Once Kylie had settled into her seat, Carissa and Lulu approached and knelt respectfully. "Greetings, Your Majesty."Kylie's gentle voice drifted down from above, "Lady Sinclair, there is no need for such formality. Please rise.""Thank you, Your Majesty." Carissa and Lulu stood, but remained in their place.Kylie assessed Carissa. She had seen this woman before, and even then, Carissa's beauty had been striking. Now, having returned from the battlefield, her complexion had changed, but she was still undeniably a breathtaking beauty, capable of withstanding the scrutiny of any observer.Kylie thought about Salvador's instruction to inquire whether Carissa would be willing to enter the palace. The thought made her stomach churn with unease. A capable and stunning woman like Carissa might become the king's favored concubine if she entered the palace. Though she would never surpass the queen in rank, winning Salvador's heart could render Kylie's position precarious.Yet, Kylie ha
As Carissa left Evergreen Palace, she bumped into Rafael.He looked as though he was still suffering from a hangover, his complexion pale and unwell. He was still dressed in the battle-worn uniform he had worn upon returning to the capital the previous day, stained with blood and dirt. The familiar scent of sweat from him lingered in the air as he leaned against the red palace gate. His messy hair had been straightened out, and he now wore a gold crown. It seemed out of place with the battered uniform, making his appearance quite peculiar.He cast a lazy glance her way, and the sunlight shone on his dark eyes, which did little to liven his demeanor.Carissa stepped forward, and greeted him respectfully. “Your Highness, did you stay overnight in the palace?”"Yes, I did." Rafael nodded, giving her a cursory look. “You look quite elegant. You resemble a noble lady from the capital.”Carissa smiled. “I am a noble lady from the capital.”He looked taken aback for a moment, then nod
Rafael's smile faltered momentarily. Yes, Carissa viewed him and Salvador as brothers. But as long as she stayed out of the palace, Rafael could take his time to develop a relationship with her. He saluted respectfully, and took his leave.Salvador cast a final glance at Rafael's retreating figure. After a moment, he called out, "Derek!""Yes, Your Majesty!" Derek hurried in through the doors, bowing deeply.Salvador instructed, "Deliver my edict. If Carissa does not find a suitable match within three months, she will enter the palace as a concubine."Derek lowered his gaze and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty.""Also, inform Rafael of my edict, but do not add any extra commentary," Salvador added.Derek responded, "Understood, Your Majesty. I will attend to it immediately.""Go on then," Salvador calmly said as he lowered his gaze.No sooner had Derek left than a report came that Kylie had arrived.Having a good idea of why she was here, Salvador said, "Let her in."Kylie enter
Just as Carissa reached Northwatch Estate, Derek came personally to deliver Salvador’s edict.Carissa was stunned. If she couldn't find a suitable husband in three months, she would have to enter the palace?She quickly asked Derek to stay, and dismissed everyone else. "Mr. Walker, can you tell me what exactly His Majesty means?"If Salvador was determined to have her enter the palace, there was no need to give her three months to find a suitor. With the edict out, no one would dare to marry her. It seemed like another form of coercion, leaving her with no option but to enter the palace.However, if he had used his authority and still granted these three months...There was something odd about this edict.Derek pondered momentarily, and said, "Perhaps His Majesty thinks that if someone dares to propose to you within these three months and challenge his will, he would believe that person truly cares for you.""But why is the king so concerned with my marriage?""Didn’t you say i
Carissa didn’t mention Salvador’s strange edict to her friends. Instead, she simply thanked them for their help in the Southern Frontier.“The Sandorian soldiers killed my father and brothers. My trip to the Southern Frontier was primarily for revenge. You’ve helped me achieve that, and I will remember this kindness.”Hearing this, everyone felt a lot better. Indeed, Carissa’s father and brothers had been killed by the Sandorian soldiers. According to the martial world’s code, a life for a life was a matter of principle. They had merely assisted Carissa in avenging her family, and need not dwell on anything beyond that.Putting aside her own troubles, Carissa said, “Now that everyone’s well-rested and well-fed, how about we go out and shop? Also, please help me bring some items back to my master.”“That sounds good,” Violet replied. “But we don’t have any money. The king hasn’t given us our reward yet.”Travis looked at Carissa blankly. “Do you think the king might have forgotte
Rebecca was furious, and her face twisted into an ugly expression.Though a hundred gold coins were a substantial amount, their journey to the battlefield wasn’t driven by the prospect of rewards. Knowing that Barrett had been on the verge of promotion but was demoted due to taking the fall for Aurora, Rebecca was particularly upset. Adding to her frustration was the fact that Aurora’s failed command during the siege had resulted in both reward and punishment, leaving Barrett with only a hundred gold coins. The news nearly gave her a stroke.Her health, already fragile, deteriorated further from repeated bouts of anger, leading her to faint during the night. She had to call for a doctor, who administered acupuncture to revive her. But now, with the need to buy medicine again, she had already exhausted her funds. The money for the tea party had been borrowed, and with only a hundred gold coins received, there was barely enough to cover debts, let alone purchase much-needed medic
Serena was terrified by Aurora’s fierce gaze. She stumbled backward and fell onto the edge of the bed, tears streaming down her face. “Mom, she hit me!” she cried. Seeing her beloved daughter being struck, Rebecca could barely contain her anger. “Barrett, you need to keep your wife in check!”Barrett stood before Aurora, his face drawn with fatigue and inner turmoil. “How could you hit her? She spoke out of turn, but you could have reprimanded her instead.”Aurora’s expression was a mix of disappointment and bitterness. “So what if I hit her? She’s been spreading lies about me! Why aren’t you criticizing her?”“I wasn't the one who said those things! It’s what everyone else is saying! If you have the guts, go deal with them!” Serena sobbed, her eyes burning with resentment. “You’re too scared to confront outsiders, so you’re just taking your frustration out on me! Do you think you're so great for doing that?”Aurora’s voice was sharp and unyielding. “What others say is their
“How absurd!”Charlotte slammed her fist on the table. Her face, illuminated by the dim light of the courtyard, reflected her fury.Benjamin and Amelia, chastised by her outburst, lowered their heads and remained silent, too afraid to speak.“How dare you ask me to go to Northwatch Estate?! How can I show my face there? Am I to tell them that Barrett regrets his decision because he married a venomous woman who beat her father-in-law? "A household in disarray, and now, she’s expected to come back and clean up the mess, use her dowry to pay for her mother-in-law’s medical expenses, and provide seasonal clothes for her younger sister-in-law?“Shame on you for even suggesting it! When you wanted Barrett to divorce her, did you show any compassion? You even tried to claim her dowry! If it weren’t for the king granting the divorce edict, wouldn't you have also claimed her estate and shops? "If you have the nerve, go ahead and ask her! I won’t! Even if my face were as thick as a city
Hayden clenched his fists, his anger and helplessness tightening his chest as he followed behind.The physician worked quickly, examining Sonny's injuries. Both of his legs were broken, three of his teeth were knocked out, and his face was riddled with fractures. Despite the pain that twisted his expression, he still grinned at Hayden, forcing a smile through gritted teeth.He tried to assure Hayden with a look that said he would be fine.Hayden turned away, his heart aching. The man who had stood by his side for so many years now lay in such a state. Fury surged within him, but there was nothing he could do.Back in Nerovia, he had ordered an extra emblem to be made, just in case the day ever came when Nicholas stole the original to mobilize Hayden's forces. If Hayden noticed in time, someone could use the duplicate emblem to stop Nicholas.Hayden hadn't expected it to serve its purpose this way, though.The chaos of the riverworks project was swiftly quelled. Cameron was arrest
As dawn broke, Adrian led them to the Glimmering Tower. It was then that Carissa realized they weren't the only ones who had arrived—many guild leaders and elders were present as well. Even Violet and Bun's mentor had come.When Violet spotted her mentor Conrad, she gasped in surprise and rushed toward him. "Sage Conrad, what brings you here? You didn't even send word beforehand!"Conrad smiled warmly as he looked at his beloved apprentice, indulgence in his voice. "I heard you were guarding the capital. Naturally, I had to come and lend you a hand.""Sage Conrad, you're too kind. I'll get another villa for you once we're done here," Violet said, linking her arm with his, grinning widely.Conrad scowled lightly, feigning annoyance. "Why would I need more villas from you? No more, I tell you. However, I did hear about a hot spring at Solitude Peak. I thought of buying it, so your fellow apprentices can soak and strengthen their bodies."Violet nodded enthusiastically. "I'll buy i
The black-clad assailants' Lightfoot Skills were extraordinary, and they scattered in all directions. Adrian could have pursued one of them, but catching all of them was impossible.However, he chose not to pursue anyone at all. Emerging from the shadows, his hand darted out and grabbed Carissa by the ear, twisting it until she yelped in pain. "So bold of you, wasn't it? To engage without proper defenses? Do you think you're invincible? Haven't you heard the saying that there's always someone stronger out there?"Carissa shrieked and flailed in protest as the lamps were lit by Jacob, illuminating the courtyard and revealing the bloodstains on everyone's bodies.Only then did Adrian notice the wounds on Carissa. Yet instead of softening, his grip on her ear tightened, and he hissed, "You couldn't guess what Nicholas was planning? And you didn't think to write for reinforcements from Meadow Ridge? Are you so arrogant now that you've forgotten basic caution? Just wait until your mart
Hayden gestured for her to lower the sword. "Not tonight. Neither side is ready."Chaya frowned, confused. "Why? Didn't you say Mr. Russell was formidable? If he's taking action, surely he can capture Prince Nicholas?""He won't capture him," Hayden replied, rubbing his temples. "General Farrell has Valken surrounded, but he hasn't launched an attack because he knows Mr. Murphy has already undermined Prince Yuvan's authority. "A portion of Valken's population has joined the so-called rebel forces. If the capital falls now, the officials in Valken and Nerovia will find an excuse, under the court's banner, to slaughter the townsfolk. That would spark even larger uprisings. That's why Lady Carissa can't act prematurely."Chaya hastily tossed the sword aside. "And why isn't it the right time for Prince Nicholas, then?""It's simple," Hayden said. "He needs Mr. Murphy to first defeat General Farrell in a decisive victory. Once General Farrell is dealt with, he'll move on to General Mu
By the early hours of the morning, the rain had lessened to a gentle drizzle, leaving the air cooler and the night more serene. The quiet respite lulled many into a deeper, more peaceful sleep.Seven or eight shadowy figures darted through the curfewed city, their movements light and swift. They barely left a trace as they touched down on rooftops, their steps silent.They arrived at the Capital Guard headquarters. The outer guards had already retreated for the night, leaving only Carissa and her companions waiting in the main hall, tense and alert.With a quick exchange of glances, the group gripped their weapons. The assassins had arrived!The dim light of the hall flickered, and as the black-clad figures descended, a gust of wind extinguished the lamps. Darkness enveloped the room, plunging it into an impenetrable black where even an outstretched hand became invisible.Amid the darkness, the faint sound of breathing and the subtle rhythm of movements became the only clues to
The damp, oppressive heat of summer seemed to weigh heavily on the spirit, stoking an inexplicable irritation in the air.Hayden, clearly affected by the weather, barely touched his dinner. After a few cursory bites, he set his cutlery down and announced that he was heading back to the study to practice his calligraphy to clear his mind. He gestured for Chaya to follow, and the two left the room.Before departing, Chaya made sure to take two heaping plates of snacks with her. After all, she wasn't about to let herself go hungry.Nicholas, still in his Gordon disguise, watched Hayden leave but made no move to stop him. It didn't matter where Hayden went—his every step was being monitored. Besides, Nicholas had far more pressing matters to attend to tonight.Back in his room, Nicholas locked the door behind him and methodically prepared for the night's mission. He changed into his stealth attire, then sat before a mirror. Opening a small wooden box on the table, he revealed an array
By evening, tensions finally erupted.The Waterworks Department had stationed soldiers to oversee the workers, ensuring work continued on schedule. Yesterday's heavy rain had halted all progress, but with today's rare overcast skies and no rain, Cameron ordered the workers to make up for lost time. In fact, he demanded they finish the project three days ahead of schedule.The workers were already agitated, and they refused. Tempers flared, and heated arguments broke out between them and the Waterworks Department officials. In a fit of rage, Cameron picked up a club and struck one of the workers. That single blow ignited an uncontrollable fury among the workers. Over a hundred men turned on the officials, attacking them in a chaotic melee.Fortunately, Carissa had already stationed people nearby to keep an eye on the situation. Word was immediately sent to Max.Max was wary, suspecting this might be a calculated ploy by Nicholas. However, based on their investigation, not all th
Adrian had also brought a cannon with him, though it had to remain outside the city for now. It couldn't be transported in just yet. This cannon, an improvement on the red canon of Nerathia, was the same one that had destroyed Everett's courtyard back then.In a few days, nearly all the martial factions that had been invited to Adrian's birthday banquet would arrive, each disguised in various ways. Knowing that martial artists would be thoroughly questioned at the city gates, they all decided to change their appearances completely.Adrian had specifically chosen people from Coldmoon Guild to keep watch at the Capital Guard headquarters and Hell Monarch Estate in shifts. There was a reason for this. The people from Coldmoon Guild rarely moved within the martial world, and they seldom visited the capital. Nicholas' men likely had never encountered them, which made them perfect for keeping Carissa safe without drawing suspicion.Adrian was certain that Nicholas' next move would be to
After the group entered the city, Michael was momentarily distracted by another merchant caravan arriving at the gates. He made sure to inspect them thoroughly, confirming that there were no issues before allowing them to pass.As he turned back, he noticed the merchant caravan was following closely behind the group he had just checked. Among them, a familiar figure caught his eye—a figure whose silhouette seemed unmistakable. It resembled Carissa's martial uncle from the Pathfinders Guild.The man's name was Everett, if Michael recalled correctly. But then again, the face didn't match. He thought about it for a moment, but the resemblance was only in the figure. The features—absolutely not. Still, Michael felt uneasy and decided it was worth investigating further.He instructed a few men to follow the caravan and watch for any unusual activity. An hour later, they reported back that the group had settled in a manor on Eastland Avenue. That area was known for being home to powerfu