Feigning illness was no simple task. Carissa couldn't just immediately claim she was too sick to handle official duties after today's awkward incident in the royal study. That would be too obvious, and would make future encounters between them awkward, with unspoken tensions lingering.For those in high positions, that might not matter much. But since Carissa and Rafael were officials, they couldn't afford to be disrespectful.After some discussion, it was decided that Carissa should go about her routine as usual the next day—returning to the Capital Guard headquarters and leading a team outside the city to maintain order. A few days later, they would stage a minor incident.Due to the recent chaos caused by bandits, many people had flooded into the capital seeking refuge. However, without proper documentation, they were unable to enter the city and were left stranded outside.Following Zoey's lead, many noble families and wealthy merchants had set up temporary relief efforts, offe
Before long, Helen stormed back into Serenity Palace, her temper flaring.Ignoring Keith's presence, she angrily exclaimed, "It's as if those living in the palace have no world beyond their own little corner! Narrow-minded, petty, with hearts as small as the tip of a needle! They can't stand to see anyone else succeed."Carissa has earned His Majesty's favor and is always by his side during discussions. But what do those people say? They talk about the so-called 'propriety between men and women' and even suggest it's improper for her to be alone with him in the royal study."How ridiculous! Have they forgotten that Carissa is a court official? Where else is she supposed to be if not in the royal study? In the harem, competing for His Majesty's favor?"Victoria slowly sipped her coffee. "Is that what they're saying?"Helen's eyes practically bulged with fury. "At first, I didn't know. They praised Carissa endlessly, saying she had changed and was always accompanying the king in the
After leaving the palace and returning to Hell Monarch Estate, Helen brought Ryan over to visit Carissa. Once the boy had finished speaking to his aunt and was sent on his way, Helen couldn't help but immediately blurt out everything she had overheard in the palace, including the harsh punishment Victoria had decreed.After hearing this, Carissa comforted her mother-in-law, saying, "The people stuck in the harem have nothing to do all day. They can't go out like you, strolling through the streets or attending plays. Of course, they make up stories to pass the time. Otherwise, how would they get through such long days?""But that doesn't give them the right to speak like that! To say such ugly things—that Rafael has been made a fool of behind his back? Is that the kind of thing people should say? Is that what elders should be saying? It's disrespectful!" exclaimed Helen, livid.Carissa sighed.She couldn't help but wish she had seen the signs earlier and gotten "injured" sooner. Bef
Rosalind nodded and said, "Then, I won't keep you any longer. Farewell.""Safe travels!" Zoey smiled as she bid her goodbye.Once Rosalind left, Zoey glanced at Viola. She noticed the light had completely drained from her sister-in-law's eyes, leaving behind a shadow of regret. Zoey understood immediately—Viola was lamenting the past again."There's no use in dwelling on things that have already passed. Let's go inside."Viola had summoned all her courage to come and visit Carissa, to whom she owed an apology and a thank you. Though she said she was accompanying Zoey and Luna today, she was actually here to face the past.She had told herself she was ready, but all her resolve seemed to shatter when she saw Rosalind.It felt as if something had struck her hard in the chest. Her mind went blank, and that forced smile she had tried to wear now felt like a mask she was afraid would crack. She was terrified she might break down in front of them.As Viola followed her sisters-in-law
After all the expected visitors have returned, Carissa could finally rest and focus on her recovery.Robert still made occasional visits, bringing medicines for healing and scar treatment. Jacob would always be by her side. He would thank Robert each time and ask him to pass on their gratitude.On this particular day, Robert arrived with Derek. Seeing an opportunity, Jacob decided to take Robert aside to discuss the treatment for the scars, giving Carissa the chance to speak privately with Derek.Carissa gestured to a seat across from her, inviting Derek to sit. "Was it His Majesty who sent you?"Derek settled down, and then cast a glance at the guards standing just outside the door. "It was His Majesty who sent me, though I had planned to come anyway. How is your injury, Your Grace? Have you been feeling better?"Carissa hesitated before meeting his gaze directly. "Do you think I'm healed, Mr. Walker?"He sighed. "Your Grace, you're quite perceptive. Your injury has improved, bu
The weight of the situation was immense, and for a moment, Carissa's mind seemed incapable of processing it all.If Salvador were to pass, Connor's ascension to the throne would be nearly certain, and it wouldn't be long before he was declared Crown Prince. A young king would need regents, and not just one, which would lead to factions forming within the court. In that case, the balance of power would inevitably be thrown into turmoil.If regents weren't appointed, it was likely that either Victoria or Kylie would take charge and rule behind the scenes.Kylie was ambitious, and even in her confinement, she was plotting for Connor's future. The Quinton family, though suppressed by Salvador, held vast power. If Salvador were to die and Connor took the throne, their influence would soar. Who wouldn't want that kind of power?Jeremiah was aging, and though he had already entertained thoughts of stepping down, he was still willing to support the new king. But once the power struggle
That evening, Jeremiah chose to stay in the palace.Salvador still hadn't visited the harem, nor had he returned to his chambers. Instead, he had made his bed on the couch within the royal study.Jeremiah watched as Salvador finished his medicine and then offered him a piece of candy.Salvador accepted it, but he didn't eat it right away. His expression softened, and he smiled. "I still remember. When I was younger, my dad would punish me here in the royal study. Afterward, you would always give me a piece of candy and say a word of encouragement."Jeremiah glanced at Salvador. "Yes, I remember that as well. You used to tell me that you wished to be a wise ruler one day."Salvador's smile faltered, and he bit into the candy. His voice grew muffled as he spoke. "Have I disappointed you, Mr. Murray?"Jeremiah shook his head. "No, not at all. In my heart, you're a wise ruler, Your Majesty.""I am not," Salvador said, his eyes darkening with a hint of regret. "I still have many am
The following day, Jeremiah went to the Royal Medical Department. All the court physicians, including the head physician, were present. Jeremiah sat, his gaze heavy as he surveyed them all. "I have only one question for you," he began. "Do you have any hope of curing His Majesty's illness?"The physicians fell into a long silence. After what seemed like an eternity, the head physician, Desmond Walker, looked up with tired eyes. The red veins around them were a testament to sleepless nights. He shook his head. "No, we do not.""Not even a glimmer of hope?" Jeremiah asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Not even the smallest chance, a method, anything?"Once again, the room was filled with silence. Jeremiah's eyes dimmed, his expression sinking until it was devoid of light. With a deep sigh, he finally spoke, his voice heavy with resignation. "Can you extend his life for two more years if we gather the full strength of the Royal Medical Department?"Desmond bowed his head,
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
Salvador had temporarily settled at Eldermere Keep. The place was filled with every kind of medicine, yet his illness had reached a point where no remedy could ease his suffering.Still, staying there brought him peace. It was as if he had finally set down a heavy burden and could now live as an ordinary father. He spent each day with his son, sharing simple moments together.Carissa was allowed to visit and spend some time with Connor. He asked her about Ryan, specifically inquiring whether he had made any new friends."Ryan has no other friends but you. He always thinks about you," she reassured with a smile, thinking the eldest prince might be jealous.Connor was quiet for a long while, his expression tinged with guilt. Finally, with a deep sadness in his eyes, he softly said, "I have friends now, like Otto. Ryan should have his own friends too. I always think about him, but... I don't think I'll ever see him again."Carissa gently patted his head and smiled. "The future is lon
After the sun set behind the mountains, the temperature began to drop. Salvador had been carried up the mountain, but now, he was carrying Connor on his back as they made their way back into the estate.Connor had his arms tightly wrapped around Salvador's thin shoulders, and he couldn't stop the tears from falling. This was a scene he had never even dared to dream of. Not only had he never imagined being carried by his father, but even something as simple as having his father gently pat his head had always seemed like an impossible wish.But his father was so thin; there was no flesh on his back at all. How had he become so frail?Carissa and the others waited outside the gates. Not even Galen had been allowed in. Only Salvador's most loyal attendants, those who had carried the litter, were permitted to enter. The others, of course, were kept away from Connor. They all believed that Salvador had come to Eldermere Keep solely to recover from his illness.The estate itself was full
Salvador didn't fare well along the long and tiring journey, his condition worsening with each passing day. Sebastian did what he could—applying needle treatment and using medicine—but all he could offer was temporary relief. As they pressed on, the king's condition only seemed to deteriorate further.Fortunately, Salvador was a man of remarkable willpower. Despite his suffering, he gritted his teeth and carried on, unwilling to give in. He could not afford to back down—not now.Eldermere Keep lay in the southern province of Mendoria, where the climate was mild and temperate, perfect for someone needing rest and recovery. Even though it was now winter, the air was neither cold nor biting, more akin to the gentler days of autumn.The locals knew little of Eldermere Keep, though they often spoke of a physician's office that was the largest in Mendoria, as big as the one in the capital, also called Arcane Sanctum. There were other keeps, but this one was renowned for its abundance of r
Before Salvador left the capital, Rafael had already become regent and taken on the required duties. With his great military achievements, he had earned respect from both civil and military officials. At first, no one questioned his authority, and many even held him in high regard.However, with Salvador now ill and traveling incognito, rumors began to spread within the palace, warning people to be wary of the regent. The fear was that, as Cecil was still so young, Rafael might take advantage of the situation and eventually replace him.As often the case, such suspicion and rumors spread like wildfire, fueled by the mouths of many. Consequently, a number of officials lost their previous respect for Rafael. They even began to disregard his orders, paying them little heed and carrying out his commands half-heartedly.Noticing this troubling shift, Davis felt a sense of urgency. He decided to speak with Patrick, the Minister of Justice, who was also Cecil's grandfather and the father o
On the day of the first snowfall, a sudden idea struck Salvador. He hadn't attended court in some time, and now, seated on the throne, he declared his plans for a private journey to admire Starhaven's beautiful landscapes. As for the kingdom affairs, they had already been entrusted to Rafael, and that arrangement would remain unchanged.As Salvador appeared very thin and weary, many court officials tried to advise against the trip. But once he had made up his mind, there was no swaying him. He insisted that Carissa and Galen accompany him, along with Sebastian and Dorian.The very next day, they set off.It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision—Salvador had already discussed the matter with Rafael and Carissa beforehand. Sebastian had advised against it, but the king's mind was made up, so the renowned physician had no choice but to accompany him.While Salvador certainly wanted to see more of the kingdom, his true destination was Eldermere Keep, as he longed to see his son one last
Eustace waited patiently for Violet to finish her greetings before he could finally choke back his emotions."Rise, you little imp," he said softly, his voice thick with feeling.Violet slowly stood, her eyes brimming with tears. She tilted her head back, fighting to hold them in.At that moment, she regretted her decision. Why had she been so stubborn? Why had she insisted on getting married in the capital when none of her relatives were here?"Dad, once the wedding is over today, may we return with you? We can hold a celebration at home. Afterward, we can go to the guild and host another, if that's all right," Violet suggested.Eustace was pleased by the thought, but didn't want his daughter to wear herself out with so much traveling."Didn't you say you don't have many friends in Ebonflow? That's why you didn't want a grand wedding there," he reminded her."I don't, but you do, Dad, and so does our family. I can't be so selfish. I don't want you to be embarrassed because of m
Carissa had intended to spend more time talking with Violet today, but she had forgotten how many little tasks came with weddings. The hired bride attendants arrived to do Violet's hair and makeup, and before long, an hour had passed.Violet was already stunningly beautiful, but under the skilled hands of the bride attendants, she looked even more radiant—lovelier than the flowers themselves.Lunchtime came and went with only a light meal, and soon, the guests began arriving to see Violet off.As the groom's elder sister-in-law, Zoey wasn't supposed to be present but had insisted on coming. She said that since she was family to the groom, and as good as family to the bride, there was no problem. After all, it was a good day, and as long as everyone was happy, what did it matter?As Violet put on her wedding gown, a sudden wave of nervousness washed over her.Was she really getting married?Marriage meant taking on responsibilities—managing a household and having children. It woul
Isaac and Violet were finally set to marry in the golden month of October.In truth, Violet had accepted Isaac's proposal the year before, during the Starlight Harvest Festival. From that moment, she knew he was the one she wanted to give her heart to. When she agreed to marry him, she did so with all sincerity, trusting her feelings in that moment.It had taken a full year to arrange the wedding, but it wasn't because of the wedding gifts or dowry.Violet's dowry had been prepared by the Spencer family since her birth, gradually adding to it year after year. Now, they had even bought a house and a large estate in the capital. As for the wedding gifts, the Pathfinders Guild had long since prepared them on Isaac's behalf.Instead, the delay was due to differing opinions among the Spencer family, the Inferno Guild, the Pathfinders Guild, and Violet herself.Violet wanted to get married at Hell Monarch Estate, then have Isaac escort her to her estate in the capital. It seemed easier