Evelyn was still lost in her overwhelming mix of joy and sorrow. She clung to Isaac's sleeve, her gaze greedy as if she couldn't seem to get enough of him. Her tears never stopped. "Can you forgive me, son? I truly didn't know... I've avenged you, I swear. Please, forgive me, won't you?"Isaac was silent for a long moment before he finally shook his head. "Madam Prince, Seraphina is dead. However, he didn't die in that fire. Not long after he was sent to Gravelstone Peak, he was tortured to death. Reverend Lazarus made him do backbreaking work, and he was beaten and abused. In the end, he was left to die. He was thrown out like garbage and devoured by wolves.""That's impossible!" Evelyn's eyes widened in disbelief. "You admitted it before, so why are you telling me something different now? You're still angry at me, aren't you?"Isaac pulled his hand back, his expression becoming calm. "I was a novice priest at the temple, the same as him. I was close to him, so I know what happ
Isaac and Violet walked side by side along the wide street, leading their horses. The night breeze was gentle, clearing away the last remnants of the alcohol from the evening."I was impulsive tonight," Violet admitted with a hint of regret. "I shouldn't have dragged you there.""It's fine," Isaac replied."What's going through your mind? Are you planning to acknowledge them?""No." Isaac smiled, his expression becoming noticeably more relaxed. "She invited me and Madam Zoey inside, and talked for a long time. But not once did she ask me how I've been these years. Not once did she ask how I was after being taken away. She was just explaining and trying to clear her name.""Is that so?"Isaac ran a hand through his slightly disheveled hair, his carefree demeanor returning. "I remember my first time leaving the mountain. I was away for a month, and when I came back, Sage Adrian and Sage Everett surrounded me. They asked me a lot of stuff—what I ate, who I met, what inns I stayed
Carissa and the others had been waiting for Isaac and Violet's return. When they heard that they had gone to Silverstone Estate and laid everything out, Carissa couldn't help but feel uneasy. The situation with the Earl of Silverstone's family was complicated right now."Don't worry, we didn't reconcile or formally acknowledge each other," Isaac reassured Carissa with a light pat on the shoulder and a brief smile. "At first, it was moving, but then it just seemed...insincere."On the way back, he found himself reflecting more and more on the scene with Evelyn. The more he thought about her words, the clearer everything became.Compared to Caspian's sincere display of emotion, every word Evelyn spoke had felt like it was meant for herself, not for him. It also explained why she never asked how he had been or cared about his well-being—she was only concerned with whether he and Zoey believed her story, not with him as a person.Carissa frowned, confused, and looked at Violet for clar
Unexpectedly, Oliver learned that Barrett had arrived at the Southern Frontier and personally appointed him as a household soldier in Redstone Manor.Redstone Manor's household soldiers were mainly responsible for handling all of Oliver's travel arrangements and ensuring his safety. This was especially important because enemy assassins often tried to infiltrate and target the marshal. While such threats had never materialized during Oliver's tenure, there had been quite a few attempts during Hector and Rafael's time.Oliver had already learned from Evelyn that Barrett had divorced Viola. Regardless of how Oliver felt about his sister, Barrett's actions were an affront to him. Given his current position, Barrett's treatment of his sister was nothing less than a challenge to his authority.Thus, he summoned Barrett and immediately set the latter to menial tasks—fetching water, chopping wood, sweeping the courtyard, and even serving food in the kitchen.Barrett obeyed the orders wordl
Perhaps Oliver wanted Barrett to see how grand and impressive his presence was, with people surrounding him and giving him attention whenever he entered or left. After showing off enough, he finally called for Barrett to meet him.In less than two years at the Southern Frontier, Oliver had gained a lot of weight. Though he wasn't exactly obese, his double chin was visible as he sat in the grand tiger-skin-covered armchair.He looked down from his lofty position, his eyes filled with a condescending superiority."I've heard about what happened between you and Viola," Oliver began slowly, his voice carrying the authority of someone in power. "It's just as well. A man as ordinary as you never deserved to be with my sister."Barrett bowed and lowered his head, keeping his expression neutral, answering only with a soft murmur. He said nothing more.Oliver sneered, his voice sharp as he reprimanded Barrett, "I never expected you to be so useless. You were made deputy commander of the Ni
The next day, Barrett learned that the so-called training wasn't about military formations at all—it was farming.September was the ideal time to plant winter wheat, and since the Southern Frontier had been ravaged by war, resources were still scarce. After years of constant conflict, there were fewer people around, and the soldiers were tasked with helping in the fields.In addition to winter wheat, they were also planting cabbage, radishes, and melons.Timothy told Barrett he had arrived just in time for the busy farming season.From dawn until dusk, Barrett worked tirelessly. Yet, amidst the chaos of planting, he still found a moment to write a letter to Michael.-Back in the capital, Michael received Barrett's letter and stared at it blankly for a long time, scratching his head. Had their relationship really been that close?The letter was long, taking up three full sheets of paper. Much of it was trivial, much like the rambling conversations Michael had heard from Barrett
Rafael paused for a moment, then asked, "By the way, did Isaac agree to Madam Zoey's request?""I spoke to him about it. He said he would think it over, but he hasn't made up his mind yet," Carissa replied."I think you should tell him the full story and let him decide for himself," Rafael said. "After all, he's the one who bought some of the properties Madam Zoey had released previously. It's clear he wants to help the Earl of Silverstone's family in some way."Carissa nodded, but then shook her head and corrected him. "Not exactly to help the Earl of Silverstone's family. More to help those who care for him…and perhaps the children."The more she learned, the more Carissa began to suspect that Evelyn had been involved in David's plans years ago. But perhaps, in time, Evelyn had experienced a change of heart, leading her to visit Isaac only to find him dead in the fire. Feeling guilty, she had blamed David as she was unwilling to carry the weight of that remorse.That was probabl
After Jacob's thorough investigation, they narrowed the true mastermind behind the treason plot down to a few suspects and started keeping a close eye on their movements. But the suspicion was still just that, and they had no real proof. After Wayne's return to Valken, he had only seen Harvey. He had not met with anyone else or made any visits to the Spencer family. He had gone to great lengths to stay hidden.According to the latest reports, the private army had been in Stonebridge County. However, they had relocated swiftly and left behind many of their possessions. Yet, where they went remained unknown.The situation in Valken used to be chaotic, but things started coming together after Wayne returned. Local officials frequently visited Horizon Estate, enjoying lavish feasts and living without a care.Rafael passed the list of names to Salvador. Still, it was clear that the group lacked a leader. It couldn't be said that Harvey or Wayne were the ones in charge.After a brief
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