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
Carissa sent someone to Arcane Sanctum to bring Ivy over.Thankfully, the wound on Zoey's forehead wasn't deep. The bleeding had stopped quickly with no serious consequences. However, Zoey had been feverish for several days, and her body was already weak. After getting so upset, her temper flared and she ended up spitting blood. Now, she was feeling lightheaded and faint.Tears flowed continuously from the corners of Zoey's eyes no matter how much Carissa wiped them away, as though they couldn't be stopped."Ivy, how is she?" Carissa asked after Ivy had finished examining Zoey.Ivy sighed heavily. "Mrs. Prince has had a high fever for days. I just tapped her back, and it seems her lungs are affected. Her liver is severely stressed, and there's a significant buildup of toxins and poor blood circulation. The medicine she took before this was too mild to have any real effect. I've given her a strong dose now to clear the heat in her liver and regulate her lungs. Once she improves
On the same day, Violet had gone to the Farrell family's residence. Alice had fallen sick, and Ivy had also been called over.Violet stayed until evening and hadn't left yet when news about Viola's situation spread. Timothy's wife Opal had been kept in the dark, and they wanted to keep it that way.Alas, this could only be kept secret for so long.The gossip about Viola's actions was rampant. Not only had she been caught in an affair, but there were whispers that she had also been pregnant. Even though Thomas wasn't her husband now, he was still greatly affected. After all, it had all taken place at the Farrell family's residence.Some people said he might not be capable in bed, which was why Viola had cheated. Otherwise, why would such a thing happen so soon after he went to the battlefield?Others said it was Viola who couldn't stay faithful and deserved to be punished.Some even called Silas shameless, saying he had completely disregarded his family bonds. The Farrell family
Viola's tears flowed uncontrollably. "But Barret is so useless!" she argued, her voice shaking. "He's gone off to become a lowly soldier! How will I ever show my face again? I just didn't want to degrade myself. When Carissa wanted a divorce, she even went as far as to ask for a royal edict. You could see how determined she was. How can I lose to her?"Poppy wanted to say that it was much harder for Viola to face people now, but she didn't dare to say it out loud. Instead, she said, "There's no comparison to be made. Everyone has their own path. Some may be less fortunate than Lady Carissa, but others might be luckier. Even if she has the upper hand now, does that mean she's unbeatable?"Viola's bitterness deepened. "Why didn't you ever say these things to me before?""Because you wouldn't have listened," Poppy replied. Then, she pulled the curtains down and said to the coachman, "Sir, we may go now."Viola sank back against the embroidered cushion, her mind heavy with unease. Su
However, the report from Silverstone Estate's steward Bernard struck Zoey as strange.The properties she had sold had quickly been taken over by someone, and the price they paid was quite high—higher than the market rate by a good 20 percent.Zoey had managed the household for many years, overseeing property transactions several times. Typically, deals followed market trends, with a property or two occasionally sold for a bit more. But recently, every property she had sold had been at prices well above what was normal. It left her feeling uneasy.She even wondered if Carissa had found out she was selling her property and thought she was desperate for money, and so offered a high price.Zoey asked the steward for the sale agreements. When she saw the buyer's name—Yves Gardner—she didn't recognize it."Does Hell Monarch Estate have a steward with that name?" Zoey asked Bernard."I've never heard of the name," Bernard replied."Then what's the deal with this buyer?" Zoey asked, a
After Jacob and Luke's investigation, they learned that the situation wasn't as simple as it first appeared.According to Kyle, Adrian's initial investigation showed that David had believed Isaac brought him good fortune, but it cost him his health. Despite seeking treatment from many renowned physicians in the capital, none could cure Isaac. Eventually, he was sent to a temple for healing.This suggested that David did care for the child, as a dad would, and it was common for the youngest child to receive the most affection.However, based on what Luke had learned from the elderly stewards and servants working for the Earl of Silverstone's extended family, David in truth despised Isaac deeply. The servants couldn't recall his attitude at the very beginning, but it was clear David had treated Isaac poorly over time.They even gave examples of such situations.During Vincent's birthday celebration, Isaac—who was then called Seraphina—was carried into the banquet by Vincent himself.
Kyle chased after Isaac, calling out as he caught up. Isaac waved him off, continuing to walk ahead. "Don't say anything. It's not worth mentioning.""Isaac, this is just our guess. It might not be true," Kyle said, knowing his younger guild member well. Isaac never spoke of his discomfort but would always seek solitude when troubled."It's fine, really. I'll just go have a drink," Isaac replied with a grin. "It's rare that the autumn wind is blowing, and the weather's perfect. A drink is what's needed—preferably with some beautiful company."Violet stepped forward and grabbed his wrist. "Come on, let's go drink then."It was only now that Violet realized Isaac wasn't the child of a concubine. Evelyn was his mom, and he had the same parents as Oliver and Viola."The place I'm going isn't appropriate for you," Isaac said, not wanting Violet to follow.Violet ignored him and kept a tight grip on his arm. "I'll settle the bill for you.""I have money. You don't need to follow me,
Before long, the two drunken figures arrived at Silverstone Estate. Knowing Violet's status, the gate was opened for them even at this late hour. Since Zoey was still recovering, a servant went to inform Caspian and Luna.Both Caspian and Luna were surprised. What could Violet want at this hour?"She brought a man with her? Who is this man?" Caspian asked, confused.The gatekeeper hesitated before answering, "I've never seen him before, Mr. Caspian. His attitude isn't the best—he came in looking around and even kicked over two chairs. He was muttering about being treated unfairly and how someone had gone too far."Caspian frowned. "Is he here to cause trouble? Could it be someone Viola offended?"Caspian had grown wary. Whenever trouble came knocking, his first thought was always that Viola had something to do with it."I don't think so," the gatekeeper said. After a moment of hesitation, he cautiously added, "He was cursing Madam Evelyn and...and the late master."Caspian, bein
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