They began with the relatives from other branches of the Earl of Silverstone's family. When they inquired, they were told that the child had died in a great fire, and that David and Evelyn had mourned for a long time because of it.It was clear that this information was incomplete, just like the findings of Adrian's previous investigation. It was only the surface of the truth.While the investigation continued, Barrett and Viola had already parted ways, each going their separate paths. The divorce had been finalized without dispute, with both sides agreeing to the terms. The dowry, which had once been paraded through the capital on their wedding day, was now quietly returned to Viola.All she wanted now was to keep things as low-key as possible. She told Zoey that since the Warren family was facing difficult times, there was no need to take large items like bedding or chests. They would only take back smaller valuabl
There was a reason why Riley had come to cause a scene.First, the rumors outside had become unbearable. With everyone knowing Silas was in charge of the herbs at Arcane Sanctum, the place was packed, not with patients, but with people eager to hurl insults at him.The constant commotion had severely disrupted the sanctum, to the point where sick patients couldn't even get in. Left with no choice, Sebastian, who had just returned from collecting herbs, had to make a public statement. He announced that Silas was fired and would no longer be associated with the sanctum.The second reason had to do with the match the Farrell family had carefully arranged for Thomas. His mother, Alice, was quite pleased with the prospective bride, and the young woman's family had agreed as well. The only thing left was for Thomas to consent and the formal engagement would be sealed.But when the news got out, the young woman's family sent a matchmaker to call things off, saying the marriage proposal wa
The notion of keeping family matters private was something Riley had always held dear, but at this moment, she couldn't care less. Still, she found herself cowed by Carissa's commanding presence.Holding back her tears of frustration, she followed Carissa's instructions and led her mom, sister-in-law, and aunt into the main hall of Silverstone Estate.Caspian hadn't finished his shift yet, so only Luna was there with a group of servants and maids, facing so many people. She wasn't used to such a situation, so she sent someone to call for Viola.However, when Viola heard that Carissa had arrived, she became even more unwilling to come out. In the end, it was Zoey, despite her high fever, who insisted on coming out to handle the situation.Seeing Zoey's condition, Carissa couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. In just a few days, she had visibly lost weight. Her complexion was pale and sickly, her lips flushed with fever, and she was so weak she could barely walk without support.
Seeing Riley cry so desperately, Zoey felt a pang of sympathy. She knew that if Riley wasn't pushed to the brink, she wouldn't be here making such a scene."Bring Viola out here. Use any means necessary," Zoey instructed, her face darkening.Jane and a few servants left the room.Once they were gone, Zoey turned to Riley and said, "You came here to find closure. No matter what she says—whether it's truth or lies—you must trust your own instincts. Once you've listened, you'll have closure for yourself and will know what to do."Riley wiped away her tears, revealing a pale face. She wasn't exceptionally beautiful, but there was a prideful air about her."Thank you, Mrs. Prince," she said softly.Bianca also explained things to Zoey and Carissa, clarifying that they were just worried about Riley. Even with so many relatives around, they were only here to seek justice and nothing more.They hadn't known about Silas and Viola's past affair. When Riley found out, she went home and tol
Viola's eyes flickered nervously, and she stubbornly refused to sit down. "It was a mistake made because of alcohol. I mistook him for Thomas, but he was sober. He knew exactly who I was. While I may have made an error, his fault was far greater," she said coldly. "That's not what he told me!" Riley shot back, forcing back her tears, her voice trembling with emotion. "He said you were drunk, yes, but not to the point of losing control. He said you knew full well who he was, and when you were together, you even called his name.""He's lying." Viola's face reddened. She quickly glanced at Carissa, then turned and shouted, "He's lying! Does he dare confront me about this? I called Thomas' name, not Silas'!"Though Carissa had no experience handling these matters, the conversation stayed with her. It had been a long time, but Viola claimed she remembered she had called out Thomas' name. Her words proved that she hadn't been so drunk as to confuse Thomas with Silas.Riley was speec
The moment those words left Bianca's mouth, everyone was stunned.The family members Bianca had brought with her were all unaware of the child. Even Riley hadn't known, so she was the most shocked. She almost stumbled back, too stunned to process what she had just heard. Her heart felt like it was shattering.Bianca had also been uncertain at first. But after the incident at Arcane Sanctum, she had sent someone to investigate Viola. They had found a physician who, by chance, had some connections with her husband. When asked about why Viola's child with the Warrens hadn't survived, the physician shared his theories. One possibility was that she had suffered a miscarriage in the past, which had damaged her ability to carry a child.Of course, the physician had no idea of the full extent of the situation. He just thought that it was common for women to miscarry. If a miscarriage wasn't properly cared for, it could harm future pregnancies.Bianca hadn't known whether Viola had ever h
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
On the day of the first snowfall, a sudden idea struck Salvador. He hadn't attended court in some time, and now, seated on the throne, he declared his plans for a private journey to admire Starhaven's beautiful landscapes. As for the kingdom affairs, they had already been entrusted to Rafael, and that arrangement would remain unchanged.As Salvador appeared very thin and weary, many court officials tried to advise against the trip. But once he had made up his mind, there was no swaying him. He insisted that Carissa and Galen accompany him, along with Sebastian and Dorian.The very next day, they set off.It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision—Salvador had already discussed the matter with Rafael and Carissa beforehand. Sebastian had advised against it, but the king's mind was made up, so the renowned physician had no choice but to accompany him.While Salvador certainly wanted to see more of the kingdom, his true destination was Eldermere Keep, as he longed to see his son one last
Eustace waited patiently for Violet to finish her greetings before he could finally choke back his emotions."Rise, you little imp," he said softly, his voice thick with feeling.Violet slowly stood, her eyes brimming with tears. She tilted her head back, fighting to hold them in.At that moment, she regretted her decision. Why had she been so stubborn? Why had she insisted on getting married in the capital when none of her relatives were here?"Dad, once the wedding is over today, may we return with you? We can hold a celebration at home. Afterward, we can go to the guild and host another, if that's all right," Violet suggested.Eustace was pleased by the thought, but didn't want his daughter to wear herself out with so much traveling."Didn't you say you don't have many friends in Ebonflow? That's why you didn't want a grand wedding there," he reminded her."I don't, but you do, Dad, and so does our family. I can't be so selfish. I don't want you to be embarrassed because of m
Carissa had intended to spend more time talking with Violet today, but she had forgotten how many little tasks came with weddings. The hired bride attendants arrived to do Violet's hair and makeup, and before long, an hour had passed.Violet was already stunningly beautiful, but under the skilled hands of the bride attendants, she looked even more radiant—lovelier than the flowers themselves.Lunchtime came and went with only a light meal, and soon, the guests began arriving to see Violet off.As the groom's elder sister-in-law, Zoey wasn't supposed to be present but had insisted on coming. She said that since she was family to the groom, and as good as family to the bride, there was no problem. After all, it was a good day, and as long as everyone was happy, what did it matter?As Violet put on her wedding gown, a sudden wave of nervousness washed over her.Was she really getting married?Marriage meant taking on responsibilities—managing a household and having children. It woul
Isaac and Violet were finally set to marry in the golden month of October.In truth, Violet had accepted Isaac's proposal the year before, during the Starlight Harvest Festival. From that moment, she knew he was the one she wanted to give her heart to. When she agreed to marry him, she did so with all sincerity, trusting her feelings in that moment.It had taken a full year to arrange the wedding, but it wasn't because of the wedding gifts or dowry.Violet's dowry had been prepared by the Spencer family since her birth, gradually adding to it year after year. Now, they had even bought a house and a large estate in the capital. As for the wedding gifts, the Pathfinders Guild had long since prepared them on Isaac's behalf.Instead, the delay was due to differing opinions among the Spencer family, the Inferno Guild, the Pathfinders Guild, and Violet herself.Violet wanted to get married at Hell Monarch Estate, then have Isaac escort her to her estate in the capital. It seemed easier