On New Year's Eve, Ryan wore a bright red woolen cloak, its edges lined with soft white fur, a thick hood atop his head. His lively, cheerful demeanor matched his outfit as he eagerly waited for the Klein family's carriage to arrive.Jacob had already prepared many gifts, many of which Ryan had personally chosen.The night before, Frederick had come over from Northwatch Estate to deliver the account books. Ryan had stayed up all night, carefully reviewing them. Jacob told him there was no rush to go through them, and then went to ask Carissa for some leniency. Carissa told him it would be good for Ryan to learn how to manage the accounts sooner rather than later—after all, he would need to take charge of everything in Northwatch Estate eventually.While Ryan examined the books, his study partner Evan stayed by his side. However, Evan was heading home to celebrate the New Year and wouldn't be accompanying him to Highcrest Estate.Carissa's greatest joy was that Ryan, though meticu
Before the palace banquet, Carissa sat with Victoria, spent time with Grace, sat with Penelope, and then took a walk in the Royal Garden with several grand princesses, including Kiera and Meredith.Today, Meredith wore a bright red embroidered gown with a white dove pattern. With her powdered face and rouge, she looked even more noble. Holding a fan to cover her face, she smiled and said, "I heard that after the formal complaint about the Quinton family was submitted, Lord Gerald quickly gathered the family and severely punished the fourth branch, saying that all this trouble was caused by them."As Victoria's daughter, Meredith held a respected position among the royal family. The other princesses always followed her lead. When Meredith spoke of the Quinton family, everyone else agreed. Even Henrietta laughed along.Henrietta was Josephine's daughter and a granddaughter of the Quinton family. However, she had long since distanced herself from the family. Her husband Vance advised t
Little did Carissa know, Jeanette would keep talking to her throughout the performance. Sometimes, she even giggled and playfully nudged Carissa, as if they were very close and familiar with each other.Their interaction caught the attention of the other concubines nearby. A few of them even leaned in, casting curious glances several times.Though people would call it interacting, in reality, Carissa only occasionally agreed or nodded, giving a smile to be polite.However, others didn't see it that way. After the performance, both Meredith and Kiera pulled Carissa aside with puzzled expressions."You and Jeanette know each other?"Carissa shook her head. "We've never met before today.""Then why does it seem like you two are so familiar with each other?" Kiera's confusion deepened.Meredith noticed something was off and frowned. "Stay away from her in the future. Her intentions aren't sincere."Carissa had already gathered that much. But at the time, everyone was watching the p
Gerald was slightly startled. He turned to look at Carissa, his expression showing a hint of displeasure. "Do you think I'm wrong, Your Grace? Or do you believe you are capable of teaching and spreading knowledge yourself?"Helen reached out, gently tugging on Carissa's sleeve, a silent plea for her to avoid any further argument with Gerald.Helen loved Sigmund, so she had great respect for Gerald, who was once his tutor. In fact, she had once considered having Rafael marry one of the Quinton family's daughters. Ultimately, Kiera had married Logan, which fulfilled Helen's wish.Moreover, Helen felt that even though Gerald spoke to Carissa in a reprimanding tone, it was still advice from an elder to a youngster. Carissa should accept it humbly.To be honest, she felt a bit uncomfortable, especially with Gerald's somewhat mocking tone. Wasn't he implying that Carissa lacked education? Even so, Helen chose to overlook it. After all, Gerald was a royal tutor, and age demanded respect
Carissa returned home to find Jacob waiting for her with a letter from Rafael, a broad smile on his face. "Prince Rafael's letter arrived after you've only just stepped out," he said, handing it to her.Carissa's eyes lit up as she took the letter. She didn't open it immediately but instead asked, "Why aren't you spending the New Year with your family, Jacob?""I'm about to head back to celebrate with them," Jacob replied with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "but I wanted to make sure the letter was handed to you personally. I was also eager to see the look on your face when you read it. Plus, I'm curious what else His Highness might have said, beyond just personal matters."Carissa couldn't hide her delight. "This is his first letter to me. I'll read it right away."She knew there must be details about the investigation in the letter, so it would need to be reviewed by Jacob. As she opened the envelope, she found three sheets of paper: two addressed to her, and one detailing th
Carissa couldn't reply to Rafael's letter, as they didn't have a permanent place where they were staying. All she could do was tuck her longing deep in her heart, waiting until he returned to tell him everything in person.The New Year was a lively celebration, filled with visits and gatherings. Lulu practically wanted Carissa to try on every new outfit she had, knowing she would be back in her official attire once she returned to the Capital Guard headquarters.Every morning, Lulu would sit Carissa down in front of the vanity and try out different styles, making her look stunning each time. Even the prime minister's wife Natalie remarked how a woman didn't need to have pale skin to look beautiful.Carissa's skin wasn't pale. All the time she spent outdoors had taken away the delicate fairness of a sheltered woman. Instead, her sun-kissed tone carried a warm, healthy glow that made her stand out in her own unique way.On the eighth day of the new year, Kylie was released from her h
"But how long can they afford the tuition? And the daughters of ordinary families have to help out at home to make a living. Studying doesn't exactly bring in money," Violet asked.Carissa thought for a moment. "That money's not insignificant. It should last a year or two. We can't waive the fees entirely, but we could lower them. Maybe offer half-day classes, so the girls can still help their families with work in the afternoon."She paused, considering the possibilities. "And don't forget about the merchants. They won't be stingy with their money. The constraints of rules and propriety are less strict for them."Violet nodded. "That's true. Unless they're from a noble family or are royal merchants, ordinary merchants often let their women handle business affairs.""Even ordinary families might send their daughters. Partly because of Mr. Spencer's reputation, but also because many can't afford to send their sons to school. If their daughters can attend an academy with low tuitio
At Serenity Palace, Victoria was listening to a report from Ruth's chamberlain, Oscar. After he was done, Victoria sighed softly."I understand. Have the royal physicians do everything they can. Use the best herbs available.""Yes, Your Majesty!" Oscar replied, his eyes red-rimmed. "Thank you, Your Majesty.""Why was this not reported to the queen?" Victoria asked calmly.Oscar explained, "I've already reported it. The queen said it's a natural part of aging and that it was bound to happen. She sent some food over and told Lady Ruth not to worry, and that everything would be taken care of. I didn't dare to repeat this directly to Her Grace."Victoria frowned slightly. "I see. Yes, there's no need to mention it. What needs to be done will be done. But for now, we must do all we can to provide treatment."Oscar's voice was hoarse as he said, "With Your Majesty's words, I am at ease. With the royal physicians attending her, at least Lady Ruth will be more comfortable.""Go now. I w
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