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
The banishment of the storyteller from the gates barely marked the end of one problem before another arrived on their doorstep.Matchmakers began appearing in turn, each eager to arrange a marriage for Rosalind. The prospects they presented were enough to make Rosalind's parents' blood boil. These were men so far beneath their daughter's station that even a passing glance in their direction would be enough to provoke a disgusted sneer.It wasn't a matter of low status or humble origins—it was their disgraceful behavior. Some had long ago fathered illegitimate children from concubines, while others spent their days drowning in gambling halls, addicted to the thrill of the dice and cards, regardless of how deeply they sank into debt. Some were regulars at brothels, and others kept secret mistresses on the side.These were the kinds of men who usually wouldn't dare approach the family for a marriage proposal. Yet now, they paraded forward, puffing out their chests as if offering Rosali
Jocelyn didn't say a word, but her face had gone deathly pale.She still harbored resentment toward Courtney, but who could blame her? Courtney had spoken up for Thomas. The mess with those families was so filthy and disgusting to hear about.The Farrell family's household was in disarray, and such vile things happened in an estate that large—wasn't it right to speak of them?Jocelyn had acted impulsively when she slapped Courtney, but Courtney had brought it upon herself. She shouldn't have defended Thomas. A good woman needed to stay away from people like that and situations like those.The two of them sat in silence, Cassidy occasionally sniffling as Jocelyn remained quiet.Her mind was a jumbled mess, running through so many thoughts. At last, she sighed softly and said, "Actually, going back to the academy wouldn't be so bad. But the queen doesn't like the academy."Ultimately, Jocelyn was just a sheltered girl. She was unable to keep secrets and was unaware of the gravity o
The rumors surrounding Rosalind didn't cease. Jacob had investigated and confirmed that someone was orchestrating the spread of these malicious tales. Long-buried incidents were being resurrected and falsely linked to her and the academy, whether or not they actually had any connection.Attacking Rosalind was, in essence, attacking Trevor as well. By extension, it also tarnished the reputation of Gracewood Women's Academy.Trevor and Gerald had long been respected figures in academic circles. But now, because of this affair, Trevor had fallen from grace, while Gerald was now the one being lauded. Meanwhile, no one was mentioning Malcolm's affair with his mistress anymore.Despite all the attention on the Quinton family, it didn't help them. The larger they became, the more they attracted attention. The Quinton family needed to act swiftly to suppress the rumors. Jacob discovered they were trying to control the narrative, but it wasn't working. So, they had no choice but to refoc
Those who had once caused a scene at Highstone Estate now stood in a row outside the gates. Their heads were lowered, and fear was clear in their eyes.Ahead of them stood a group of burly men, their fists so massive they looked like they could crush skulls with a single blow. When Thomas dismounted, his cold gaze swept over their faces, and a thin, chilling smile escaped his lips. The formidable aura he exuded was enough to make the men's legs weak with dread. One by one, they huddled closer together, too afraid to meet Thomas's frosty stare.Trevor had ordered the main gates to be opened. When Mildred heard that the Farrell family had come to propose marriage, she suddenly felt her health improve by half. She immediately ordered hot water to be brought for a bath, calling for her servants to prepare her clothes and makeup, eager to meet with them in person.Rosalind, however, had no idea what was happening. For the past few days, her granddad had insisted that she remain in Ambe
About an hour later, Trevor sent someone to escort Rosalind.Rosalind watched as Josie picked out the most delicate, exquisite clothes for her, pairing them with carefully matched jewelry. After much thought, Rosalind decided to simply go as she was.She wore a white gown paired with a soft apricot-yellow cloak. The outfit was simple and unassuming, as though she were about to take a casual stroll in the garden, rather than attending a formal gathering or discussing matters of her future.When she reached the main hall of the outer courtyard, she saw a crowd of people, the scene quite grand.Then she saw him. His gaze met hers, deep and piercing, yet tinged with restraint.She couldn't meet his eyes for long, her heart thundering in her chest, cheeks flushed with heat.But the etiquette was ingrained in her, and she forced herself to approach each person, making her way forward. When Alice saw her, a deep sense of joy filled her heart. She immediately took Rosalind's hand and s
Josie listened from where she stood at the door and couldn't hold back her tears. They fell in a steady stream, one after another.She knew better than anyone the kind of days Rosalind had endured, how deeply tormented her heart must have been. Now, Thomas had made a grand gesture, complete with drums and trumpets, and even enlisted Natalie to act as a matchmaker. If this all worked out, it would surely slap the faces of so many people outside.But why hadn't Rosalind agreed yet? Josie almost wanted to turn around and give the answer on Rosalind's behalf.Rosalind sniffed. "If I don't agree today, you'll become a laughingstock, General Farrell."Thomas chuckled softly. "I don't care about that. Let them mock me all they want. What does it matter to me? I'm a man—let them come at me. You're a young woman who has heroically saved your students at the academy. You shouldn't have to bear the weight of all those rumors."At those words, Rosalind seemed to truly realize something.
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