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
The two military advisors noticed the shift in Oliver's expression, so Alec quickly interjected, "Have you seen the archery skills of the Elite Marksmanship Unit, Marshal Prince? Or the ballistaes we've improved? They're quite ingenious.""I have seen them," Oliver replied curtly. When he first arrived at Southern Frontier, he had gone to oversee their training sessions.Timothy recalled the visit as well. But at that time, they had just selected a new batch of archers and had been working on their accuracy. They hadn't even had the chance to use the new ballistaes either."We also have matchlocks," Louis added. "But when it comes to a direct confrontation between armies, we won't be relying on them. A sword is far more effective. Speed is the key."Matchlocks were more useful in close-quarter combat, where there was cover to hide behind. After firing a shot, one could reload while staying out of sight. However, in a face-to-face battle, before one could even raise the weapon, thei
Before dawn, the carriages from Redstone Manor set off.The manor's guards saw Oliver off, as he had previously insisted on personally escorting Celeste and their young son. The procession slowly began to move forward.Originally, there were only five carriages. But after leaving the manor, several more joined them. These were arranged by Carl ahead of time. Now, Carl and his men rode ahead on their warhorses, clearing the path.It didn't matter if they were spotted—Oliver and his men were just seeing them off and would return afterward.But when night fell and Oliver had still not returned, the manor's guards began to grow anxious. They hurried to find Louis and Timothy.However, the manor's guards couldn't find them. Louis and Timothy had left the manor not long after the dinner last night, only to begin feeling dizzy and vomiting soon after. As they didn't share the same room, the guards attending them assumed it was simply the result of drinking too much, so they had the kit
Oliver's sudden flight not only shattered the morale of the troops but also left Louis, Timothy, and the others feeling deeply disheartened and demoralized. Had Oliver stayed and died here, the effect wouldn't have been nearly as disastrous.Meanwhile, rumors spread quickly throughout the Southern Frontier. It seemed someone was deliberately stirring the pot, creating panic and undermining the soldiers' spirits. If Sandoria claimed victory in the first battle, it would be a crushing blow, and the Southern Frontier Army would likely be on the defensive from then on.An urgent dispatch was sent to the capital, racing to deliver news of the crisis.Before the dispatch could even reach the capital, Salvador was the first to realize that Rafael had gone missing.On the fifth day of Rafael's sudden illness, Salvador sent Robert and Derek to visit Hell Monarch Estate once more. Jacob originally planned to stick to the story that Rafael had gone to Sebastian's villa to recuperate. On s
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
Salvador didn't fare well along the long and tiring journey, his condition worsening with each passing day. Sebastian did what he could—applying needle treatment and using medicine—but all he could offer was temporary relief. As they pressed on, the king's condition only seemed to deteriorate further.Fortunately, Salvador was a man of remarkable willpower. Despite his suffering, he gritted his teeth and carried on, unwilling to give in. He could not afford to back down—not now.Eldermere Keep lay in the southern province of Mendoria, where the climate was mild and temperate, perfect for someone needing rest and recovery. Even though it was now winter, the air was neither cold nor biting, more akin to the gentler days of autumn.The locals knew little of Eldermere Keep, though they often spoke of a physician's office that was the largest in Mendoria, as big as the one in the capital, also called Arcane Sanctum. There were other keeps, but this one was renowned for its abundance of r
Before Salvador left the capital, Rafael had already become regent and taken on the required duties. With his great military achievements, he had earned respect from both civil and military officials. At first, no one questioned his authority, and many even held him in high regard.However, with Salvador now ill and traveling incognito, rumors began to spread within the palace, warning people to be wary of the regent. The fear was that, as Cecil was still so young, Rafael might take advantage of the situation and eventually replace him.As often the case, such suspicion and rumors spread like wildfire, fueled by the mouths of many. Consequently, a number of officials lost their previous respect for Rafael. They even began to disregard his orders, paying them little heed and carrying out his commands half-heartedly.Noticing this troubling shift, Davis felt a sense of urgency. He decided to speak with Patrick, the Minister of Justice, who was also Cecil's grandfather and the father o
On the day of the first snowfall, a sudden idea struck Salvador. He hadn't attended court in some time, and now, seated on the throne, he declared his plans for a private journey to admire Starhaven's beautiful landscapes. As for the kingdom affairs, they had already been entrusted to Rafael, and that arrangement would remain unchanged.As Salvador appeared very thin and weary, many court officials tried to advise against the trip. But once he had made up his mind, there was no swaying him. He insisted that Carissa and Galen accompany him, along with Sebastian and Dorian.The very next day, they set off.It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision—Salvador had already discussed the matter with Rafael and Carissa beforehand. Sebastian had advised against it, but the king's mind was made up, so the renowned physician had no choice but to accompany him.While Salvador certainly wanted to see more of the kingdom, his true destination was Eldermere Keep, as he longed to see his son one last
Eustace waited patiently for Violet to finish her greetings before he could finally choke back his emotions."Rise, you little imp," he said softly, his voice thick with feeling.Violet slowly stood, her eyes brimming with tears. She tilted her head back, fighting to hold them in.At that moment, she regretted her decision. Why had she been so stubborn? Why had she insisted on getting married in the capital when none of her relatives were here?"Dad, once the wedding is over today, may we return with you? We can hold a celebration at home. Afterward, we can go to the guild and host another, if that's all right," Violet suggested.Eustace was pleased by the thought, but didn't want his daughter to wear herself out with so much traveling."Didn't you say you don't have many friends in Ebonflow? That's why you didn't want a grand wedding there," he reminded her."I don't, but you do, Dad, and so does our family. I can't be so selfish. I don't want you to be embarrassed because of m
Carissa had intended to spend more time talking with Violet today, but she had forgotten how many little tasks came with weddings. The hired bride attendants arrived to do Violet's hair and makeup, and before long, an hour had passed.Violet was already stunningly beautiful, but under the skilled hands of the bride attendants, she looked even more radiant—lovelier than the flowers themselves.Lunchtime came and went with only a light meal, and soon, the guests began arriving to see Violet off.As the groom's elder sister-in-law, Zoey wasn't supposed to be present but had insisted on coming. She said that since she was family to the groom, and as good as family to the bride, there was no problem. After all, it was a good day, and as long as everyone was happy, what did it matter?As Violet put on her wedding gown, a sudden wave of nervousness washed over her.Was she really getting married?Marriage meant taking on responsibilities—managing a household and having children. It woul
Isaac and Violet were finally set to marry in the golden month of October.In truth, Violet had accepted Isaac's proposal the year before, during the Starlight Harvest Festival. From that moment, she knew he was the one she wanted to give her heart to. When she agreed to marry him, she did so with all sincerity, trusting her feelings in that moment.It had taken a full year to arrange the wedding, but it wasn't because of the wedding gifts or dowry.Violet's dowry had been prepared by the Spencer family since her birth, gradually adding to it year after year. Now, they had even bought a house and a large estate in the capital. As for the wedding gifts, the Pathfinders Guild had long since prepared them on Isaac's behalf.Instead, the delay was due to differing opinions among the Spencer family, the Inferno Guild, the Pathfinders Guild, and Violet herself.Violet wanted to get married at Hell Monarch Estate, then have Isaac escort her to her estate in the capital. It seemed easier