The rain was coming down in torrents.After visiting a few shops, they came upon The Golden Tower, the city's most renowned jeweler. Seeing it still open, Chaya expressed a desire to buy some jewelry. Hayden waved a hand dismissively. "Buy what you like."Inside The Golden Tower, Nathaniel spotted Hayden and quickly ushered them to a private room on the third floor. The Shadow Guard, of course, followed close behind.Hayden had been here with Chaya on several occasions. As a regular customer, he was treated well. Aside from Nathaniel, William and two attendants stood by to serve them.Delicate cakes were brought out, and Hayden invited the Shadow Guard to join them for a drink while Chaya selected her pieces.The Shadow Guard naturally didn't dare to sit down. He was there to keep an eye on Hayden, so he stood beside him. He watched Hayden chat warmly with Nathaniel, ensuring no suspicious dealings took place.Occasionally, he glanced at Chaya. Her large frame blocked the jewel
True enough, the Shadow Guard was focused on The Golden Tower's assistant. Seeing that the banknotes given from Willowbrook Estate's account room weren't enough, the Shadow Guard searched the shop assistant's body at the gatehouse. The shop assistant was only let go after the Shadow Guard didn't find anything.The shop assistant felt insulted but didn't dare speak up. He found it strange—The Golden Tower had been in business for many years, and many customers had outstanding debts. Usually, after collecting the debts, the master of the household would even offer refreshments.No one had ever searched a shop assistant like this before.The Shadow Guard reported this to Nicholas. He thought that since they had already searched the shop assistant and had been keeping an eye on things at The Golden Tower, it wasn't too important.After all, Chaya always found ways to make Hayden buy jewelry for her, showing she was a greedy woman.Nicholas had observed Chaya for a long time and felt
The conversation turned toward Hayden's predicament. His roundabout way of sending the letter showed just how difficult his situation had become.When Violet and the others had stayed there, they hadn't noticed anything unusual. Only upon their departure did they realize that something was off with Gordon."Prince Hayden is truly sacrificing everything for the greater good," Jacob said with respect.As a descendant of the Sanford family, Hayden never wished for this rebellion, especially when it involved his own son. The pain of it all must have been unbearable for Hayden.They had investigated before and uncovered some of the inside details. Jacob sighed heavily. "Prince Nicholas launched the rebellion in Prince Hayden's name, dragging him into this mess. Now, in his old age, he must bear such a stain on his reputation."They were father and son. Though the throne had been forced upon Hayden, the world would never believe his innocence. The public would tear him apart, and the
At Willowbrook Estate, a light drizzle pattered from the eaves, leaving the entire estate damp and misty.Hayden stood under the corridor, listening—was that the sound of fighting, or just the rain?He stood there for a long time before finally turning and entering the house.Sonny lived here now. His legs were shattered, and he would never stand again. In addition to his leg injuries, his face bore fractures, and the constant pain tormented him. The pain from broken bones was excruciating.Hayden didn't visit often because every time he came, Sonny pretended to be fine and hid his pain. It was an act that made Hayden's heart ache every time.Inside, Chaya was tending to Sonny. She wiped his face and massaged his hands and back to prevent sores from forming after lying too long.Seeing Hayden enter, she took the basin away and said, "I was just about to feed him some millet porridge. Have you eaten?""No," Hayden replied. "Bring another bowl. I'll eat with him." He pulled a ch
As Nicholas rode out, he saw Clifford in the distance, which finally put his mind at ease.He knew how fearless Clifford was—once people were willing to give their all and feared nothing, they could achieve anything.This was the war Nicholas had dreamed of—the battle for his great cause. All the calmness he had once carried disappeared. The suppressed fire in his blood surged through his limbs, and the desire to rule the world filled him with an overwhelming strength and conviction.He believed that ambition was the most powerful force in the world, and that it was unstoppable.What he didn't realize was that ambition wasn't the strongest force. The greatest forces were love and hate, justice and unity.It was the patriotism of Carissa, the commander of the Mystic Army!It was the hatred of Carissa, whose family had been slaughtered!It was also the union of soldiers and martial artists, working together to expel the rebels and uphold justice for the people!Nicholas quickly
Under Hans' command, the private soldiers didn't retreat. Instead, they fought increasingly harder.They weren't Yuvan's soldiers. Over 10,000 of them had been carefully selected by Nicholas over the years, trained through countless battles.Many of them carried tragic pasts, lives marked by pain and loss. They harbored deep resentment against the world and saw this war as their chance to turn the tide of their fate. As long as someone was leading them, they would not easily surrender.The Mystic Army would win, but it would not be quick, nor would it be without heavy losses.Carissa knew that if they didn't surrender, the bodies would pile up—more lives would be lost with each passing moment. So she chose a team of elite soldiers, including the Meadow Ridge squad, with the mission to take Hans' head.Without a commander, the enemy's forces would be much easier to defeat.Carissa devised a plan—Bun and Travis would first break through their formation and clear a path. Then, she a
Salvador looked down at Nicholas from his lofty position, undisguised hatred brimming in his eyes. "Is that so? You claim you wish to bear your dad's punishment, yet I cannot let an innocent man suffer in your place. As for who truly plotted treason and sought to usurp the throne, I will investigate that thoroughly myself."Tears welled in Nicholas' eyes. He spoke with deep sorrow, his voice trembling. "Your Majesty, there's no need for an investigation. My guilt is certain. My dad was simply a fool for a moment."Salvador sneered. "You disappoint me. Is this truly the best you can do? Where is your sense of honor? The self-awareness that the victors write history? You are no great leader. With such character, how dare you even think of claiming the throne and ruling a nation? Nicholas, don't make your followers regret ever supporting you."Nicholas ignored Salvador's words, repeating his heartfelt plea to protect Hayden. "I am willing to bear my dad's sins!"The officials didn't
Upon hearing that Hayden had taken his own life, Nicholas was momentarily stunned.Then, he cried out in a voice filled with despair, "Dad, you didn't have to die for your crimes! I promised I would take the blame for you!"Chaya hadn't planned on living anyway, having resolved to follow Hayden to the grave. So, when she heard Nicholas' words, she fearlessly rushed forward and struck him on his head.Her fist was powerful, landing squarely on the top of his skull. Nicholas felt as if a bolt of lightning had struck him. For a long moment, his head buzzed. Finally, he looked up and glared at her, a venomous look in his eyes.Chaya spat at him and coldly said, "You wretched man! You've used the lives of Nerovia's people and the old retainers of the estate to blackmail Prince Hayden into taking the fall for you. Prince Hayden never had any intention of rebellion. Even under your strict surveillance, he tried to send word to Commander Sinclair. Don't you dare tarnish his name!"After C
Spring Pavilion was full that day.The restaurant wasn't very big to begin with, and it usually had some customers. The black-clad men that lady brought had taken up all the remaining seats.Carissa, Violet, and Travis had to sit at a small table the owner had set up at the last minute, separate from the others.The man's voice, soft and apologetic, reached Carissa's ear. It was warm and pleasant. "These are my brothers-in-arms. We've been traveling since last night and haven't had a bite to eat. If it troubles you, I can have them wait outside and just pass them some bread each when we're done."Violet paused, surprised, but quickly shook her head. "No need for that. Please, let them stay. They can sit where they like and order what they wish."The man smiled kindly. "You are kind-hearted, miss. In that case, we'll order freely, and we'll take extra.""Alright… That's fine," Violet replied, casting a glance at the sea of black. The men were dressed in a way that suggested some
Carissa studied the man and woman carefully, feeling a sense of unease. She couldn't quite place their age. They looked to be in their thirties, yet there was an undeniable vitality about them, as if they were no older than twenty.Her gaze moved to their eyes, particularly the man's. His eyes were as deep and mysterious, yet they held the calculating sharpness of a seasoned old fox.Before Carissa could say anything, the man stepped forward and spoke. "This is where the orphanage is being built? Is the local government funding it?"Travis glanced at them, noting their perfectly spoken Starhaven dialect. They clearly weren't from Victory Pass, yet he saw no malice in their faces. He nodded. "Yes, it's a place to take in abandoned children," he replied. "It's being supported by the local government."The man nodded. "That's a good cause."Carissa stepped forward. "Are you from the capital?"The man regarded her but didn't answer her question. Instead, he asked, "Are you the He
Kendrick didn't wake until well into the afternoon the following day, his body heavy with exhaustion and hunger. When his eyes finally fluttered open, he felt as if his entire body had been shattered. Every muscle ached, and lifting even his arm seemed like a Herculean task.The weariness sank deep into his bones, and he had no energy to move. His attendant, a trusted servant by the name of Avery, stood at his bedside, awaiting his attention. He said quietly, "Your Highness, Lady Carissa has been waiting for you for half the day. She wishes to speak with you."Kendrick had initially planned to stay in bed, have all his meals brought to him, and then drift back to sleep. He was simply too tired to move. But when he heard that Carissa had waited so long, he immediately threw the covers off and commanded, "Prepare me, quickly."Over the course of the journey, Kendrick had come to understand just how formidable Carissa was. As a woman, she had never once complained about exhaustion
After lighting a candle for Edith, everyone returned to the backyard. They wiped away their tears, set aside their grief, and gathered around Carissa to ask about her married life. The most frequent question was about how well Rafael treated her.That was how families were. They knew she was capable, yet they couldn't help but yearn for her spouse to treat her with genuine love and care.Carissa had many cousins, all daughters of her uncles, but most had only met her a handful of times. Still, when they saw her, they were all overjoyed.Her cousins were all married, and many had returned to Victory Pass with their husbands and children. Having heard so much about Carissa, they couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and sympathy.Among them was Shayla Sullivan, the eldest daughter of Carissa's second aunt. She had married Chase Hudson, one of Dominic's subordinates. But within a year of marriage, Chase died in battle before their child had even been born.Now, the child was 12
After nearly twenty days of grueling travel, they finally arrived at Victory Pass on the third of August.The heat had been unbearable along the way, causing many in the party to fall ill. Fortunately, Carissa had come well-prepared with plenty of medicine. They had also brought along a royal physician, Dorian, who was able to manage the illnesses without any major issues.But Kendrick, having never endured such hardship, was exhausted beyond measure. By the tenth day of their journey, he could barely speak. His face and lips were pale, and the exhaustion was evident in every line of his features.When they finally reached the outskirts of Victory Pass and saw the Sullivan family and the troops come out to greet them, Kendrick collapsed. The sight of him fainting right there gave everyone a fright, and they quickly rushed to carry him back.However, Carissa barely noticed Kendrick's condition. As soon as she saw her family, she ran straight into her grandfather's arms, tears stream
On the twelfth day of July, the Starhaven envoy delegation departed the capital in a grand procession, heading toward Orivenia.Rafael rode alongside the group for five miles, only reining in his horse reluctantly when Dylan and Jacob both insisted it was time to stop. Carissa turned back to wave at him, her smile as bright as ever. There wasn't a hint of sadness on her face.Rafael gazed after her, his eyes filled with longing.But under his breath, he muttered, "She's heartless, truly heartless."The sun had risen high, and the road was still and stifling with the lack of wind. Still, Rafael waited until the last of the procession had disappeared from view before reluctantly turning his horse around and heading back.This journey to Orivenia was a significant one. Carissa had brought along three hundred men from the Mystic Army, as well as Travis, Violet, and the others.Though the two kingdoms enjoyed a temporary peace after the last conflict, Leroy had made public what happen
The evening before the trip, Carissa, accompanied by Rafael, made her way to bid farewell to Helen. Since she was leaving early in the morning, before her mother-in-law would be awake, Carissa chose to say her goodbyes the night before.Helen had known about the trip to Orivenia for some time. At first, she hadn't fully understood the situation and felt Salvador's order was a bit much. Why did it have to be Carissa, of all people, who had to undertake such a long and tiring journey?But after hearing from Violet that the real purpose of the journey was for Carissa to visit her maternal family, Helen only sighed quietly."The greatest pain in life is the separation from loved ones, whether by life or death. And the greatest joy is the reunion with loved ones after a long time apart."Of course, those words were spoken to Violet, and would never be said in front of Carissa. To say them to her would be like rubbing salt in an open wound. After all, Helen had come to love and cherish h
In the blazing heat of July, a letter from Westhaven arrived.Westhaven's king, Edmund, had abdicated. Grand Princess Lisandra was now queen. She had taken the throne and assumed control of the kingdom, and its name was officially changed from Westhaven to Orivenia.The new queen invited Starhaven to send an envoy delegation to attend her coronation and to discuss the long-standing border disputes. Lisandra had already ascended the throne, so attending the coronation was merely a formality. The true purpose of the visit was to negotiate the border issue.When the Westhaven envoy delegation previously came to Starhaven, their primary goal was the border—an issue that had been put on hold due to internal unrest. It was also the matter that had weighed most heavily on Lisandra's mind. So, with her coronation behind her now, she wasted no time in reopening the talks.At the morning court session in Starhaven, there was unanimous agreement that old grudges were behind them. Both kingdom
At Hell Monarch Estate, Carissa and Cynthia were busy teaching Roxana and Courtney martial arts. Mostly, it was Cynthia who took charge of Roxana's lessons, while Carissa kept company with Courtney, observing but not actively participating.Work at the Capital Guard headquarters was actually quite busy, but time seemed to slow down, bringing a sense of calm to everyone's hearts. No matter how long this period without suspicion would last, they decided to cherish each day as it came.But there was one thing that weighed heavily on Carissa's mind—Rafael's health.Although he was gradually recovering, his vitality had been severely damaged. Working tirelessly every day, leaving early and returning late, with irregular meals and inconsistent medication, he wasn't able to rest properly, which was always a worry.Bun came down the corridor and approached Carissa, saying, "Vivi says she won't be home tonight."Carissa nodded, her expression unchanged. She didn't need to ask. She knew exa