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
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