Salvador promptly dispatched Ian to personally oversee the riverworks. Upon arrival, Ian found himself greeted by Cameron, who skillfully guided him through an inspection of the project's progress.The riverworks had been ongoing for a while, and the reservoir was nearly complete. The quality of the reservoir was excellent, with the dam built solidly.After inspecting the reservoir, they also checked the river channels. The dredging of the channels was complete, and the previously damaged dams had been repaired, raised, and reinforced.Ian also sent people to chat with the riverworks project workers. The rough men, tanned from the sun, seemed a bit shy in front of the officials. Basically, they answered every question posed to them. When asked if they had any complaints, they hesitated for a moment before asking if the food could be improved, requesting more fatty meat.Ian found them to be straightforward men with no signs of hidden resentment or malice.Next, he inspected the te
After two days of careful observation, Carissa decided on her target: Miles Grant, the deputy head of the Waterworks Department.He was 35 years old and had served five years in the Ministry of Infrastructure. Born to a family of farmers and scholars, he lost his parents at a young age. To secure his education at the most prestigious academies, he drained his older brother of every last resource.After passing the last level of the national examinations, Miles entered government service. His obsession with wealth and his miserly nature were well known. He had long since severed ties with the brother who had once supported him, casting him aside like an old shoe.If that weren't enough, Miles had also discarded his first wife, citing jealousy as the excuse. Then, he remarried the only daughter of his former mentor, who was the headmaster of Whitecloud Academy. His mentor had since passed away, and while Miles' second wife came from a noble background, she was treated no better than t
Carissa sat back in her chair and said, "The king has known about your corruption for some time now. He's allowed me to handle this privately to give you a chance. If you confess, your life will be spared. If you can provide valuable information, the worst you'll face is a demotion. You'll still be able to work your way back into the ranks."Miles had been around long enough to understand what she was implying. Offering valuable information could only mean one thing—betraying both his superiors and subordinates.There was no doubt in his mind that Carissa spoke the truth.Two things made it clear. First, Ian and his men had been constantly patrolling the river. Second, Carissa's personal involvement in the interrogation. If Salvador hadn't authorized it, she wouldn't need to be here and could have easily sent someone else to extract the truth through torture.Of course, Miles had no idea that Carissa had already analyzed his situation in detail and anticipated his thoughts.She le
Still, hardship was inevitable.Travis broke Miles' leg, then secretly sent him to Arcane Sanctum. The story he was to tell the outside world was that he had drunkenly fallen and fractured his leg. This would allow him to rest at home without drawing any attention.Once the matter was settled, Travis returned to ask Carissa, "Why don't we send him back to gather intelligence for us? We could intimidate him and tell him the king has ordered him to spy. He wouldn't dare disobey."Carissa shook her head. "He won't be able to uncover anything and will be more likely to slip up."Travis recalled the pathetic state Miles had been in earlier. Indeed, he was of little use. Sending him to investigate would quickly attract suspicion from Cameron. It was safer to let him stay home and nurse his leg. That way, they could be sure of a clean outcome.Even if colleagues came to visit him, Miles wouldn't dare say anything reckless. Someone as selfish as him would surely want to take all the credi
Because Salvador assigned Galen to handle other matters, the management of Astral Prison had been left to the Supreme Court officials, with Randall overseeing it.Later that evening, Randall arrived at Hell Monarch Estate to see Carissa. He mentioned there was something troubling him and needed her advice. Carissa only ate a few bites of her meal before rushing out to meet him, her mind preoccupied with worry about Zoey and her children.However, when she heard Randall's concerns, she learned that the problem was with Evelyn and Viola.Since their arrival at Astral Prison, the two women had been consumed with worry. Their meals, looking worse than what was fed to dogs, left them weak. Within days, they both began suffering from severe vomiting and diarrhea.Carissa had already provided some medicine for easing any symptoms of an upset stomach to Zoey, and taking it had helped Evelyn and Viola. But with the continued poor food, their condition had worsened again. Now, Viola was runn
"Do you think Madam Prince and Ms. Prince are in immediate danger?" Carissa asked."Madam Prince should be fine, but if Ms. Prince's fever doesn't break soon, she could be in real danger. She's too anxious. When she saw me, she kept grabbing my hand, asking if she was going to die. She kept babbling nonsense—blaming one person, then another, before turning the blame on herself for all the wrong decisions she'd made," Rowan replied.Carissa said nothing.She had no right to judge someone else's life, but she couldn't help but wish Viola wouldn't drag Zoey down with her. If Viola were to die in Astral Prison, it would only cause panic among the Earl of Silverstone's family. This would undoubtedly increase Zoey's already heavy burden."Rowan, please check on them again in a couple of days."He nodded. "Of course."Carissa thought for a moment, then added, "I'll accompany you when you go."She wanted to have a private conversation with Zoey. In a hopeless place like prison, having n
Although it wasn't proper, Carissa had someone buy two pots of meat porridge before Zoey returned to her cell. She told Zoey that it was a gesture of thanks from the common people, to repay her for her years of distributing food.This time, Zoey was moved to tears. She wished so much that her children could have a bowl of hot porridge, even if just a small spoonful.After leaving the Supreme Court, Carissa paused for a moment before instructing Jacob to spread the story of the supposedly donated porridge.Once, people had spoken highly of Zoey's charity. Over time, however, the talks had dwindled. Now, Carissa saw an opportunity to reignite that warmth, using this small act of kindness to revive Zoey's image.Naturally, Jacob spun the tale a little more, embellishing it with compassion. He spoke of a man who had once been a starving refugee from the outskirts of the capital. He had been barely alive, eating the porridge at the charity stalls for several days. Before he left the cit
The Mystic Army's defensive measures turned the capital into a place of unease and tension.With a curfew in place, many businesses in the entertainment districts found their activities stifled. Coffeehouses and taverns closed their doors at sunset, and by night, the city seemed as lifeless as a tomb.The strategy now was simple—if the enemy did not move, neither would they.The riverworks project continued without interruption. As long as the work did not stop unnecessarily, the Mystic Army would remain on standby, prepared to mobilize at any moment. Carissa knew that this was the only way to gain an advantage.If the work remained uninterrupted, it would benefit both the court and the people.Though no open battle had yet occurred, the air was thick with tension, the scent of war hanging over the city. The city gates were now under constant scrutiny. It was unlikely that the true mastermind behind the rebellion would stay away from the capital.His life and wealth were at stake
Hayden clenched his fists, his anger and helplessness tightening his chest as he followed behind.The physician worked quickly, examining Sonny's injuries. Both of his legs were broken, three of his teeth were knocked out, and his face was riddled with fractures. Despite the pain that twisted his expression, he still grinned at Hayden, forcing a smile through gritted teeth.He tried to assure Hayden with a look that said he would be fine.Hayden turned away, his heart aching. The man who had stood by his side for so many years now lay in such a state. Fury surged within him, but there was nothing he could do.Back in Nerovia, he had ordered an extra emblem to be made, just in case the day ever came when Nicholas stole the original to mobilize Hayden's forces. If Hayden noticed in time, someone could use the duplicate emblem to stop Nicholas.Hayden hadn't expected it to serve its purpose this way, though.The chaos of the riverworks project was swiftly quelled. Cameron was arrest
As dawn broke, Adrian led them to the Glimmering Tower. It was then that Carissa realized they weren't the only ones who had arrived—many guild leaders and elders were present as well. Even Violet and Bun's mentor had come.When Violet spotted her mentor Conrad, she gasped in surprise and rushed toward him. "Sage Conrad, what brings you here? You didn't even send word beforehand!"Conrad smiled warmly as he looked at his beloved apprentice, indulgence in his voice. "I heard you were guarding the capital. Naturally, I had to come and lend you a hand.""Sage Conrad, you're too kind. I'll get another villa for you once we're done here," Violet said, linking her arm with his, grinning widely.Conrad scowled lightly, feigning annoyance. "Why would I need more villas from you? No more, I tell you. However, I did hear about a hot spring at Solitude Peak. I thought of buying it, so your fellow apprentices can soak and strengthen their bodies."Violet nodded enthusiastically. "I'll buy i
The black-clad assailants' Lightfoot Skills were extraordinary, and they scattered in all directions. Adrian could have pursued one of them, but catching all of them was impossible.However, he chose not to pursue anyone at all. Emerging from the shadows, his hand darted out and grabbed Carissa by the ear, twisting it until she yelped in pain. "So bold of you, wasn't it? To engage without proper defenses? Do you think you're invincible? Haven't you heard the saying that there's always someone stronger out there?"Carissa shrieked and flailed in protest as the lamps were lit by Jacob, illuminating the courtyard and revealing the bloodstains on everyone's bodies.Only then did Adrian notice the wounds on Carissa. Yet instead of softening, his grip on her ear tightened, and he hissed, "You couldn't guess what Nicholas was planning? And you didn't think to write for reinforcements from Meadow Ridge? Are you so arrogant now that you've forgotten basic caution? Just wait until your mart
Hayden gestured for her to lower the sword. "Not tonight. Neither side is ready."Chaya frowned, confused. "Why? Didn't you say Mr. Russell was formidable? If he's taking action, surely he can capture Prince Nicholas?""He won't capture him," Hayden replied, rubbing his temples. "General Farrell has Valken surrounded, but he hasn't launched an attack because he knows Mr. Murphy has already undermined Prince Yuvan's authority. "A portion of Valken's population has joined the so-called rebel forces. If the capital falls now, the officials in Valken and Nerovia will find an excuse, under the court's banner, to slaughter the townsfolk. That would spark even larger uprisings. That's why Lady Carissa can't act prematurely."Chaya hastily tossed the sword aside. "And why isn't it the right time for Prince Nicholas, then?""It's simple," Hayden said. "He needs Mr. Murphy to first defeat General Farrell in a decisive victory. Once General Farrell is dealt with, he'll move on to General Mu
By the early hours of the morning, the rain had lessened to a gentle drizzle, leaving the air cooler and the night more serene. The quiet respite lulled many into a deeper, more peaceful sleep.Seven or eight shadowy figures darted through the curfewed city, their movements light and swift. They barely left a trace as they touched down on rooftops, their steps silent.They arrived at the Capital Guard headquarters. The outer guards had already retreated for the night, leaving only Carissa and her companions waiting in the main hall, tense and alert.With a quick exchange of glances, the group gripped their weapons. The assassins had arrived!The dim light of the hall flickered, and as the black-clad figures descended, a gust of wind extinguished the lamps. Darkness enveloped the room, plunging it into an impenetrable black where even an outstretched hand became invisible.Amid the darkness, the faint sound of breathing and the subtle rhythm of movements became the only clues to
The damp, oppressive heat of summer seemed to weigh heavily on the spirit, stoking an inexplicable irritation in the air.Hayden, clearly affected by the weather, barely touched his dinner. After a few cursory bites, he set his cutlery down and announced that he was heading back to the study to practice his calligraphy to clear his mind. He gestured for Chaya to follow, and the two left the room.Before departing, Chaya made sure to take two heaping plates of snacks with her. After all, she wasn't about to let herself go hungry.Nicholas, still in his Gordon disguise, watched Hayden leave but made no move to stop him. It didn't matter where Hayden went—his every step was being monitored. Besides, Nicholas had far more pressing matters to attend to tonight.Back in his room, Nicholas locked the door behind him and methodically prepared for the night's mission. He changed into his stealth attire, then sat before a mirror. Opening a small wooden box on the table, he revealed an array
By evening, tensions finally erupted.The Waterworks Department had stationed soldiers to oversee the workers, ensuring work continued on schedule. Yesterday's heavy rain had halted all progress, but with today's rare overcast skies and no rain, Cameron ordered the workers to make up for lost time. In fact, he demanded they finish the project three days ahead of schedule.The workers were already agitated, and they refused. Tempers flared, and heated arguments broke out between them and the Waterworks Department officials. In a fit of rage, Cameron picked up a club and struck one of the workers. That single blow ignited an uncontrollable fury among the workers. Over a hundred men turned on the officials, attacking them in a chaotic melee.Fortunately, Carissa had already stationed people nearby to keep an eye on the situation. Word was immediately sent to Max.Max was wary, suspecting this might be a calculated ploy by Nicholas. However, based on their investigation, not all th
Adrian had also brought a cannon with him, though it had to remain outside the city for now. It couldn't be transported in just yet. This cannon, an improvement on the red canon of Nerathia, was the same one that had destroyed Everett's courtyard back then.In a few days, nearly all the martial factions that had been invited to Adrian's birthday banquet would arrive, each disguised in various ways. Knowing that martial artists would be thoroughly questioned at the city gates, they all decided to change their appearances completely.Adrian had specifically chosen people from Coldmoon Guild to keep watch at the Capital Guard headquarters and Hell Monarch Estate in shifts. There was a reason for this. The people from Coldmoon Guild rarely moved within the martial world, and they seldom visited the capital. Nicholas' men likely had never encountered them, which made them perfect for keeping Carissa safe without drawing suspicion.Adrian was certain that Nicholas' next move would be to
After the group entered the city, Michael was momentarily distracted by another merchant caravan arriving at the gates. He made sure to inspect them thoroughly, confirming that there were no issues before allowing them to pass.As he turned back, he noticed the merchant caravan was following closely behind the group he had just checked. Among them, a familiar figure caught his eye—a figure whose silhouette seemed unmistakable. It resembled Carissa's martial uncle from the Pathfinders Guild.The man's name was Everett, if Michael recalled correctly. But then again, the face didn't match. He thought about it for a moment, but the resemblance was only in the figure. The features—absolutely not. Still, Michael felt uneasy and decided it was worth investigating further.He instructed a few men to follow the caravan and watch for any unusual activity. An hour later, they reported back that the group had settled in a manor on Eastland Avenue. That area was known for being home to powerfu