Mount Chimera had no name before Rafael claimed it. He chose the name because the mountain's shape resembled a chimera's crouching form. Also, once he had taken control, it became a place of no return for any enemy foolish enough to try their luck.Not only was it hard to approach, even delivering supplies was a nearly impossible task. So, the Southern Frontier Army had to rely on the dried meat they carried with them. And when they were thirsty, they boiled snow to melt it into drinking water.The advantage of the location was clear: three sides of the mountain were surrounded by sheer cliffs, making it impossible for anyone to scout from above.Their position had a natural barrier, so even if they lit a fire, it wouldn't be seen. Still, they couldn't take the risk and build large fires to keep warm. So, the hardest part wasn't hunger but the bone-chilling cold at night. Luckily, the sun shone during the day, so they didn't have to endure the cold for a full 24 hours a day.A depu
The battle raged on with a ferocity that turned the sky to dusk and the earth to mud.Blood, corpses, severed limbs, and agonized cries filled the air, suffocating Mount Whitemist in their wake.Death came with the daylight, and the mountain was bathed in a thin, warm golden hue.Rafael rode in, shouting for them to surrender and hand over Victor.Victor shouted equally loudly, retorting that the people of Starhaven were treacherous. Once they laid down their weapons, only death awaited them. But if they fought on, there was still a slim chance of survival.Yet, how could they hope to fight? The Starhaven forces were armed to the teeth, with six-barreled matchlocks capable of picking them off from afar.It was a battle they could never win.One by one, Victor's men fell, lifeless in the blood-soaked earth.Victor raised his sword, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions: failure, death, despair.Once, he had stood tall on the Southern Frontier—a hero among his people, his family
Jeremiah's words lingered on his lips, but in the end, he held them back. However, that brief moment of hesitation didn't escape Salvador's notice.Salvador smiled and said, "The Hell Monarch has already accomplished the great feat of reclaiming the Southern Frontier and driving the Sandorian forces out of Starhaven. It's time for those beneath him to rise as well. I believe Rafael would be willing to give them that opportunity. As a leader, one must know how to recognize and use talent.""Your words are wise, Your Majesty," Jeremiah responded.After considering it carefully, Jeremiah knew the Hell Monarch's return to the capital would be for the best. While he could secure more benefits and reparations from Sandoria through negotiations, Salvador's health was always in question. The capital needed the Hell Monarch to maintain order and stability.Once Jeremiah had left, Salvador fell into silence for a long moment before turning to Derek. "I also wish for their reunion soon. It'
Salvador raised his eyes to look at Rafael. The handsome young man before him now seemed weathered by the harsh winds of the Southern Frontier.A weight pressed against Salvador's chest; a tight, uncomfortable feeling.He knew how difficult the battle had been—cold, hunger, and the emotional toll that wore down even the strongest spirit. Yet, they had endured and fought with great valor.But all the while, as they fought bravely at the front lines, Salvador's thoughts had wandered elsewhere—toward Carissa.Guilt surged in his heart, but with it came something else, something darker. It was something he couldn't suppress, no matter how hard he tried. It left him feeling uneasy, caught in a constant tug-of-war within himself, never quite able to make peace with his own contradictions.Salvador was clearly concerned for Rafael, yet the words that came out carried a hint of bitterness. "After this battle, I fear all the officials and generals in court will bow to you. The people are
As they arrived at the gates of Hell Monarch Estate, the crack of Flamepetals filled the air, and the household rushed out to greet Rafael. Everyone surrounded him in a joyous embrace as he made his way inside.Even Frederick and Holly from Northwatch Estate had come, and Ryan had been brought out from the palace to join the celebration.Rafael hoisted Ryan up into his arms and lifted him onto his shoulders, then strode into the main hall with a commanding presence. Ryan was absolutely delighted, his hands resting on Rafael's forehead as his smile stretched all the way to his ears. His eyes sparkled with admiration for his uncle.Once they reached the main hall, Rafael gently set Ryan down, asking about his studies. He learned that Ryan had been serving as Connor's study partner in the palace, earning praise from both Victoria and Trevor. Rafael gave an approving nod, lifting his thumb in praise of the boy's diligence.Ryan glanced shyly at Carissa, though his joy was plain in the
Once inside the inner chamber, the curtain fell, and Sebastian immediately grew more serious. "No intimacy," he said firmly. "No indulgence. Do you understand?"Rafael's ears turned a deep red. "It's… not that serious."Sebastian's expression remained stern, his tone unwavering. "It is necessary."Carissa's heart sank as she realized the situation might be even more dire than she had suspected.Sebastian continued, "There are many people outside, and not all can be trusted. That's why I didn't say much earlier. Your wounds haven't healed yet, and it seems you've been through an illness as well. The cold has seeped into your body, deeply damaging your internal organs. If not for your inner force, you might not have survived that fever. "However, using that inner force to push through has cost you dearly. You're severely weakened now, and your energy is nearly depleted. If you don't take proper care, you might lose your abilities altogether, and your life expectancy will be short
Once Rafael's injury had been tended to, Carissa personally saw Sebastian and Rowan out.In a low voice, Sebastian instructed, "Remember, he must not use his inner force for now, not even in a fight. The injury is to his core, and he used his inner force when he shouldn't have. He also rushed back here before the wound had fully healed. When I examined him, he was still trying to sustain his energy. That's a deadly mistake. Right now, his body is as fragile as an egg. If anyone wanted to kill him now, it would be far too easy. So, be vigilant, Carissa. This is a critical time, understand?"He paused before adding, "The fewer people who know about his condition, the better. The situation is already precarious. People can't always be trusted, especially in times like these."Carissa knew Sebastian was thoughtful and always had their best interests at heart. His advice was meant to help them, so there was no reason not to appreciate it. She immediately agreed and promised to follow thr
Rafael took Carissa's hand in his, his expression serious. "I never wanted a secondary wife or concubine. I have no intentions toward anyone but you. You must always trust me."Carissa gazed up at him, her eyes soft and trusting. "Of course I believe you. Otherwise, why would I have rejected it so firmly?"He pulled her gently into his embrace, both finding comfort in the trust they shared. It was their anchor, and in that moment, they were certain their bond would weather any storm."Has Sebastian examined His Majesty?" Rafael asked.Carissa shook her head softly in his arms. "No. His Majesty hasn't mentioned it, and no one has dared to suggest it. Even the queen dowager hasn't brought it up."Rafael sighed lightly. "He looks like he's aged ten years in the span of a few months. When I first saw him, I was truly startled."Carissa, who occasionally saw Salvador, didn't think he appeared a decade older at once. However, she did notice his significant weariness and his eyes were
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