After urging Thomas to return, Jacob sighed and said, "It's only natural for them to feel this way. They've given their best years for the Southern Frontier. Now, just as they've seen a glimpse of peace, war threatens once again. How could General Farrell bear to see it all undone?"As he spoke, he glanced at Rafael, knowing that the prince was the one who could truly understand Thomas' frustration.Rafael remained silent for a long time, his expression unreadable. Finally, he said, "Keep a close watch. If there's any news, report it immediately."Jacob nodded. "Understood, Your Highness."Rafael shifted the topic, asking, "What of Valken? With the city gates closed, has any news made it out? Is there any progress? Have they begun to follow the plan?""No news yet, but I trust Mr. Moore. He's a capable man, one who can stir things up when necessary," Jacob replied.Rafael nodded. "If you trust him, then he has my trust as well."Cole Moore was one of the deputy governors of Valk
Rafael leaned back against the soft cushions, feeling as though every ounce of strength had been drained from his body.Ever since returning from the Southern Frontier and relinquishing his command, Salvador continued to regard him with suspicion. Rafael could choose not to care. If some things were restricted, he would find other ways to achieve his goals.He held back to avoid further widening the gap between him and his brother. It wasn't until the negotiations with Westhaven that he became more proactive. But even after that, he knew when to step back again.Rafael only hoped that if war did come, Salvador might doubt him less."He knows that Sandoria's return this time is likely tied to traitors within the Southern Frontier who've helped them prepare for this attack. Yet, he still believes that I am more of a threat to him than Sandoria's armies at our doorstep," said Rafael, laughing bitterly as he drained the last of his wine.Carissa's gaze darkened. "This isn't the first
However, Sebastian was clearly still worked up and grumbled, "I'm not helping you two idiots. You're both fools."Carissa flashed a charming smile, trying to lighten the mood."Someone has to be the fool, right?" she said playfully. "I promise, just this once. After this, I won't be foolish again."Clearly not impressed, Sebastian continued to grumble, "I'm afraid you won't have a chance to be foolish again. Who knows what'll happen when you get back? Whether your heads stay on your shoulders is another matter.""If it comes to that, I have my ways. You don't have to worry," Carissa assured him confidently.Sebastian knew that her promises didn't guarantee much, but he couldn't help but agree with her—someone always had to be the fool. The common people needed fools like them. Still, a part of Sebastian wished the fools weren't Rafael and Carissa, but someone else.He walked over to a dusty shelf and pulled down a small wooden box. Blowing off the dust, he wiped it with a cloth b
That evening, Carissa handed Rafael the pill and explained its potential dangers.Noticing the hesitation in her eyes, he smiled and said, "What's a little harm? There's medicine to counteract it. After the royal physician examines me, I'll immediately take Snowdrop Pills. On the road, I'll follow Sebastian's instructions. I'll take the medicine daily to build up my strength.""It's still poison," Carissa countered, her brow furrowed. "Maybe we should think of another solution.""I think this plan is fine. Sebastian is just being cautious. If the poison was truly dangerous, he wouldn't have given it to me," Rafael reassured.Carissa looked up at him. "Should we talk to Jacob about this?""No need." Rafael set the medicine down and pulled her into his arms. "The fewer people who know, the better. When I collapse at the Supreme Court, Matthew can use my emblem to summon a royal physician. If the royal physician accompanies me back to the estate and sees everyone in a panic, there wo
In Salvador's study, one of the royal physicians, Robert Lester, bowed respectfully as he reported on Rafael's condition.Two hours earlier, Matthew had arrived at the Royal Medical Department, bearing the Hell Monarch's emblem. He reported that Rafael had suddenly collapsed at the Supreme Court after vomiting blood.As the incident was sudden, it was soon reported to Salvador."Your Majesty, my diagnosis suggests that it was a sudden heart ailment. The situation was rather grave. When I arrived, Prince Rafael had already fainted, and it took some time before he regained consciousness after needle treatment. However, he was unable to move and had to be taken back to his estate by carriage.""Why would he have a sudden heart issue? He never mentioned suffering from heart problems before," Salvador said, furrowing his brow.Despite his concern, there was a sense of wariness. After all, they were brothers by blood—caution was a natural instinct, but it was mostly precautionary."Mr.
In the evening, Carissa presented Rafael's leave request to Salvador, who summoned her to an audience. Seeing her reddened eyes, he believed Robert's words. It was clear that Rafael's illness had come on strongly this time."Don't worry too much," Salvador said gently. "With Mr. Lester's treatment, he'll recover soon.""Thank you, Your Majesty. I've also sent someone to hurry after Sebastian. He has the best medicine for heart ailments."Carissa's voice was faint, as if her strength had been drained, and she sounded fragile."It's the Snowdrop Pills, isn't it?" Salvador asked.He knew of the medicine. The nobility in the capital often kept a few on hand, just in case. But he had heard that the pills had become scarce over the past two years, as some of the ingredients were no longer available."Yes," Carissa confirmed."When can he return? Can't you find the pills at Arcane Sanctum?"Carissa's expression darkened with worry. "It will take at least two or three days. Arcane Sanc
As expected, Galen arrived with a few Vanguard Unit guards, accompanying Robert and Derek to Hell Monarch Estate.Carissa had taken a few days off, leaving the matters of the day to Michael and Max.Violet was now fully aware of the situation, and upon seeing Robert and Derek's arrival with the guards, she decided to stay out of sight. If she couldn't play her part well, it was better not to cause any trouble.Robert and Derek noticed Carissa's red, swollen eyes, recognizing that she had spent the night worrying.Derek spoke gently, offering some comfort, "Your Grace, please don't worry too much. With Mr. Lester here, everything will be fine.""Thank you, Mr. Walker," Carissa replied quietly.The Vanguard Unit guards, including Galen, couldn't enter the inner chambers, as it was the prince and princess consort's private quarters. Jacob stood outside with them.Galen studied him for a moment before asking, "Mr. York, His Majesty is quite concerned about His Highness. He sent me t
Robert was supposed to stay the night, as he was worried that Rafael's condition might worsen. But by the time it was about nine at night, Sebastian returned. Without a word, he immediately administered a Snowdrop Pill.After taking the pill, Rafael claimed that the pain in his chest had lessened. Robert took his pulse and, sure enough, the improvement was remarkable. The Snowdrop Pill worked better than the medicine he had prescribed.Though a skilled physician himself, Robert had heard much about Sebastian's renowned expertise. Now that Sebastian was here, there was no need for Robert to stay the night. Carissa saw how exhausted he was after two days of treatment. So, she kindly gave him a token of gratitude and had someone escort him back to his residence.Once Robert left, Sebastian prepared another prescription, instructing someone to head to Arcane Sanctum to fetch the necessary ingredients and brew the medicine. After taking the new concoction, Rafael felt as if the heavy wei
At precisely three in the afternoon, the long execution block was brought forward. The block was forged from ironwood, solid and unyielding. It was the only one of its kind in Starhaven, used solely for execution by Torso Cleaving.The block had been kept in storage for years.Augustus had once deemed the act of Torso Cleaving too brutal. Even those who committed the most grievous offenses were spared this form of execution. Yet, the punishment had not been abolished. It remained a tool to strike fear into the hearts of would-be traitors.The cruelty of Torso Cleaving lay in the fact that after a person was cleaved in two, the upper body could still crawl, struggle, and leave behind a bloody trail.Normally, Torso Cleaving wasn't meant to be witnessed by the public. But treason, betraying the kingdom, and plotting to overthrow the throne were considered unforgivable crimes. Salvador didn't know how many people had dealings with the traitors, and some conspirators were too deepl
The capital guards escorted Evelyn, Zoey, and Viola up to the execution platform. Evelyn's legs trembled, and she couldn't muster any strength. Her tears flowed uncontrollably, blurring her vision to the point that she could no longer see clearly."You foolish boy!" Evelyn let out a mournful cry, raising her hand and slapping Oliver's face. "You've disgraced your grandfather and your father! How can you face them in the afterlife?"Her slap lacked force; even as she exerted every ounce of her strength, Oliver barely felt the sting.Caught in a whirlwind of panic, Oliver's mind raced. Seeing his mom before him, he seemed to have found a lifeline in a stormy sea. He cried desperately, "Mom, save me! Please save me!"Evelyn, near exhaustion from her sorrow, could barely speak. "You've committed an unforgivable crime! How can I save you now? His Majesty once showed favor to you—how could you betray such grace?""Mom, I know I was wrong! I know it now!" Oliver cried, tears streaming do
After Evelyn finished crying, she didn't say much. However, she stubbornly insisted on going to deliver Oliver his final meal. Her eyes were swollen and her voice was thick with congestion, nearly a rasp. "I know the court allows family to see their loved ones before execution," she said, her tone strained. "I don't want anything else—just this one thing. I need to see him and make sure he's fed. I don't want him to die hungry and become a vengeful spirit."Tears began to fall once more as she cast a tearful glance at Zoey. "You have children, too. You should understand what it means to be a mother. To the world, he may be seen as the greatest of villains. But to me, he will always be that helpless child that hasn't changed."Zoey remained silent for a long moment, then finally said, "Mother, do you know how the final meeting is arranged? It is at the execution ground. Are you sure you want to see him getting decapitated?"Evelyn trembled, her body shaking with emotion. "You must
When Carissa went to the palace to deliver her report, she also expressed her sympathy for Zoey besides presenting the confession. She didn't hide her admiration for Zoey in her words.Despite her difficult life, Zoey still had a kind heart. She continuously gave out food and medicine. Even though her whole family now lived in Skye Embroidery, she never asked for the money she had given away to be returned.Furthermore, Zoey had shown great courage and moral integrity. She had publicly condemned her kin for the sake of the greater good—a rare quality that many men, even among the nobility, could not aspire to.Recognizing the need for such an example to inspire his people, Salvador immediately issued an edict praising Zoey. He granted her 100 gold coins and a residence.As for the exiled men from the Prince family, they could return to the capital after the Southern Frontier won the battle, along with the Hell Monarch.Zoey had turned an impossible situation around. Now, who would
Oliver was a notorious criminal, and he should have been sent directly to the Supreme Court. However, Carissa took a different route. She had him detained at the Capital Guard headquarters, where he was to be interrogated first. Afterward, she planned to report the matter to Salvador. She would credit Zoey for her tip, and then plead for Caspian and Cedric to be allowed to return to the capital as soon as possible.Celeste was still detained in the Capital Guard headquarters. If she and Oliver met, it might uncover more secrets—such as just how deeply the Spencer family's collateral branch was involved in this mess.The two prisoners were held in adjacent cells, separated by only a narrow iron bar. When their eyes met for the first time, both faces changed instantly.On the way here, Oliver kept cursing Zoey for betraying him. But when he saw Celeste, he completely forgot about Zoey. He snarled, his teeth clenched. "You wretched woman, look at you now! It's true—bad people get w
Carissa and Violet set off together to investigate, disguising themselves as ordinary visitors. Upon arriving at Glowmere Sanctuary, they first offered candles and prayers before seeking an audience with the abbot. They made their identities known and inquired about a priest named Reuben.The abbot immediately summoned the priest in charge of guests, Carson Jenkins, as it was Carson's responsibility to handle the arrangements for priests who came to stay at the temple.Glowmere Sanctuary was one of the three largest temples in the capital, with a bustling number of visitors each year wanting to stay and listen to teachings. However, very few were actually allowed to stay.Carson recalled Reuben clearly. Reuben's spiritual skills weren't particularly high; originally, he wasn't eligible to stay at Glowmere Sanctuary. However, a few years ago, he had spent considerable time in the Southern Frontier, helping to guide the souls of the dead. Such compassion was a rare virtue, and it wa
Zoey composed herself, her features hardening into a mask of calm. "You should leave quickly. Once I've gathered the money, I will come find you. Until then, don't wander around and avoid being seen by the Capital Guard."Sensing the concern in her voice, Oliver was relieved. Women, no matter how sharp they might be with others, always seemed to lack a certain sense when it came to their husbands. After all, which woman didn't long for her husband's love?"You must hurry," he urged, "three days, at most."Zoey feigned hesitation, as though the request weighed heavily on her. "Given our current circumstances, as you well know, how could I possibly gather 3,000 silver coins in just three days?"Oliver's eyes gleamed with resolve. "Isn't Courtney a part of the Hell Monarch's household now? I know you have your ways. I'll wait for your word. But remember—three days! And don't tell anyone about it, not even Mom or Viola."With that, he pulled his hat low over his face and turned to
The citywide search tightened, and it actually forced Oliver to come out of hiding. But he wasn't searching for Viola—he was searching for Zoey.She had gone to Hell Monarch Estate to deliver a set of clothing for Courtney today. While she was out, she decided to pick up a few things for the ladies of Skye Embroidery. Afterward, she was making her way back to the workshop through the west alley when Oliver appeared.Her first instinct was surprise.Hadn't he told Viola not to tell Zoey about his presence? Why would he risk coming here personally to see her?"My dear, it is I," came a voice from beneath a wide-brimmed hat.His face was obscured, but the voice—there was no mistaking it.For a moment, Zoey was too stunned to speak, but then a surge of fury gripped her. She clenched her teeth, trying to swallow the anger that threatened to consume her. With a swift glance, she confirmed that the alley was deserted.Her heart sank as she regretted her earlier complacency. She had ass
Zoey questioned Viola in detail, asking how she had come across Oliver, what state he was in now, and whether he had brought his child with him.Viola recounted, "I was out yesterday to buy a stew pot, hoping to make some medicinal broth for Mom. After I purchased it, he came up to me. I was startled at first, thinking it was some pervert."But when he called my name, I recognized his voice. His face was so dark and haggard, and his eyebrows were shaved off. He has lost so much weight. If I hadn't carefully examined him, I wouldn't have believed it was Oliver."Viola paused as she recalled the encounter and Zoey's earlier words, still feeling a sense of unease.She continued, "He didn't have a child with him. He was alone. He told me he was forced to flee, and now there are arrest warrants for him everywhere. He has no money left, and with a child to support, things are really difficult for him. He asked me to talk to Mom about gathering 3,000 silver coins."Zoey quickly asked, "I