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 the Southern Frontier, Oliver could scarcely sit still. He hadn't expected Sandoria's army to really arrive, yet here they were. The letter from the Spencer family had been true.300,000 soldiers were marching in, their advance relentless. Over the past few days, Oliver had been discussing strategy with Timothy and the others. They didn't seem overly concerned."Let them come. We'll fight," they said, their confidence bolstering Oliver, though it didn't ease his mind entirely.However, the battle ahead would be brutal. Once the fighting became fierce, Oliver knew he wouldn't be able to stay in Redstone Manor, issuing orders from a safe distance.And even more troubling: Did Timothy and the others truly have the strength to win? The Sinclair Army and Hell Monarch Army had long been unruly and difficult to control. On top of that, they had spent the past two years focused more on farming than military drills. If it came down to an actual fight, he believed their chances of victory
The witch slipped quietly through the back door of Redstone Manor. After just a brief moment, barely 15 minutes, she was hastily escorted out again.But by then, Oliver was paralyzed with fear. His chest felt tight, as though he couldn't catch his breath. It felt as though he had been thrown into a vast, endless ocean and was unable to reach shore, choking on the suffocating sensation.The witch had come in for only a short time, scanning the room before she fixed her gaze on him and uttering a simple sentence, "Be safe, Marshal Prince."No matter how much Celeste pleaded, the witch refused to say more. Even when Celeste asked her to perform a ritual, she turned her down, saying it would be useless.The witch then looked at Oliver and said, "This land is a graveyard for military commanders. Marshal Prince, you should see to your family's safety."It was those words that sent a chilling wave of terror through Oliver.How many generals had been buried at the Southern Frontier? How
A flicker of disgust passed through Celeste's lowered eyes.What a waste—no skills, no abilities, lacking in both wisdom and courage, unable even to be ruthless. How could someone like that accomplish anything significant?But when she lifted her gaze, her eyes shone with renewed light. "You have a kind heart, my love. I didn't fall in love with the wrong man."Having made his decision, Oliver found himself unexpectedly calm.He cupped Celeste's face in his hands, imagining a future where they ran away together—living in secrecy, enjoying a life of wealth and leisure. That idea didn't sound half bad.He had known glory once, served the kingdom, and given his all. Who didn't value their life? He wasn't doing anything wrong.And honestly, to speak what shouldn't be spoken—whether he stayed or left the Southern Frontier, it would hardly matter. After all, Louis and the others didn't hold him in high regard."Send for Carl. I need to discuss things with him. If we are to leave, we'l
When Louis and Timothy arrived at Redstone Manor with Ivor Ziegler and Alec Walker, they saw the household guards of the manor loading crates into the waiting carriages.Recognizing Carl, Louis called out, "Leaving tomorrow?"Carl greeted them with a smile. "Yes, General Quinton. We leave first thing in the morning. Marshal Prince will escort them for part of the way, so we're getting everything packed tonight.""Marshal Prince will escort them for part of the way?" Louis frowned. How could the marshal leave camp at such a time?Carl shrugged nonchalantly. "It's just a short journey—only a couple of hours."Then, with a sly smile, he added, "Marshal Prince said that women need to be pampered. She's traveling far with such a young child. He said it's only fitting to see her off personally to show his regard."Louis understood Oliver's fondness for this woman, so it wasn't surprising that he would send her off. Louis didn't say anything further.A lavish feast had been prepared
"Elise, must your mouth run on without end?" Carissa frowned at her daughter, who had been chattering away beside Ryan from the moment he stepped through the door.The little girl's face was flushed from the sun, her hair tangled into a messy nest that made it clear she had only just returned from playing outdoors. She hadn't stopped talking since Ryan came back from his travels, pestering him with questions about what he had seen and done.Elise turned to Carissa with wide eyes, looking up with a face so innocent it could soften stone. She truly had inherited the best features from both her parents."Mom, I haven't seen Ryan in such a long time. Every moment without him felt like an eternity. We've been apart for so long, so of course I have a lot to say to him."Carissa's frown deepened. "And who taught you to speak in such a ridiculous manner? An eternity—where did that come from?""Sage Isaac said it to Aunt Violet. He went back to Meadow Ridge for a few days and said it to her
Though Ryan had told Cecil he was going on a journey, he didn't stay long at Eldermere Keep. After just seven days, he left and made his way to the Pathfinders Guild.He had initially planned to return to the capital to seek out Claire, but soon reconsidered. Instead of troubling her, he thought it best to directly ask Winona to teach him the art of disguise.It was not difficult to learn, but to do it well—to the point where no one could tell—was another matter. Such skill could not be acquired in just a few months.The simpler form of disguise involved merely altering one's features with makeup and slight adjustments to the face. This was fine for ordinary situations, but could easily be seen through in more challenging circumstances, like on a rainy day for instance.Therefore, Ryan knew he couldn't settle for such a basic method.The more advanced form of disguise involved creating a mask as a false face. However, these masks had their own set of problems. They were thick, unco
That evening, Ryan and Clarence sat by candlelight and spoke quietly. They avoided discussing court politics as Clarence had no interest in such matters. As long as the kingdom was peaceful, that was enough for him.He was no longer the eldest prince of Starhaven, and only had himself to look after now. Everything else had faded into the past.It was better not to speak of politics; it was too sensitive a topic. In his younger years, Clarence hadn't understood why his "death" was so tied to such matters. But over the years, Sebastian had explained everything to him, bit by bit, including the risks and consequences.The bond between Clarence and Cecil was not without affection. However, to gamble with one's life and future for the sake of family might not be the wisest choice for any of them.Clarence had come to terms with it. Life had to go on; it was better to live it well today than to wonder about tomorrow."Aunt Carissa said you're no longer able to stand, but you were walking
The azaleas of Eldermere Keep bloomed in a riot of color, spreading across the hills in a blaze of purple and red. The sight was enough to dazzle anyone who set eyes upon it, especially those who had never visited this secluded place. It was the kind of beauty that made one long to stay forever.Yet, there was one exception.A young man rode his horse to the base of the mountain, dismounted, and secured his steed. Without a glance at the dazzling scene around him, he began to walk the path up the mountain, his gaze fixed firmly on the road ahead.The vivid azaleas stretched out along either side of the path, reaching out as if to claim him, but he merely brushed them aside with a casual swipe of his hand.His pace was swift, and he occasionally used his Lightfoot Skill. Eldermere Keep was not high up, but its location was well-hidden, with many winding paths leading in. However, he had studied the map countless times before embarking on this journey, so the route to the keep was et
Rafael glanced at the robe. "Isn't that mine? Are you saying I've gotten fat? I'm not fat.""Oh, is it yours? It's too long, then. I'll have someone alter it for me," Carissa replied casually.Rafael shook his head. "If you want something loose, just have someone make it for you. Why bother altering my old clothes? It's not even comfortable.""I'm going to Meadow Ridge for a year. Wearing your clothes will make it feel like you're still with me," Carissa said with a bright smile, as if the idea of being apart for a year was no more serious than being apart for a day."A year?" Rafael looked shocked. "You're going back for a whole year? Why?""Well, of course, my mentor misses me, and I miss him too," Carissa replied, placing her hands on her hips as she handed the robe to Lulu, who was standing by with a hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh."But I won't leave right away. Since Ryan is about to inherit the duke's title, I'll wait until that's settled before I go back to Meado
On the 13th day of winter, Salvador suddenly woke up feeling clearer than before. Saying he was hungry, he specifically asked for beef stew and milk pastries.Derek hurried to make the necessary arrangements. When the food arrived, Octavia sat by the bed as she had done many times before, ready to feed him. But Salvador insisted he wanted to sit up to eat himself.Derek gently helped the king sit up, placing a soft cushion behind him to support his back. Salvador had grown so thin that he seemed to be nothing but skin and bones. His body slouched as he sat, so Derek had to kneel beside the bed, holding his waist to keep him steady.Salvador finished an entire bowl of stew, eating it all without leaving a single bit behind. Then, he picked up a small milk pastry. But after a bite, he felt a little nauseous, so he didn't eat any more.Sebastian sent word to Victoria. After a brief conversation, her face turned pale and tears started to fall almost immediately. Though she had tried to
Once back at the palace, Salvador was unable to rise from his bed. Sebastian spoke briefly with him, hinting that he didn't have much time left. If there was anyone he wished to see, it should be done as soon as possible.The first person Salvador wanted to see was, of course, Victoria."That child… When he saw me, he couldn't stop asking about you. You didn't love him in vain, Mom," Salvador murmured, his voice weak.Victoria sighed deeply. "How cruel... his life must be lived hidden away in the mountains, never able to leave. Is there truly no hope for his legs?""I believe there is no hope," Salvador replied softly, his lips pale and drained of color. "But as I was leaving, he said, 'Dad, once I've learned enough medicine, I'll cure you. I'll make you better.'"Victoria's heart ached. "What a good child."Salvador's gaze drifted to the ceiling, his voice barely a whisper as he repeated, "Yes, he is a good child."After speaking with Victoria, Salvador asked Rafael to bring in
Salvador had temporarily settled at Eldermere Keep. The place was filled with every kind of medicine, yet his illness had reached a point where no remedy could ease his suffering.Still, staying there brought him peace. It was as if he had finally set down a heavy burden and could now live as an ordinary father. He spent each day with his son, sharing simple moments together.Carissa was allowed to visit and spend some time with Connor. He asked her about Ryan, specifically inquiring whether he had made any new friends."Ryan has no other friends but you. He always thinks about you," she reassured with a smile, thinking the eldest prince might be jealous.Connor was quiet for a long while, his expression tinged with guilt. Finally, with a deep sadness in his eyes, he softly said, "I have friends now, like Otto. Ryan should have his own friends too. I always think about him, but... I don't think I'll ever see him again."Carissa gently patted his head and smiled. "The future is lon
After the sun set behind the mountains, the temperature began to drop. Salvador had been carried up the mountain, but now, he was carrying Connor on his back as they made their way back into the estate.Connor had his arms tightly wrapped around Salvador's thin shoulders, and he couldn't stop the tears from falling. This was a scene he had never even dared to dream of. Not only had he never imagined being carried by his father, but even something as simple as having his father gently pat his head had always seemed like an impossible wish.But his father was so thin; there was no flesh on his back at all. How had he become so frail?Carissa and the others waited outside the gates. Not even Galen had been allowed in. Only Salvador's most loyal attendants, those who had carried the litter, were permitted to enter. The others, of course, were kept away from Connor. They all believed that Salvador had come to Eldermere Keep solely to recover from his illness.The estate itself was full