As the ladies were chatting, Ruth sent someone to privately ask Carissa to join her. After receiving the invitation, Carissa checked with Victoria for permission and went.Ruth was Augustus' concubine, and she was supposed to be living in comfort on her son's fief. Instead, she remained alone in a secluded palace in the royal palace.When Carissa followed Oscar into Everlasting Palace, the atmosphere struck her as cold and desolate. There was no sign of festivity or hint of the holiday spirit. It felt as if they were not only separated by a few palace halls, but also by an unbridgeable divide of heaven and earth.Since winter had set in, Ruth's health had worsened. Yuvan's son, Randall, had remained in the capital. Today, he was in the palace, attending to his grandmother.Upon seeing Carissa, Randall rose and bowed. "Greetings, Your Grace."Carissa gave him a cool glance. "Greetings, Your Highness. I see you've come to the palace today.""Yes, I'm here to keep my grandmother com
"Randall, kneel!" Ruth's voice suddenly rose as she addressed him. "You have been disrespectful. Ask Lady Carissa for forgiveness! She is both your cousin-in-law and aunt-in-law. Only when she forgives you can you have any peace with your mom in the afterlife!"Just as Randall moved to kneel, Carissa shot him a cold stare. "Go ahead. See if you dare kneel before me."The chilling command in her voice stopped Randall in his tracks. His bent knee straightened abruptly.Carissa stood. "If there's nothing else, I will take my leave, Your Grace."From behind, Ruth called out urgently, "Your Grace, no matter what happens in the future, please protect my grandchildren!"Carissa halted and whirled around to face Ruth, and said coldly, "Lady Ruth, you have such a compassionate heart. It's a pity my aunt never received such kindness from you. Since that's the case, I don't think your grandchildren need anyone's pity or protection.""Your Grace, they're still your family—they're your cous
That single word, "Lunvale", sent Rafael and Carissa hurrying back to Hell Monarch Estate as soon as the banquet had ended.In the council hall, a large map was spread out before them. Lunvale was located in Ebonflow. It was once the fiefdom of Lorenzo, Augustus' brother. Generations later, it had become the domain of the Realm Defender.The title of Realm Defender was just that—an honorary title with no military power behind it. The current Realm Defender was Tiberius Sanford. A Realm Defender usually received a salary from the court, but by this generation, the benefits had been significantly reduced.During previous investigations, Tiberius hadn't been overlooked. Though Lunvale was still relatively prosperous, it was far removed from both Valken and Stonebridge County. Moving troops to Lunvale would take significant effort.On top of that, Tiberius was someone with no great ambitions. He had all sorts of bad habits—drinking, gambling, and other vices. He had already squandered
Randall started his new position with great apprehension. At first, he feared someone would come to question him about his dad. After several days passed without so much as a word from Rafael and no inquiries about Yuvan, his anxiety began to ease.It was Matthew, Rafael's deputy, who spoke to Randall on a few occasions. Matthew was kind and eager to offer guidance, and Randall was grateful for his advice. Whenever Randall found something unclear, he wasn't afraid to seek Matthew's help, even if it meant bypassing his immediate superior.Having never held a proper office before, Randall was determined to perform well in his new role. As the warden, there was much to learn. He also had to manage the guards under his command, and the days were busy with his many responsibilities.Rafael had advised Matthew not to push Randall for answers just yet. He needed to learn how to handle the job and experience a sense of accomplishment before deciding what path to take. Only then would
Ellis had accepted the coffee beans and the banknote, but his mouth seemed to be sealed tightly."Once she meets Her Majesty, everything will be made clear," Ellis said. "Mrs. Farrell holds a noble title now, doesn't she? I doubt she would act inappropriately."Lincoln smiled in response. "Indeed, Mr. Latham. You speak wisely."Though he was smiling, Lincoln inwardly cursed. Unless it was a matter of life and death, how could someone refuse to share a little information?-Carissa had planned to visit Gracewood Women's Academy that day, as Jocelyn had started causing trouble again. Catherine had sent someone to inform her last night, asking her to come and manage the situation. Just as Carissa stepped outside, she saw the litter from the Farrell family approaching. The bearers were running fast, as though something urgent had come up. Carissa hurried over and asked, "Has something happened to the Farrell family?"Opal lifted the curtain and spoke quickly. "Your Grace, the queen
Kylie smiled. "Mother, you remembering her name is truly a blessing for her. My cousin is indeed of age this year, just 15 and a half. My aunt has been arranging a marriage for her and has come to me for help."Victoria nodded. "So I've heard. Your aunt favors the third son of the Marquis of Glandale. I sent someone to inquire about him—he's talented, of good character, and would make an excellent match. They are of a similar age, and it seems quite suitable."Kylie's face instantly darkened. Under Victoria's sharp gaze, she felt as if her every thought had been laid bare. Still, she tried to salvage the situation, fumbling for words. "Marriage is a significant matter, and it shouldn't be rushed. It's important that my cousin herself finds the match agreeable."Victoria nodded thoughtfully. "That's true. So, I won't bestow a marriage edict upon her just yet. She should choose for herself. If she truly approves, she can come to me for a favor. On your behalf, I would be willing t
Kylie was so enraged that she threw a cup across the room. "She's nothing but a hindrance! She's always causing trouble for me!"Lydia stood to the side and said, "Your Majesty, ever since she was appointed by the queen dowager to establish the Gracewood Women's Academy and became its headmistress, she has gained considerable favor among the noble ladies of the capital. I believe now, half of the influential families in the city hold her in some regard. She has become difficult to deal with."Kylie thought back to Midwinter's Dawn, when the noblewomen praised Carissa to no end—how they admired her devotion to her marriage and how they praised her as capable and a shining example for women.If Carissa was an example for women, then what did that make the queen?The thought deepened Kylie's resentment."The queen dowager once said that Aurora was an example for women. Now Carissa has taken that title for herself. Isn't she disgusting?""Your Majesty," Lydia replied carefully, "sh
After leaving the palace, Violet headed to Skye Embroidery while Carissa went to Gracewood Women's Academy.Carissa had already warned Jocelyn not to cause any more trouble, threatening to expel her if she did. Alas, it seemed the peace hadn't lasted long; the trouble had resurfaced.When Catherine saw Carissa, she knew immediately it was because of the problem with Jocelyn. "She has no interest in her studies," Catherine said. "It might be best to persuade her to withdraw voluntarily. That way, it won't cause too much of a scene, especially since she's a young lady who's supposed to be engaged soon."Catherine was never one to be afraid of the Quinton family. She genuinely cared about Jocelyn and her future. If Jocelyn were expelled from the academy, it would severely tarnish her reputation.Catherine had more sympathy for young girls. She understood that if a girl failed to make a good match, it could affect the rest of her life.Carissa nodded. "Please don't worry, Mrs. Ashfo
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