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
It took five days to finally wipe out the remaining rebels.News soon came from Thomas and Chester. Having captured the traitor, Clifford, alive, they were now on their way back to the capital. Also with them were the rebel leaders, including Yuvan, Harvey, and Wayne. They would arrive in the city in a matter of days.With the exception of Oliver, the remaining targets had mostly been caught.On July 25, the Royal Management Department organized Hayden's funeral. Due to the treason committed by Nicholas, the funeral was a modest affair. Salvador convened a council to discuss whether Hayden could be buried in the Princes' Mausoleum. Though he had been innocent, Nicholas' crime had stained his entire family.Carissa was not summoned to participate in the discussions. Instead, she, along with Hell Monarch Estate's staff, made their way to Willowbrook Estate to mourn.The funeral was kept quiet and understated, with no officials attending. Unless Salvador granted permission for Hayden
At Grace Mansion, the lanterns in the corridors cast intricate shadows on the window frames, resembling beasts looming on the walls.Carissa Sinclair sat on a chair with her hands folded in her lap, her slender body hidden beneath plain clothes. She looked at the man before her—her husband whom she had spent a year waiting for.Barrett Warren was still wearing his slightly-worn battle armor. Standing under the dim light, he looked commanding and handsome. His face showed a mix of determination and a touch of regret."Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for this marriage. Aurora will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett.Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has said that General Yates is a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?"Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife and equal to you.""Calling her that doesn't change an
It took five days to finally wipe out the remaining rebels.News soon came from Thomas and Chester. Having captured the traitor, Clifford, alive, they were now on their way back to the capital. Also with them were the rebel leaders, including Yuvan, Harvey, and Wayne. They would arrive in the city in a matter of days.With the exception of Oliver, the remaining targets had mostly been caught.On July 25, the Royal Management Department organized Hayden's funeral. Due to the treason committed by Nicholas, the funeral was a modest affair. Salvador convened a council to discuss whether Hayden could be buried in the Princes' Mausoleum. Though he had been innocent, Nicholas' crime had stained his entire family.Carissa was not summoned to participate in the discussions. Instead, she, along with Hell Monarch Estate's staff, made their way to Willowbrook Estate to mourn.The funeral was kept quiet and understated, with no officials attending. Unless Salvador granted permission for Hayden
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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