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
Patrick was taken aback by Carissa's calm response. For a brief moment, he stood there in stunned silence, then couldn't help but admire her. Even with her husband missing on the front lines, she managed to stay composed and offer such a level-headed analysis.Sending reinforcements now could mean sending Chester's forces, those from Victory Pass, or even the Capital Army under Thomas' command. However, all of these options were too far away to make a difference in time.The real issue wasn't the battle at the Southern Frontier, but the situation at the Atamore Mountain Range. The reinforcements would only serve to hold the Southern Frontier, not to change the course of the battle already unfolding.Salvador listened to everyone's opinions, his face unreadable. He didn't make a decision, merely saying that they would have to wait.It was clear—no reinforcements would be sent.Later that evening, Thomas and Rosalind paid a visit to Carissa. Thomas could sense that Carissa might sti
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