Once the speculation began to spread, some court officials encouraged Malcolm to approach Kylie for an answer. If these rumors proved true, it would be a matter of great consequence!The Hell Monarch was still embroiled in war at the Southern Frontier. If his wife was the subject of such rumors, how could he possibly remain focused on the battle?Even Davis was deeply concerned. He sought out Malcolm personally and explained the serious implications."The Hell Monarch is fighting for his life out there. This could not come at a worse time. We cannot allow such a scandal to derail his efforts," Davis said.After a brief pause, he added, "I hear Lord Wright intends to make an Oathbound Plea for His Majesty to clarify matters at court tomorrow."An Oathbound Plea was when a court official made a desperate, unwavering petition to the king, sometimes at the risk of their own life or career."The situation hasn't even been investigated and they're already resorting to such an extreme
Kylie laughed dismissively. "Mom, what are you saying? How could this have anything to do with His Majesty? He's busy with state affairs. Why would he bother with something like this? And what about Lord Wright? When did I try to get him killed?"Irvin was Meredith's father-in-law, and Kylie had no intention of making an enemy of the Wright family.Marjorie sighed deeply. "You're truly foolish. The Hell Monarch is away at war, and you're trying to arrange a secondary wife for him? People are still waiting for an explanation about why His Majesty kept Lady Carissa in the royal study after court for days and even visited her late at night. Now, this scandal breaks out. How can you expect people not to jump to conclusions?""They're just overthinking it and making wild guesses," Kylie replied.Marjorie studied her daughter's dismissive expression and shook her head in disappointment."Forget all those details that form the bigger picture. When His Majesty frowns or speaks a single wo
Salvador had no idea that things had escalated to this point.For the past few days, he had been working with the royal physicians to test a new treatment. The important matters in the court had all been left to Jeremiah. The treatment, which had been developed over several sleepless nights by the physicians in the Royal Medical Department, focused primarily on heat therapy. There was also needle treatment as a supplementary method, combined with a tonic to nourish and fortify the body.The results had been positive—at least the headaches had lessened, and he hadn't sweat as much at night. So, during the court session this morning, Salvador appeared to be in better spirits than he had been in recent days.Malcolm had sought out Irvin, but the man had his own opinions. Irvin's disappointment with Salvador was profound. To him, Salvador had disregarded his own safety, ignored protocol, and dismissed the state of the war—all for reckless pursuits.Furthermore, Irvin did not believ
Kylie's face was still streaked with tears, her eyes swollen from crying. When Salvador woke up, his first words were an order for her to leave.At that moment, everyone present was left stunned.After a long moment of stunned silence, Kylie choked up and said, "I won't leave. I'll stay here with you, Your Majesty.""Escort the queen out," Victoria ordered, her voice hoarse but filled with authority. Kylie had been here as long as Victoria had, waiting for Salvador to wake. She was nearly frantic with worry, but she had to stay composed—there were too many ministers kneeling outside, and she couldn't let them lose their sense of direction.The officials had initially knelt outside in the bitter cold. Upon her arrival, Victoria had asked them all to wait in the outer hall inside the main palace. However, they had stubbornly refused to rise, insisting on staying in their places. As long as Salvador remained unconscious, they would kneel.After the royal physicians finished the
Kylie was once again in confinement. This time, the order came directly from Victoria. Victoria not only placed Kylie under house arrest but also dismissed more than half of her attendants, leaving only a few trusted aides to serve her. To ensure strict supervision, Victoria handpicked a few reliable individuals to keep watch over Everspring Palace.It was while Kylie was tending to Salvador that she overheard Desmond mention the king's illness—the Black Veil.At first, Kylie didn't understand what that was. But after being confined, she asked Lydia. When Lydia explained how deadly the lung disease was, Kylie broke down in tears.She wept for Salvador's illness.And she wept because, at a time when Salvador should be naming his heir, Victoria had placed her under house arrest.To make matters worse, Kylie had foolishly offended Carissa.Because of Nathan, Salvador placed great importance on Ryan. If Kylie hadn't alienated Carissa, she could have convinced Carissa to send Ryan
Carissa couldn't allow Janelle to be unjustly slandered, nor did she wish to make an enemy of the Earl of Southstead's family. Since the trouble had begun because of her, it was only right that she provided an explanation.So, she instructed Luke to send an invitation to Southstead Estate, inviting the entire family to dine at the Glimmering Tower.At the same time, she deliberately let word of the invitation spread.As for why she wasn't inviting them to the estate—this was meant to be a public clarification, and holding it within her residence would be inappropriate.The Glimmering Tower was a place of high prestige, chosen to express respect for both the Earl of Southstead's family and Janelle.By announcing the invitation in advance, Carissa ensured that wealthy merchants and titled nobility with an appetite for spectacle would take notice. Solving the matter under their watchful eyes was ideal.In truth, this was also a form of compensation for Janelle. Over the years, she h
Carissa, accompanied by Violet and Cynthia, waited in Willow Pavilion.A servant led Hadrian, Katherine, Janelle, and their attendants through the garden, stopping just outside the pavilion to announce their arrival.Supported by Violet and Cynthia, Carissa personally stepped forward to greet them. Hadrian, Katherine, and Janelle quickly offered their greetings."There's no need for such formalities," Carissa said with a warm smile. "Please come in and take a seat."As she spoke, she took a subtle glance at the three of them.Over the years, she had met countless people. With just a look at their expressions, posture, and demeanor, she could usually discern quite a bit about them.The Earl of Southstead wore a long black cloak over a richly embroidered tunic adorned with golden-threaded patterns of flora and fauna. A thick gold-trimmed front closure fastened the garment, and a heavy string of polished onyx prayer beads rested against his chest.He looked both noble and devout. Y
Once the meal had ended, Violet suggested taking Hadrian and Katherine for a walk to explore the grand courtyard of the Glimmering Tower.Not far from the establishment stood a bustling entertainment district. It was filled with coffeehouses, storytellers, opera performers, street vendors, and all manner of merchants selling trinkets and delicacies.Since arriving in the capital, Violet had been preoccupied with various matters and had never found the time to wander about. Now, she took the opportunity to send the couple away, giving Carissa and Janelle a chance to speak privately. Meanwhile, she and Cynthia could slip away to enjoy themselves as well.As soon as the others departed, the tone of the conversation inside softened.They had deliberately avoided that topic earlier, but now, it was time to address it.Outside, the onlookers—noble guests who had been watching the situation with rapt attention—saw the Earl of Southstead and his wife leave. They immediately assumed that C
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