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
Gerald was silent for a long time, his breathing growing more rapid, as though anger were rising within him.Kylie had been listening from outside. When she sensed the conversation was straying, she almost stepped forward to intervene. But when she heard her grandfather's labored breath, she stopped in her tracks.She was certain of her guess—with the crushing blow Gerald had received, his pride couldn't take it. He would see this as the greatest humiliation and would surely seek revenge against Carissa. If he had nothing left to live for, why not use his death to take vengeance?But after a while, she still heard no outburst, only Gerald's faint voice. "Perhaps you're right. But what you said at the Capital Guard headquarters was wrong. Struggling is pointless. What you're doing now is also all in vain," he retorted.Carissa smiled softly. "Would you dare take a bet with me, Lord Gerald?""A bet?" Gerald chuckled, though it was a hollow, bitter sound. "Do you think you can win?
Even after Carissa left, Kylie couldn't calm down from her anger.She sat in silence, watching darkly as Gerald took his medicine. After that, the royal physician performed needle treatment on him. Gerald also took the pills Sebastian had left for him. Within two hours, his complexion gradually improved.The royal physician confirmed that Gerald's spirits had lifted, and there was hope for his recovery.The Quinton family was delighted, but Kylie was utterly disappointed. Her face was as pale as it had been the day Gerald had gone to the gentlemen's retreat.She knew she had taken a gamble, and that her actions would alienate her maternal family and anger the king. Yet, Carissa posed a monumental threat. Only when her name was fully tarnished could Kylie's title as queen be solidified. Kylie could do everything Carissa had done—reopening the women's academy, recruiting noblewomen and officials' daughters to attend, and consolidating the power of the noble families to strengthen
Harvey had left the capital with his belongings, but he soon realized that the gold and silver he carried had been swapped out for fakes. Furious, he raged at the loss, but it was too late to turn back.He didn't dare return to the capital now. With no connections or resources to rely on, and only the title of prince to his name, he found himself isolated and powerless. His position was growing increasingly awkward.But he had found an alternative, though it might not be the best path for his third brother.Yet, survival meant looking out for oneself. Harvey's plans weren't just about securing a promising territory in the future.The one he was aligning himself with was deeply hidden, never suspected, and adept at infiltrating others' territories for his gain. That was the true strategist.Of course, this individual was even more formidable than Yuvan. If things succeeded, taking credit for their achievements wouldn't be an easy task.But compared to Yuvan, this person had better
Though Malcolm had refused all visitors, he personally took Marjorie to call on Carissa.As usual, Carissa welcomed them, but there was little to say between her and Malcolm. Jacob filled the silence with conversation, while Carissa led Marjorie to the side garden for tea.Marjorie had rarely ventured out in the past year and had grown noticeably thinner, though there was a quiet calm about her now.She no longer seemed so tightly wound.In the past, Marjorie had always reminded herself that, as the matriarch of the Quinton family, she needed to uphold the proper demeanor. Even if she disliked something, she wouldn't let it show on her face.She had always been hard on herself, but now, it seemed as though she had let go of some of that burden. She had come to realize that some things just had to be taken as they came. As long as she didn't cross any lines, it was enough. Perfection wasn't required.Marjorie apologized to Carissa for not raising her daughter better. She had alway
As the headmistress of Gracewood Women's Academy, Carissa couldn't teach much else, but she could teach martial arts. So, she asked the students if anyone would be interested in learning some basic self-defense techniques—something to both strengthen their bodies and help protect themselves.When she proposed the idea, more than half of the students were eager to give it a try.However, martial arts required a certain level of aptitude. Even if they were all willing to learn, not everyone would be suited for it.Seeing the interest, Carissa thought it might be a good idea for an additional class, one focused on building strength and agility—both for defense and for physical health.For those who truly wanted to learn the martial arts, she would need to carefully select the most capable students. Coincidentally, Cynthia had heard that Violet had been teaching the Mystic Army, so she insisted on coming to the women's academy to teach as well. Cynthia was insistent on having an offici
Carissa asked a few more questions to piece the whole situation together.Roxana's parents, Anna and George, wanted to provide money for their third son's wedding. Thus, they decided to venture into the old forest while the wild beasts were hibernating for the winter. Most of the best medicinal herbs grew on the steepest mountainsides, and that was where they had gone. However, after several days of trekking up the mountain, both of them were cold, hungry, and exhausted. In a tragic turn of events, Anna slipped on the icy ground, and George reached out to grab her. As a result, the two of them tumbled down the slope together.If it hadn't been for some herb collectors passing by, they would have surely perished on that mountain. Though they had been lucky enough to survive, their injuries were severe. Anna had injured her back, and George had broken his leg. Neither would ever be able to work again, and they would require constant care. With their injuries still needing treatment,
Carissa held Roxana's hand and spoke to her for a long time, but never once did she speak ill of Roxana's family.Violet and Cynthia were listening outside. When the conversation ended, Carissa had Lulu take Roxana downstairs to settle her in. Once they were alone, Violet asked, "Why tell her to protect her family? She should know how cruel her family has been to her, or she'll be bound by them for the rest of her life."Carissa took a sip of water, her eyes clouded with sadness. "Vivi, this is a common story. Many common families find themselves in such situations. When faced with hardship, the first thing they think of is selling their daughters or sisters. They don't see it as cruelty. To them, selling a girl as a child bride or a maid in a wealthy household is just a way out."She paused, then continued, "It's not uncommon for some families to trade their daughters in marriage to secure a wife for their sons, but at least Roxana's parents aren't like that. They tried everythin
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