"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
Violet and the others had stayed at Willowbrook Estate for so many days, turning the place upside down. Yet, they found nothing. She had decided it was time to leave.Spending every day following Hayden's indulgent routine of eating and drinking had become tiresome. Violet felt as if the days were slipping away, especially now that Carissa was so busy and she hadn't been able to help. It left her feeling unsettled.At dinner that evening, she turned to Hayden and said, "I'll leave tomorrow."Hayden glanced at her with a smile. "What's this? Haven't I treated you well with good food and drink? Why the sudden departure?"Violet answered honestly, "The food's been too good—every day, it's either mountain delicacies or seafood."Hayden laughed heartily. "You're like a wild boar, unable to appreciate the finer things!" He waved it off. "Fine, if you're tired of it, then go ahead."He called for Sonny. "Sonny, go to the storeroom and pick out some gifts. When they leave tomorrow,
Cynthia suggested testing the waters, but Violet immediately shook her head. "Don't try it. Pretend you don't know anything. We leave at dawn, and then we'll tell Cari and Jacob."However, a thought suddenly crossed Bun's mind. "But can we really leave?"Cynthia blinked, surprised. "You mean he won't let us go? He's going to keep us here? But Prince Hayden said we could leave.""Why did Prince Hayden call for Vivi, then? Have you thought about that?" Bun asked.Violet paced back and forth, feeling a bit uneasy. She had discussed this issue with Carissa before. It clearly wasn't about asking for help. Could it be a hostage situation?It didn't seem like that, either. Instead, it felt more like someone was deliberately trying to reveal a flaw for them to notice."Is it possible that Prince Hayden and Gordon aren't on the same side?" Violet murmured, recalling the strange dynamics during their stay at Willowbrook Estate. Gordon had been everywhere, yet he never felt quite present.
Hayden let out a cold grunt. He deliberately turned his face away, refusing to look at Nicholas.Nicholas stood tall and elegant, though he wore Gordon's face. In a calm and steady tone, he said, "I will fulfill my promises to you. The riverworks project will be completed. There will be no senseless bloodshed, no harm to the people of the capital, no destruction of crops. And rest assured, Dad, I will not let you die. Once I claim the throne, I promise you, you will be the one to ascend to the royal seat."Hayden scoffed, the derision in his voice unmistakable. "You really are the picture of a devoted son."Nicholas' gaze remained steady, his words sincere. "I have vowed, and I will keep my word. You will sit on the throne, ruling over all. No more threats from Sandoria, no more stagnation at the borders with Westhaven. The people will prosper, and Starhaven will flourish."Hayden spat contemptuously. "You, an ungrateful traitor working with Sandoria and Westhaven, have the audac
Hayden stood frozen, staring at the shards of his broken cup scattered on the floor. The pieces weren't particularly sharp, but they were enough to tear through skin, perhaps even slit a wrist.Slowly, he bent down and picked up a fragment. His mind was lost in a haze of dark thoughts.Before he could move further, a hand gripped his wrist, pulling him back sharply. "Be careful, Your Highness. You'll cut yourself."The sudden pain in his wrist was sharp as the grip tightened. The shard was swiftly taken from his hand.The man who had appeared was dressed in black, his silhouette swallowed by the shadows, as if part of the darkness itself. Hayden had no idea how many people like this were in his household. Everywhere he went, the sense of being watched clung to him.These people were more than just skilled. Their martial arts were advanced, and their inner force was formidable. They wielded weapons and hidden blades with frightening precision. Even when Hayden was with Violet a
Today was Adrian's birthday, but Everett insisted that it wasn't.It didn't really matter, though. Since Adrian wanted a lively celebration, he had sent out invitations a few days ago to the Meadow Ridge factions and a few of the more amicable martial arts guilds. Over 30 seats were set for the feast.Everett personally took charge of the event, as he handled most matters within the Pathfinders Guild. He didn't mind putting in the effort, but what bothered him was the stipulation his martial brother had made in the invitation—no birthday gifts. That was a bit much.The Pathfinders Guild had money, certainly, but it wasn't meant to be squandered so carelessly. When they went to other people's banquets or birthday celebrations, they never went empty-handed. There were always gifts and tokens of goodwill.But Adrian, a man who had more money than sense, couldn't stand being idle without finding an excuse to spend a little. He would never pass up an opportunity to splurge.What stru
Before I took the vows and entered the monastery, my name was Caden.From the time I was young, I often heard the same praise whispered around me: "This child is sharp beyond his years—clever, quick-witted, the finest of the three princes."I heard it so often that I came to believe it myself. At times, I even felt proud. But whenever I let that pride rise too high, Mom would bring me back to earth.She would look at me, her eyes soft but filled with something I couldn't quite name—pity, perhaps. And then, she would sigh and say, "What a pity you were born of my womb. If not, you might have risen above that foolish one. But fate favored him, not you."That "foolish one"—I knew well enough who she meant. I had heard her say it so many times in private, though never once in public.It puzzled me greatly as a child. Mom clearly disliked my eldest brother, Connor, more than anyone. Yet, whenever he came near, she would smile warmly and speak kindly. She would even flatter him, calling
Two childhood friends were now each giving their all on very different paths.Clarence had started with herbs, then medicine, and in time, healing became his entire world at Eldermere Keep. At first, it was merely something to pour his heart into, because he knew he would never be allowed to leave the mountain and open a medical hall of his own.But then Ryan came, and afterward, sent Clarence a letter.That letter changed everything.For the first time, Clarence began to hope that maybe, just maybe, he could go down the mountain after all. And once that hope took root, he threw himself into his studies with more energy than ever before. He barely slept, rarely left the apothecary, and sometimes forgot to eat.Because of the pain he had once endured, he focused his efforts on curing injuries and chronic pain. Of course, a good physician had to know more than one thing, so he studied every field without neglecting any.There was a fire inside him now. A quiet flame that had not bur
"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