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,
The mother and son pair spoke in the royal study for nearly two hours.After Victoria left, Salvador issued an edict lifting Kylie's house arrest. However, the authority to manage the harem was not immediately returned to her.Upon hearing Derek's message, Kylie was at first hesitant to believe it. How had the house arrest been lifted so suddenly?But then she remembered—it must have been the rumors she had people spread earlier. The queen was still alive, yet they wanted to send her son to be raised in the queen dowager's palace? That went against tradition.So, after the house arrest was lifted, Kylie didn't immediately go to express her gratitude. Instead, she headed to the study to visit Connor.Upon seeing his mom, Connor's face lit up with joy. Ignoring the fact that Trevor was still giving a lesson, he sprang to his feet and ran straight into Kylie's arms. "Mom, I've missed you so much! When will you come and take me back?"Kylie bent down, resting her hands on his shoulde
Kylie timed her visit perfectly and made another trip to the study to personally retrieve Connor. Together, they returned to Serenity Palace to offer their greetings to Victoria.The procession was grand, with a whole entourage following behind. Even Connor was carried back by a young chamberlain, only being set down once they reached the palace gates.Kylie straightened her appearance and held Connor's hand firmly as they entered.After performing the proper gestures to greet Victoria, Kylie remained on her knees and maintained perfect decorum throughout the entire time.However, Victoria made no motion to let her rise. Instead, she turned her attention to Connor, gesturing for him to approach. "Did your tutor praise you today?"Connor hesitated, shrinking back slightly. He cast a cautious glance at Victoria before answering in a timid voice, "The tutor forgot to praise me today."Still kneeling, Kylie quickly interjected. "Mother, Mr. Young is strict and doesn't hand out compli
The events in the study and at Serenity Palace were quickly reported to Salvador, leaving him restless and irritable. Coupled with days of intense planning, the strain weighed heavily on him, and the relentless headaches only worsened.Lifting Kylie's house arrest had been part of Salvador's preparations for Connor. If Connor was to be Crown Prince, his mom couldn't remain under the shadow of punishment. Salvador had hoped Kylie's time in confinement would lead her to reflect and understand the dangers of indulgence—that spoiling a son was no different from harming him. Yet, Kylie had emerged with an even stronger determination to keep Connor close, convinced that his presence was the key to securing her own position.Salvador pushed his dinner away, his appetite nonexistent. He forced down a few bites to keep his stomach from aching and sipped the bitter medicine prescribed.He had no choice but to drink it. Every day he managed to hold on felt like a small victory.But the loom
Salvador seemed much more clear-headed now, no longer as muddled as he had been in the palace.He smiled. "There's no need for formality. Please relax. I only came here to the estate to see Mr. Spencer and have a chat. I was feeling a bit restless."Carissa replied, "In that case, I won't keep you from your conversation with Kyle. We shall take our leave.""Don't rush off," Salvador said, his gaze turning toward her with genuine concern. "Since you're here, stay and talk for a while. How is your injury? Are you feeling better?"Carissa lowered her hand again, which she had just propped up, and answered, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. It's getting better, but the physician insisted I rest in bed for a few more days.""I see." Salvador nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Injuries to the muscles and bones need proper care."He said this, but he didn't allow Carissa to leave. Everyone in the room stayed, either sitting or standing, and kept them company.After a moment o
Kyle's painting was truly impressive—his brushwork brought the image to life with remarkable detail.Everyone in the room gazed at the figure on the paper, then looked at Salvador, who still sat in his chair without showing any sign of fatigue. It was as though the man had stepped right into the canvas. Even his earlier expression was captured perfectly.The fine lines near his eyes, the few strands of white hair at his temples, the small black mole at the corner of his mouth, and the subtle creases on his lips—all of it was there, down to the last detail. Though the colors had yet to be applied to his clothes, the intricate patterns were already outlined, and it was identical to the real thing.Salvador seemed like he was seeing such a clear version of himself for the first time. He stared for a while, then touched his face and said, "I really have gotten older." He rarely even looked into a mirror. When he did, it was never this clear."You're not old, Your Majesty," Derek said
In the study, the lamps were still lit.Hearing Kyle's words, Carissa let out a long sigh of relief. "Then, my injury should heal faster. I've been feeling utterly stifled.""Tonight was truly terrifying," said Jacob.Kyle glanced at Carissa and sighed softly. "If the king really follows in Yuvan's footsteps, then Rafael would take after Nicholas.""He'll weigh the consequences," Jacob said."I just don't understand him. When I was a child, the king was close to my second brother and the others. He treated me like a younger sister. After I entered court, he regarded me as a minister. So, why this sudden change of heart?" Carissa vented, deeply frustrated."Sudden? Have you forgotten that after the Southern Frontier was reclaimed, he once considered making you his concubine?" Jacob reminded her."I always thought he only meant to use me to force Raf to relinquish his military power," Carissa replied.Back then, her being Hector's daughter had also played a role—marrying her and
Just as Jacob feared, many people secretly tried to pry information from the servants of Hell Monarch Estate. Fortunately, they had been warned in advance, so no matter what was asked, they all claimed to know nothing.But the tighter the people in the estate kept their lips sealed, the more it fueled suspicion. This entire affair was far too unusual.A king leaving the palace was nothing like stories depicted—where a ruler could simply disguise himself and slip into the streets with a handful of guards to observe the lives of his people.Even when visiting the households of nobles for a joyous occasion, the king's arrival would be announced well in advance. The host family would have time to make proper arrangements. Some even built new gardens or refurbished their homes, laying down soft carpets, planting fresh flowers, and preparing lavish feasts to welcome him.For a king to leave the palace in the dead of night to privately visit a vassal's estate, traveling by carriage and ac
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