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
Caspian pointed an accusing finger at Isaac and shouted angrily, "What nonsense are you spouting? When has my mom ever abandoned her son? My brother and I are both fine!""You all are fine, but what about me?!" Isaac yelled, his voice cracking with fury. He had put too much force behind the shout, and his stomach and throat reacted painfully. Clutching his stomach, he crouched down, using all his strength to hold back the swirling alcohol in his gut.Caspian stood there, stunned for a moment, as if the words hadn't fully registered. Then, as though something had clicked into place, his eyes widened in disbelief. He stared at Isaac, his face pale with shock.Zoey suddenly recalled something from the past. It was something she had learned when she first entered the family—Evelyn had borne three sons.The youngest had fallen ill, and no matter how hard they tried, the child didn't recover. He was sent to a temple to be cared for, but a fire broke out and the boy perished in the flam
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