The trio listened as the common folk continued to praise Carissa. They spoke of her efforts in establishing Gracewood Women's Academy and Skye Embroidery, and how she had now even cleaned up such a filthy place. She was truly a remarkable woman.Of course, where there was praise, there was also criticism. Some whispered that a woman's place was in the home, managing the household as well as bearing children and raising them."Lady Carissa has been married for so long, yet she hasn't even had a child. She's neglected her proper duties as a wife, and worse, she's doing a man's work."Violet, having grown used to such talk, merely rolled her eyes. But Cynthia and Bun, ever protective of their friend, were quick to react. They were about to step forward to argue when Violet caught them by the arm.With a smile, she said, "Let them talk. Don't waste your breath. It's nothing to lose sleep over. If we engage, we'll only cause Cari more trouble. Besides, there are plenty of people who wil
And so, Sebastian, the renowned physician sought after by many, was called to the Capital Guard headquarters.After examining Gerald, he retrieved a vial of medicine and administered it to him before performing needle treatment. Within 15 minutes, Gerald stirred and began to sweat, his fever finally breaking somewhat.Sebastian stepped outside to speak with Carissa for a moment."His condition isn't great to begin with. His health is already weak, and he looks like he's gone without food or water for two days. His heart, lungs, and stomach are all in poor shape. But the biggest issue is the mental toll. That's the hardest to treat."Every minute he stays here is another minute of suffering. He has no will to live. It's better to send him back for treatment as soon as possible, or he might die here at the Capital Guard headquarters.""The problem is, how do we get him out of here?" Carissa asked, frustrated. "It's already morning. And with his condition so bad, it's risky for him t
Carissa knew all too well the gravity of the situation.Salvador had already berated her for not informing him of this matter in advance. If Gerald were to die here at the headquarters, her comrades in the Capital Guard would surely face the consequences.But how could she have warned Gerald in advance? Was she supposed to have sent someone to the Quinton family's residence and have them tell him that the Capital Guard was about to raid the gentlemen's retreats?It would be a miracle if the Quinton family didn't tear her apart for it. Who would believe that the old man would ever venture near a gentlemen's retreat? And if Gerald denied it, she would be the one caught in a trap, painted as a troublemaker.Carissa furrowed her brow. "If he chose to go to the gentlemen's retreat, he should've known this day would come. If he couldn't face it, he shouldn't have gone in the first place."She went to speak with Malcolm, but even after the latter spent an hour trying to persuade his fath
The news, regardless of its shock value, had only one result—it completely enraged Gerald's admirers.Like Trevor, Gerald had been one of Starhaven's most respected scholars and was renowned for his wisdom. Trevor had stepped back from court politics, leaving his influence to dwindle. That was why when trouble befell the Young family, few people spoke up for them.However, Gerald was different. His son still held a powerful position in the Civil Department, and many officials, unaware of the truth, saw this as a way to win favor with the Quinton family. They clamored in court, demanding the Marquis of Glandale be held accountable for spreading rumors about Gerald.Under normal circumstances, this would have been little more than a passing storm. But that day, several officials and prominent young men had been arrested. Though Salvador tried to preserve their reputations, the common folk were relentless in their gossip. Wherever one went, there were whispers, fingers pointing in ever
Tears streamed down Malcolm's face as he knelt before his dad. "Dad, His Majesty no longer favors our family. Why must you force me to offend Hell Monarch's household as well?""Then let me die," Gerald replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "If I die, you will all be free."With those words, he closed his eyes again, his energy all but spent. The few words he managed to say drained him completely.Kylie had long since harbored a deep hatred for Carissa. The Quinton family, once at the height of power, had been struck a devastating blow by her actions. It left them severely weakened and ruined their reputation. As a result, Kylie was also implicated.Once outside, she said to Malcolm, "Since it is Grandfather's wish, then let us call for her. It'd be best to summon Mr. Murray as well. At least then, we'll have a witness to see how she's the one who's driven Grandfather to his death."Malcolm abruptly lifted his head. "What are you saying? Do you truly want to see your grandf
Upon receiving Kylie's summons, Carissa found herself bewildered. Why was she being asked to meet Gerald? If they wanted to question her, they could have called her directly to the palace. Why go to the Quinton family's residence to see him?Gerald was gravely ill. If he wanted to scold her, she wouldn't even have the chance to retort. And if he died in front of her, no words would save her then.Violet had filled her in on Gerald's condition, gathered from the past couple of days' inquiries. He had stopped eating and drinking, and it seemed like he was on the brink of death. "Does Gerald want you there to watch him die? That old man's got some malice," Cynthia said.She was aware of the whole situation, and she had always been sharp-tongued. Knowing how Gerald had treated Carissa, Cynthia didn't hesitate to speak her mind."Don't go—just refuse the order," Bun chimed in from the side. "The queen's order isn't that serious. The king's reaction is what really matters."Violet h
Jeremiah bowed in respect and said, "Your Majesty's command is one I dare not disregard. After all, I am but a humble servant. However, Lady Carissa is here to visit Lord Gerald, and there is no personal enmity between them. I do not foresee any dispute."In front of the thousand-year-old fox, Kylie was no more than a young weasel—with ill intentions but clumsy methods.Using her position as queen, Kylie boldly plotted against Carissa. She was fully aware that it could cost her grandfather his life, yet she showed no concern at all.Contrary to Carissa's expectations, Jeremiah was indeed willing to testify and would argue on her behalf with reason. He cast a cold glance at the Quinton family. "Ah, a fine group of devoted descendants. Lord Gerald should have no regrets."Anyone who understood the situation lowered their heads, too afraid to meet Jeremiah's gaze.Before Carissa could speak, Marjorie stood up. "Commander Sinclair, thank you for bringing Mr. Dalton to treat my fathe
A delicate curtain separated the bedroom from the inner hall. As Carissa parted the beaded curtain, the soft sound of pearls clinking together echoed in the quiet room.People said a small room helped preserve energy. For the elderly, the room shouldn't be too spacious, as it could cause the life force to scatter and harm their health.Thus, the room was modest in size, with a carved cherrywood bed positioned to the east and a low couch to the south. A small wardrobe stood nearby, though Carissa had already noticed another wardrobe in the inner hall, suggesting that this one had been specially added.She glanced around the room, noting the fine, elegant furnishings—everything was of the highest quality."Lord Gerald," Carissa called softly. When she thought about it, there was no personal grudge between them. Their paths had merely crossed at the wrong time.Gerald opened his eyes slowly, his dull, murky gaze sweeping the room. Only when he confirmed that it was just her did he si
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