After Jacob's investigation into Willowbrook Estate, he discovered that a few servants had indeed gone missing over the past few months.He inquired at every pawnshop in the capital, but found out that none of the missing servants had been purchased there, meaning they must have come from elsewhere. He even went to the government offices to check the slave registration records, but found nothing.Ultimately, after much discussion, it was Violet who decided she would stay at Willowbrook Estate. She told Carissa, "After all this time with Prince Hayden, I trust him. If he truly is the one who would deceive me, then I have no more to say."However, Carissa wouldn't let her go alone. She insisted that Violet bring Bun and Cynthia along. That way, they would be there to offer protection if anything happened. Besides, if Hayden truly felt threatened, he wouldn't have refused their company. After all, the more people to help, the better. On the other hand, if he had called Violet there
Violet observed the group before her. Two of them were shorter in stature, stocky and muscular. They had arms that appeared unusually thick, and their necks had visible veins bulging slightly. The other three were taller. Though their breathing seemed normal, Violet couldn't help but notice that their shoes were nearly spotless, showing no sign of dust. This suggested they practiced Silent Force, a type of internal martial arts.Those who mastered Silent Force could control their breathing, making it shallow or deep at will. Judging by their composure, Violet suspected their skills were considerable."Do you know martial arts?" she asked.The group all shook their heads, their faces looking notably sincere. "No."Violet took another look; in a sudden motion, she threw a punch at the shorter man.His eyes flickered with alarm, but then he quickly shut them, his face showing a look of fear.Violet retracted her fist. From the brief flash of light in his eyes, it was clear this
Violet smiled and muttered something about the dullness of it all, then checked in with Bun and Cynthia before leaving the estate.She made her way straight to the Capital Guard headquarters, where she found Carissa waiting for her.Carissa pulled her inside and asked, "Well? Did you find anything?"Violet replied, "There's movement at night—almost like patrols—but I never see anyone during the day. It's as if they vanish the moment the sun rises. I checked most of the courtyards in Willowbrook Estate, and there was no sign of anyone living there. I even looked in the servants' quarters, and the number of beds matches what Chaya told me about the staff."Carissa thought for a moment. "Could there be hidden passageways or secret rooms? The curfew is in place now. No one's supposed to be out after nightfall. If what you heard is true, then these people must be living at Willowbrook Estate.""If there are hidden rooms, that's another matter altogether," Violet said. Then, remembering
Salvador's investigation matched Winona's findings. Nicholas had not left his fief; he spent almost every day taking his wife and children to see plays or listen to music.In Nerovia, there were a few orphanages that Nicholas had established. They were dedicated to caring for orphans and the elderly who had nowhere else to turn. He would often attend a play and then visit one of these orphanages afterward.However, Winona uncovered something that Salvador had missed.It was the fact that Nicholas had once saved Eustace's life.This event occurred seven or eight years ago, when Eustace was not yet the head of the Spencer family. He had been ambushed during a routine inspection of his estates. By chance, Nicholas and his men had passed by, and he rescued Eustace from certain death.Nicholas was a modest man, and he had no desire for recognition or further dealings with the Spencer family. He had asked Eustace not to make a public fuss over the incident. To Nicholas, saving someone
The next day, Carissa went to the palace to meet Salvador. She suggested that all the Mystic Army soldiers in the Nightsteel Guard be placed back under her command.Upon hearing this, Salvador fixed her with a piercing gaze. "Are you suggesting that I hand over all the forces in the capital to you?""The Mystic Army, Your Majesty," Carissa replied, lifting her chin, her eyes unwavering. "The troops stationed outside the capital, including 15,000 men of the Sacred Fire Regiment, are being sent to Valken. The capital's only remaining line of defense is the Mystic Army, and it cannot be split any further."Salvador repeated the question, his tone flat but tinged with skepticism. "You want me to place all the forces in the capital, including my personal guards, under your command?"Carissa didn't hesitate or even consider whether he might suspect her. She simply nodded firmly and said, "Yes, Your Majesty!"Salvador looked at her for a long moment, then smiled. "Your husband commands
Back at Hell Monarch Estate, Kyle tried to comfort the fuming Carissa. "Sending Lady Helen and Ryan to the palace isn't so bad, is it? If the rebels really manage to break in, the palace guards are the most formidable. They'd be safer there than if they stayed at the academy or here at the estate."Carissa drank down an entire jug of cold water, the chill in it only deepening her frustration. "I know. That's why I agreed, but agreeing doesn't mean I'm not angry. He's not doing it to protect Mother and Ryan. He's using them as hostages. He knows that with Mother and Ryan in the palace, I'll have no choice but to protect it with my life, even if it means sacrificing everything."If the rebels broke into the capital, the first thing they would do was surround Hell Monarch Estate, capturing anyone useful to control Dominic and Rafael. Carissa wasn't unaware of this—she just hated the thought of Salvador's motives. Besides, if Helen and Ryan weren't in the palace, she could still fi
Carissa couldn't bring herself to tell Rafael about Helen and Ryan moving into the palace—she feared it would upset him.She received a letter from Rafael, which came along with the report of their victory in the second battle. Salvador had specifically summoned her to the palace to hand it over.Carissa knew Rafael had intentionally sent the letter through Salvador's hands, signaling that they hid no secrets. It was a gesture of transparency, even if it was a mere formality. But it seemed to please Salvador, who didn't put on the usual fake smile. Instead, he told her not to worry too much about the situation at the Southern Frontier. Victory was within their grasp.After her audience with the king, Carissa went to Serenity Palace to offer her greetings to Victoria and check on Helen and Ryan.However, she didn't find Ryan or Evan there. They were in class; as they were Connor's study partners, they had to follow him to the study.Moreover, Connor's tutor had changed. Trevor wa
The city was under curfew, with the Capital Guard and the Garrison Unit taking turns patrolling. The Royal Citadel had also sent over officers to assist in the efforts.At the city gates, Carissa had arranged for additional personnel to conduct thorough checks and stop any suspicious individuals.Since Alistair had fallen out of favor with the king, the Royal Guard had temporarily been placed under Kevin's command. Meanwhile, Ivan was now a trusted bodyguard to the king. He could still pass information between Alistair and the others.Homer, Felix, and the other scouts from the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team had also been integrated into the Mystic Army. They were given general ranks and were tasked with guarding the city. Salvador was intent on turning the capital into an impenetrable fortress.He knew these people had the skills, though he hadn't dared to put them to full use before. Now, with the situation critical, all those with titles but no real positions were brought
Spring rain was as precious as gold, even if the April showers came a little later than expected.Salvador stood outside the royal study, looking at the lamps swaying in the rainy night. Everything around him felt like a dream, a mix of reality and illusion.Rafael's figure had long disappeared into the rain, no longer visible. A bitter feeling stirred in the king's heart as he remembered how his brother had taken the medicine without hesitation, as if accepting the outcome without a second thought.While Salvador felt a sense of relief, it was tinged with a deep discomfort. He had pushed his younger brother into this situation.Rafael and Carissa were still young. Even without concubines, the couple could easily have three to five children in the future. But having taken the medicine, Rafael's line would end. Even if it could continue through adoption, it would never be the same as having a biological child.How could Rafael not feel an ounce of regret?As an older brother, Salv
"Has His Majesty grown suspicious of you again?" asked Carissa, startled to see the pill.Rafael shook his head. "Not at all. In fact, he trusts me more now. Many of the reports go through me and Mr. Murray before they reach him.""Then, why?" Carissa asked, confused."There are three reasons," Rafael replied, putting the pill down and holding her hand. "First, His Majesty trusts me now because he's been through so much. Also, his health has stabilized, which has eased his suspicions. But if his health falters again, and I have too much power and even children at the time, he might see me as a threat."Carissa nodded in understanding. "We can wait a few more years before having children, right? Wasn't the medicine you took previously supposed to last for five years? Since that time has passed, could you take another pill to buy us five more years?"Rafael squeezed her hand tightly. "This is the same pill. The first time, it lasts for five years. But if I take it again, it will pre
In the end, Grace couldn't hold out for long and passed on.When she learned that Caden, having lost his mind, had been sent away to a monastery to spend his days, she was already near the end of her strength. The pain, relentless as a shadow, gnawed at her day and night. And on a bitterly cold night, she breathed her last.Victoria took charge for a time, sending away all the palace servants involved. What happened to them remained unknown to Carissa and the others.With the sudden loss of the queen and two high-ranking concubines, coupled with the queen dowager's declining health, the task of overseeing the harem fell to Penelope for the time being.Salvador had no plans to marry again. He preferred to keep the harem simple and avoid any further complications.But despite her best efforts, Penelope lacked the strength to handle things properly. Every few days, there was some new problem. The matter of the concubines' allowances and the monthly payments to the servants caused end
Kylie stood frozen, her body tense with fear and sweat beading on her brow as she saw the black silk ribbon coming toward her neck. Desperate, she tried to talk her way out of it, her voice shaking."N-no, it's not too late. His Majesty loves Connor dearly. He wouldn't let him be without a mother. I must care for him myself. No one can take away my right to be his mother!"She paused, gasping for breath before adding, "And Lady Carissa once said... she said that Connor loves me. Those were his words. He's wounded, alone, and heading to Eldermere Keep. He can't go without me. I must go to him!"As the silk wrapped around her neck, Kylie cried out sharply, "Your Majesty, you can't do this! What have I done wrong? Lady Grace tried to kill Connor and wasn't sentenced to death, yet you're going to execute me just because I've been foolish? I've hurt no one!"Derek paused momentarily. There were things he wasn't supposed to say, but thinking of the injured Connor stirred his compassion.
Kylie's sobs ceased abruptly. For a moment, she stood frozen.Her voice trembled with disbelief as she asked, "What did you say, Your Majesty? Connor is not dead?"How could he not be dead? The funeral had already been carried out, and he had been laid to rest. The entire court knew of his passing.Salvador gazed steadily at her and said, "He is not dead, but gravely wounded. Both of his legs were shattered. If he survives, he'll never walk again. Healer Dalton has taken him to Eldermere Keep for treatment. If he recovers, he'll live under a new name. If not, at least the keep is a good place to lay him to rest."Realizing that the king didn't seem to be lying, a sudden wave of hope and joy surged in the queen's heart. But right after, confusion set in."If he is alive, why was the funeral held? Why not treat him here in the capital? What if his injuries aren't as bad as they seem? What if you've been deceived by Healer Dalton, Your Majesty? He's close to Lady Carissa, who has alw
Salvador didn't grant Grace a swift death.Instead, he commanded that her legs be shattered—one brutal strike at a time. Flesh split, blood pooled, and gleaming white bone pierced through torn skin.The pain was so unbearable that Grace lost consciousness multiple times. After hours of torment, she was unceremoniously cast aside, her broken form left to suffer in the Cold Palace.Salvador personally led Caden to the Cold Palace, his expression as cold as the wind that swept through its desolate halls.The king pointed at Grace, who lay curled on the ground and howling in pain, then said to Caden, "Your elder brother suffered far worse when he fell from his horse. His pain was unbearable. He died from it—slowly, and with no reprieve."Caden had long since been reduced to tears, his face streaked with grief and regret. As his legs gave out beneath him, he collapsed onto the cold stone floor, hands clamped over his ears as if that might drown out his mother's screams.Salvador then
Caden's eyes were wide with terror and his expression was one of sheer horror, as though he had been suddenly awakened from a nightmare.Gasping for air, he clutched his ears and shouted desperately, "No! Mom, I don't want this! I don't want my brother to die! I don't want it..."Grace collapsed to the ground. From the moment Salvador had taken out the caltrop, it was as if all her strength had been drained from her body, leaving her crumpled on the floor.However, Salvador paid her no mind. His gaze remained fixed on Caden, the coldness in his eyes unyielding."It is too late. Your elder brother is dead. You killed him," said the king.Caden whirled around, his head slamming into Grace's abdomen. A shrill, anguished cry escaped his lips as he shouted, "You lied to me! You said he wouldn't die! You said that he would only be crippled! You lied to me! You lied to me! I killed my brother—"The force of the impact left Grace breathless, her insides twisting painfully as if they migh
Grace received Salvador's arrival with a sense of dread.The past days had been filled with Carissa's relentless probing, which had left Grace in a state of terror. Yet, despite her fear, a small spark of hope still flickered within her.Connor was dead, while Cecil was but a child and of frail health. It was Caden—intelligent as well as gifted in both studies and martial arts—who was undoubtedly the most suitable choice for the throne.If not Caden, then who? Could it truly be Cecil?If Caden were chosen, Grace was certain she wouldn't be blamed for anything. Salvador wouldn't tarnish the reputation of the birth mother of the crown prince and future king.Now, as Salvador arrived at Iridescent Palace, Grace's heart began to race. His presence could only mean one of two things. Either he had come to check on Caden's progress and finalize his selection as crown prince, or—more dangerously—he had come with evidence and questions regarding the events that had unfolded.Either way, t
During her investigation, Carissa learned a troubling piece of information from a young chamberlain. The caltrop Cecil had been playing with had indeed gone missing, and a palace maid had picked it up.The chamberlain had witnessed the moment the caltrop was picked up, and recognized the maid in question as Clara, who served Penelope, one of Salvador's concubines.It was clear to Carissa that Penelope had no reason to harm Connor. Her relationship with Grace and Sylvia was rather indifferent. Thus, Carissa formally petitioned Victoria for permission to conduct an inquiry within the harem and see if Clara was secretly loyal to someone else.As expected, Carissa uncovered that Clara had entered the palace years earlier as a low-ranking maid, assigned to laundry duty and forced to endure a hard life. She was from the same hometown as Lyra, one of Grace's trusted maids.Lyra helped Clara by making arrangements with the head maid, sending her to Penelope's residence to work as a cleaner