Inside Everspring Palace, the underfloor heating kept the room warm. Carissa had already been sitting for some time after removing her cloak. She had been waiting quietly after arriving, having been informed by the servants that Kylie had gone to change her clothes.-At that moment, Kylie was in her private chambers, eating royal jelly soup. When Lydia kept insisting that she hurry to see Carissa, the queen looked slightly impatient."What harm is there in letting her wait a bit longer?" she quipped."Your Majesty, you've always said we should avoid offending her. Now that she's come here, why not explain things clearly? We can resolve the misunderstandings and everything will be fine," Lydia replied.Kylie paused for a moment, her expression hardening."I used to think that too. But you heard what His Majesty just said—he told me that whether Carissa hits me or scolds me, I'm to bear it. He doesn't treat me like the queen. He only wants the person close to his heart to vent her
Kylie thought she had given Carissa an opening to vent her feelings, and that would be the end of it. But unexpectedly, Carissa didn't take the bait at all. Instead, she brushed it off as a misunderstanding, leaving Kylie and Lydia somewhat at a loss.Lydia awkwardly stood up, offering her thanks before stepping to the side. Her eyes flicked quickly to Carissa, silently searching for any sign that she was willing to press the issue further. But there was nothing.Carissa remained silent, sipping her coffee.Was that it? Had the matter truly been settled? Was this the resolution they had been hoping for?Both Kylie and Lydia felt the answer was no, but the conversation had already come to an abrupt end. To continue would only make the situation more awkward."The coffee's cold," Kylie said, her tone stiff. "Get Her Grace another cup of hot coffee."Her anger simmered beneath the surface. It was clear to her that Carissa had built an impenetrable wall between them, shutting out all
The festive atmosphere of the New Year was only truly felt upon returning to Hell Monarch Estate. Everyone there was playing games like ring toss and archery, as well as taking part in a daring contest with Flamepetals, all with prizes and special rewards for the winners.For the Flamepetal contest, each person had to hold a small pouch of red petals with a short fuse and throw it before it exploded. But it had to go off in the air—if it hit the ground first, they lost. Naturally, it was also acceptable to let it explode in hand. After all, if one's hands were burned, they deserved a prize for their efforts. Otherwise, Travis wouldn't stand for it.By the time Carissa returned, they had been playing for over an hour. Bits of charred and powdery red petals covered the ground in a thick layer, soft underfoot, leaving a red dusting on her shoes.She loved this kind of lively atmosphere and quickly joined in. She never let the Flamepetals explode in her hands, always throwing them at ju
After much tugging and ear-pulling, Violet finally stood up, raising her voice as she explained, "There's no long story to tell. We were just having a drink at Glimmering Tower. He suddenly said that many people's dream might just be to get married and have children."When I agreed with him, he looked at me and asked, 'Why don't we try it?' I said, 'Sure.'"She sat back down, rubbing her hands over her face. "At the time, I thought he was just joking. But then, before the New Year, he said we should start preparing for our wedding. He's going back to Meadow Ridge to consult with Sage Adrian, then he'll ask Sage Conrad and my family for permission. So... what could I say?"Carissa crossed her arms. "What do you mean, 'what could you say'? If you don't want to get married, just say no. Clear up the misunderstanding now. If you wait until he's asked for your hand and your dad and mentor agree, but you refuse… Isn't that just asking for trouble?"Cynthia raised her hand to stop the con
Violet did not give an immediate answer.After spending the entire night reflecting, she informed Carissa that if the marriage proposal were indeed made and her family consented, she would be willing to marry Isaac. However, as for whether she truly wanted to, she could not say, for her feelings were uncertain.What she felt now was different from how she had once felt.Carissa reassured her, and later that day, she set off for Meadow Ridge with Lulu. Her reasons were threefold. First, she wished to speak directly with Isaac. Second, she had not spent the New Year there for some time, and missed her mentor and other guild members.Third, Winona had also returned to Meadow Ridge, and Carissa wanted to inquire whether any news from the Southern Frontier had reached her. She feared that Winona might have learned something troubling but didn't dare share it with her. If she asked her directly in person, she would be able to tell if her senior guild member was lying.Upon Carissa's ret
Carissa held back her tears, trying to steady her breath. "So, have they been fighting at Atamore Mountain this whole time? The food supplies must have run out by now. What are they eating?""Don't worry about that," Winona replied. "The grassland tribes said they wouldn't offer help, but they sent all their dried meat to them. The army also has the rations and hard biscuits they brought. It should last a while."Plus, with the endless mountain range around Atamore Mountain and Ice Lake, they can hunt for food as long as they have weapons. They'll be half-starved, but they'll get by."She paused for a moment, her expression darkening. "But I doubt it will last much longer.""Sandoria can't hold out much longer either," Carissa said as she lifted her head, her voice steady despite her rising panic.The two armies' positions were nearly the same, though the Southern Frontier Army was in slightly better shape. If Victor didn't get reinforcements or rations, he would have to face the
Isaac sighed. "The proposal was a bit impulsive. Looking back on it, it may have even been a bit opportunistic. She was in a low mood at the time, so though she agreed, I'm not sure she truly wants to marry me. Sage Everett scolded me when I got back to Meadow Ridge, and I've had time to calm down since then."Carissa stared at him, surprised. "You've already told Sage Everett?""Yes, the very day I got back. I was caught up in the heat of the moment.""Why did Sage Everett scold you? Was it because he disagreed?" asked Carissa, curious.Isaac shrugged. "It wasn't even about agreeing or disagreeing yet. He just scolded me first. The usual stuff, really.""How usual?"Isaac avoided her gaze. "He called me ugly and told me to take a good look at myself in the mirror."Carissa couldn't help but laugh. "Sage Everett was kind to you, it seems."She then relayed what Violet had said. Listening intently as the biting wind swirled around him, a smile tugged at Isaac's lips and his eyes
The very next day after Salvador coughed up blood, an urgent dispatch arrived from the Southern Frontier—the Hell Monarch had been ambushed and was missing.The dispatch was sent urgently by a messenger from the military supply overseer at the Southern Frontier. They had finally received the grain supplies, but sent news that the Southern Frontier Army had been ambushed and the Hell Monarch was missing.Jeremiah quickly convened a meeting with the six department heads, senior cabinet officials, military leaders, and Carissa to discuss the situation. Once the map was spread out, they saw that the Southern Frontier Army had been ambushed at Mount Whitemist, a part of the vast Atamore Mountain range.Having scattered after the ambush, the main force had now managed to regroup into six smaller units. However, with morale shattered, they could no longer hope to face Victor's massive army head-on.Despite his frailty, Salvador arrived at the meeting. His face was pale and anxiety was evi
As Kylie stepped out, she caught sight of the scene before her, and a shadow seemed to fall across her heart. The feeling was difficult to describe.She approached, seizing the opportunity with the court officials present, and spoke up. "Prince Connor's failure today was indeed a disappointment. However, he had been suffering from stomach pains and weakness since this morning. I've already called for a royal physician and had medicine prepared."Salvador's brow furrowed. "What did the royal physician say?""He believes it's due to something Prince Connor ate. He's taken the medicine, and he's feeling somewhat better now," Kylie responded quickly. Salvador's response was indifferent. "Then take good care of him.""Of course!" Kylie answered, stealing a glance at the others in the room. Though their expressions were unreadable, Salvador didn't seem particularly angry. Perhaps this matter was already behind them.She smiled and was about to congratulate Salvador on hunting the
In royal matters, people seldom delve too deeply. Especially since Connor was still young, his failure today wasn't seen as anything of real consequence. After all, he was the queen's son, destined for great honor in the future—no one would judge him too harshly over a small setback.As everyone saw him suffering in pain, many began suggesting various remedies. Some had oils to apply on his stomach, while others offered their own suggestions of concoctions.Even Sylvia and Grace came in to inquire after him. After all, they had brought their children along and surely carried some medicine with them. Seeing Connor's discomfort, they offered their remedies.However, Kylie made no use of their offers. Her goal was simply to have them see Connor's current condition so they would report it to their families later.In short, Connor's failure needed an explanation, a reason to let everyone know that he wasn't incompetent—it was just due to his physical discomfort.After everyone had ch
After a while, Max finally arrived. Upon seeing Carissa and Connor together, he let out a sigh of relief. "Commander Sinclair, we need to get Prince Connor back right away. Her Majesty is worried, and she's already sent people looking for him. However, the attendants are too afraid to go into the fenced area, so they've been calling from the outside."Connor clearly looked conflicted and didn't want to go back."Your mom cares about you. She'll be worried. You should return," Carissa said gently.Connor pouted. "She doesn't really love me. She only scolds me. She's a bad person."Carissa looked at him, somewhat surprised. Kylie doted on him—even spoiled him—so he should have been able to feel that love.Now, after just a couple of scoldings, Kylie was suddenly the bad person?However, as Carissa thought back to her time at the Pathfinders Guild, she understood. There, no matter how strict Everett was, no matter the punishments, she never dared to complain. But if Adrian scolded
Compared to Sylvia, Grace was far more approachable—kind and friendly. Even when with her family, she was constantly surrounded by people seeking her attention. She greeted everyone warmly, often offering small gifts to the young ladies, which earned her their genuine affection.On the other hand, Kylie was no less popular. As the queen, her position commanded respect, and many came to pay their respects or simply make conversation. Yet despite her dignified stature, she still saw herself as the center of attention. She temporarily pushed aside her earlier displeasure and warmly engaged in conversation with everyone.In such gatherings, people naturally sought to build relationships, either to further their standing or to scout potential matches for their sons among the noblewomen present. Ever conscious of her position, Kylie had brought many gifts today, eager to present herself as a benevolent and approachable queen.Before long, a Royal Guard approached with news that Salvador
Kylie bristled at the continued reproach. "And what good is saying all this now? What we need to do is figure out how to turn this around! Now, His Majesty won't let Connor into the woods. Today, Lady Grace's son outshone him completely—are you satisfied now? If you have a solution, say it! If all you're doing is offering empty words, then there's really no need for that."Kylie's resentment toward her natal family was always present, always simmering just below the surface.Marjorie continued speaking softly to Connor. "When His Majesty returns from the hunt and all the court officials are gathered, you should go to him. Acknowledge that you're not the most gifted and that you've been lazy in the past. But after this failure, you've come to understand where you went wrong. "From now on, you'll change your attitude, learn diligently from Mr. Young and Prince Rafael, and never again disappoint your grandmother or your dad. You'll ask your dad and the court officials to keep watch
Kylie's heart sank at the Royal Guard's words. She turned back to the ladies and noblewomen present, noting the questioning and curious glances in their eyes. She forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Connor is unwell. He'll try again next year."With that, she signaled Lydia to find out what had happened, then took Connor's hand and led him back to the tent to calm him down. Connor was consumed by his grievances and cried pitifully, unable to get a word out. All Kylie could make out was, "Everyone's picking on me, even Dad…even Dad…"Not long after, Lydia returned with the details, relaying them all to Kylie.Kylie could hardly believe what she was hearing.She looked down at Connor, whose swollen eyes made him appear even more pitiful. But this time, she didn't feel her usual maternal sympathy. Instead, she felt cold.No mother believed her child was truly stupid. Most would think their child simply hadn't tried hard enough. Even if he didn't succeed, she would
Sebastian's treatments were indeed effective. In just half a month, Salvador's complexion had improved—his face no longer carried that sickly, waxen pallor but instead held a faint flush of color. His strength had also returned significantly. If not for the occasional bouts of pain, he might have believed himself fully recovered.Sebastian wasn't present today, but the Royal Medical Department had sent several physicians. They claimed that since there were many people around, they needed to better guard against any unexpected incidents.However, the real reason for Sebastian's absence was obvious—he didn't want the court officials and their families to realize just how much Salvador relied on him.Connor and Caden, guided by guards from the Royal Guard, sat atop their horses. The two young boys each had a bow slung across their backs and looked remarkably serious, as if they truly belonged on the hunt.On the other hand, Felix held Cecil in his arms atop the horse. Dressed in a thi
Though Salvador had trained in martial arts, he lacked Rafael's keen eye for detail. He hadn't noticed that Caden had prior training—he only saw a son who was diligent, disciplined, and improving rapidly.A brilliant child.If only he had been born to Kylie!It would have made things so much easier. Salvador wouldn't have to hesitate—he could have simply chosen Caden.The day before the Verdant Hunt, Salvador summoned Rafael to the royal study."What do you think of my three sons?" he asked.Rafael answered bluntly. "Prince Connor has no interest in martial arts. His talent is poor, and his attitude is indifferent. Even after days of training, he still holds the bow incorrectly. Every time I correct him, he makes the same mistake again the next day."Prince Caden is strong, skilled, and takes archery seriously. He already had a foundation before this, so he's nearly on par with Ryan."As for Prince Cecil, he's just there to play."Salvador paused. "A foundation? Caden's trai
As the newly appointed Deputy Royal Tutor, Rafael spent the days leading up to the Verdant Hunt instructing the three princes in archery.Connor should have started learning long ago, but under Kylie's care, he had been coddled like a precious jewel. She couldn't bear to let him do anything too strenuous.Even after moving to Serenity Palace, where his education was properly arranged, he remained sluggish and unmotivated. Keeping up with his academic studies was already a struggle—catching up in both areas was out of the question. He lacked talent, and worse, he had no desire to work hard. More often than not, he found creative ways to slack off.His biggest improvement so far was that he no longer threw tantrums when sent to the study. At the very least, he now had a passable attitude toward learning.With Connor's laziness, it was Ryan who benefited most from the martial arts lessons. He picked up some basic skills but never pushed himself too hard—Sebastian had warned him to p