It was at this moment that Carissa arrived. From outside, she could already tell something was wrong. Some people were stuck outside, unable to get in, but they were busy gossiping and trying to figure out what was going on.Once inside, Carissa quickly took in the scene, her eyes darting over the group of people and hearing their angry accusations. She understood what had happened at once.The moment she appeared, the parents surged toward her, asking how they should proceed. Though none dared directly question her, the tone of their words clearly showed their demand for an explanation.Their words were firm but lacked the earlier harshness.Carissa's face remained composed, though inside, a storm of anger brewed. She couldn't believe that on the last day before the holiday, something like this had happened.The academy gates were supposed to be open today to allow the students to take their belongings home. Since most of the students came from noble families, the servants were a
Carissa remained composed as she directed the students and their families out of the hall. She no longer bothered with asking them to keep the incident quiet—it was clear they couldn't.Once they were cleared out, she instructed Claire to bring in Ivy and someone from the Royal Citadel. The man needed to be restrained and interrogated, and it was obvious he had been drugged. Carissa wanted Ivy to determine what substance had been used.The few who had managed to escape were soon captured by Max and his men, all brought back under guard.The others, though somewhat more aware, still seemed dazed. Their eyes, glazed and hungry, followed Carissa and Claire with an unsettling intensity.Carissa walked over and gave Rosalind a comforting hug. Rosalind had already calmed down and reassured her in return, "It's alright, I'm fine.""You foolish girl," Catherine said, her voice heavy with sorrow as she sighed. "You shouldn't have said that. You've ruined your reputation. How are you fine
Carissa felt an overwhelming sense of guilt deep in her heart. For the past few days, with everything going on at the gentlemen's retreats, she had been out late at night, barely giving any thought to the matters at Gracewood Women's Academy.Kyle had warned her earlier to be extra cautious with the academy. Had she sent even just one more person, none of this would have happened.The Royal Citadel had been swift to respond. Anthony himself led the investigation, which showed just how seriously the Royal Citadel took this matter.Six men were captured, all tightly bound. After a few hard slaps, everyone was awake except for the one who had assaulted Rosalind.After revealing their identities, it turned out that all six were laborers from the docks. They worked long hours unloading cargo and carrying heavy sacks of copper coins, barely earning enough to survive each month.The night before, their foreman had gathered them for a meeting. Nine men sat down to eat and drink, and the f
The remaining men were trembling with fear, scrambling in panic. Especially Hank, the one who had harassed Rosalind—he was sobbing uncontrollably. Dragging his broken legs, he knelt on the ground as if he didn't even feel the pain, repeatedly pleading with Carissa and Anthony."I was wrong! I was greedy, but I won't ever do it again! Please spare me, my lord! I have an elderly parent who's ill and a newborn daughter at home. If I'm locked up, what will happen to my family?"His cries were piercing and filled with despair.However, Anthony didn't waver and firmly ordered, "Take them away!"People who did bad things might have tragic backstories, but that was no excuse for breaking the law.Those who worked in law enforcement saw this kind of thing all the time, but in the end, the law was the law.As the culprits were dragged away, the academy fell into a heavy silence. The oppressive stillness blanketed the room as the women gathered in the hall, each caught in her own thoughts.
As Carissa rode back to Hell Monarch Estate, the murmurs of the townsfolk reached her ears. Small groups gathered on street corners and market stalls, their conversations buzzing with the shocking events at Gracewood Women's Academy.The academy and Skye Embroidery had already drawn public attention—some admiring, some critical. But now, with a scandal of this magnitude, the entire city seemed to be in an uproar.At the heart of it all was Rosalind, the royal chancellor's granddaughter. The jewel of high society, a young woman of golden pedigree—dishonored by a brutish laborer. Who would marry her now?"She was foolish," someone whispered. "She could have lived out her days as a sheltered noblewoman, but she chose to play teacher. Well, look where that got her! Her reputation is ruined forever."Carissa deliberately slowed her horse, listening intently as she passed by, hoping—desperately—for someone to acknowledge Rosalind's bravery, to speak of how she had shielded her students
Victoria had long since stepped back from the affairs of court, but her keen interest in the Gracewood Women's Academy was well-known. After all, it had been established under her direct instructions."Could it be," Carissa asked, "that this trouble stems from rivalries among the students' families?"Jacob sighed heavily. "If that's the case, the possibilities are endless. But it's not impossible."He elaborated, "Many households appear harmonious on the surface, but in reality, it's just a facade. Especially in households with concubines—no matter how elevated their status, a concubine would always be subordinate to the main wife. Except, of course, when the husband's favor tips the scales. In such cases, the rivalry between wife and concubine becomes intense, and all sorts of underhanded tactics are used."Carissa nodded thoughtfully.Jacob continued, "Imagine a scenario where both the main wife and a favored concubine have daughters. The wife's daughter secures a spot at the Gr
By the time Carissa returned to her residence, she had barely settled in before Violet arrived in a rush and pulled her aside."It's about the academy," Violet began, her expression tight with anger. "I fear this may be the work of the king and queen."Carissa blinked, stunned. "The king and queen? Where did you hear this?""Kevin told me," Violet explained. "He overheard the king reprimanding the queen, accusing her of acting recklessly. She defended herself, saying that the king disliked the academy too and that her actions were intended to alleviate his concerns—preventing you from winning over the noblewomen of the capital."The words struck Carissa like a blow, leaving her frozen as an icy chill swept through her.Violet said, "You need to stay calm. You can't let Kevin's name be revealed. If anyone finds out he spoke of this, his future will be ruined."Carissa sank into a chair, her mind spinning. She had entertained bold speculations before, but never had she dared to poi
As the year drew to a close, the common folk were busy preparing for the New Year, with every household caught up in the bustle.But where there was activity, there was an opportunity for gossip, and rumors quickly spread. Victoria's commendation of Rosalind had little effect. Instead, some started to whisper that Victoria's personal approval might mean there was more to the story than just Rosalind being taken advantage of.This line of thinking slowly became the dominant one, as if someone were deliberately pushing things in that direction. Even someone from Hell Monarch Estate stepped forward to speak on the matter. Witnesses who had been present at the academy also spoke up, explaining that Rosalind had been trying to protect the students and had been accidentally touched by the assailant in the process.But the public wasn't interested in truth or justice. They preferred stories of disgrace, tales that brought the mighty low.The more illustrious Rosalind's reputation had on
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