Helen lay on her chaise lounge, her heart burning with resentment towards Carissa. Her attendant, Gillian, stood beside her, trying to offer comfort. “There’s no need to be so upset, Your Highness. Prince Rafael is a man with his own thoughts. He’s merely infatuated with Lady Sinclair’s beauty at the moment. I’ve heard she’s the most stunning woman in the capital. "When Madam Sinclair first planned to marry her off, many noble families sought her hand. It’s a mystery why Madam Sinclair ended up marrying her to General Warren.”As she dabbed Helen’s tears away with a handkerchief, she continued soothingly, “After all, she is merely a secondhand item. There’s no need for you to be so enraged. If Prince Rafael insists on marrying her, so be it. A beauty from afar is pleasing to the eye, but living with her every day can become tiresome. "No matter how beautiful a woman is, if she becomes petty and jealous, which man wouldn’t grow weary of her? Prince Rafael will have many concubi
Gillian sent people out to investigate, and quickly learned about the commotion Rebecca had caused at Northwatch Estate with her eldest son and daughter-in-law. The incident had caused quite a stir, and it was easy to gather information. The general sentiment among the onlookers was that the Warren family had been excessively oppressive.Gillian had this information confirmed and then reported it to Helen, who frowned at the news. “If Carissa hadn’t pushed the matter to an extreme, would the Warrens have gone to such lengths to cause a scene? Did Sebastian really refuse to treat her?”“It’s true,” Gillian confirmed. “The physician's office also issued a statement and clarified that it was due to Madam Warren’s lack of virtue that they refused to treat her.”Helen sneered. “Since when do physicians decide whether to treat a patient based on their character? As an outsider, how could he know the internal matters of the Warren family? Clearly, Carissa must have told him she was bei
After Rafael left Evergreen Palace, he headed to Serenity Palace to pay respects to Victoria and seek her approval to marry Carissa.Victoria was delighted. “Child, you're silently accomplishing great deeds! Just two months ago, your mom was expressing her worries about your marriage to me. Who would have thought you'd meet Cari on the battlefield and instantly hit it off? Cari is a good girl. You need to treat her well and cherish her.”“Mother, I will definitely treat her well,” Rafael assured. “However, it seems my mom doesn't like Carissa much. She might summon Carissa to the palace in the next couple of days to give her a hard time.”Victoria immediately understood that he was indirectly asking for her help. Her eyes softened with affection as she said kindly, “Don't worry. As long as I'm here, she won't suffer anything.”Rafael knelt, and solemnly thanked her. “I’ll leave everything to you, Mother.”Victoria gazed at him, a flicker of complex emotions in her eyes. However,
The next day, Carissa entered the palace with Lulu.She first went to pay respects to Victoria. Victoria happily took her hand, and asked about her relationship with Rafael.Carissa had prepared her explanation well. She recounted how she and Rafael had fallen for each other on the battlefield, and that he had proposed upon returning to the capital. Grateful for his regard, she had accepted.Victoria knew the real story, but chose not to mention Salvador's three-month ultimatum. She merely smiled and said it was all a matter of fate, divinely ordained.After chatting for the length of about half an hour, Victoria mentioned summoning Helen.Understanding Victoria’s good intentions, Carissa shook her head. “Lady Helen has already summoned me to Evergreen Palace. If I rely on your favor and defy her, she will only resent me more once I marry into the family. You may protect me this time, but you won’t always be able to shield me in the future.”Victoria gazed at her. “You’re always
Leaving Lulu outside the hall, Carissa lowered her head and stepped inside.The white marble tiles beneath her feet were so polished that it looked like mirrors, reflecting the opulent and luxurious decor that surrounded her.Carissa quickly glanced up and saw a distinguished woman seated on a chair in the center of the hall, dressed in a regal purple gown. Her hair was styled in an elaborate bun, adorned with luxurious jewels, and her features bore a slight resemblance to Rafael's.Carissa knew this woman was Helen.Stepping forward, Carissa knelt. "Greetings, Your Highness."Carissa's posture was perfect, her gaze lowered, and her dress neatly arranged. The slight movement of her hairpins as she knelt was just right, leaving no room for criticism. After all, she had spent a year learning proper etiquette upon her return from Meadow Ridge, under the guidance of the palace tutors.Helen's cold voice pierced the air, "Raise your head, and let me see your alluring face."Carissa o
Carissa looked up, her expression solemn. "Thank you for your leniency, Your Highness. As for my status and whether I am worthy of the marshal, that is for him to decide. Either way, since he proposed, I will marry him.""He's simply momentarily confused! He will come to his senses eventually. You're a woman who was discarded by the Warren family. He's only intrigued by you for now, but he will abandon you once the novelty wears off. In the end, you will be the one who suffers. I'm looking out for you. Why are you so ungrateful?" Helen argued furiously."I divorced Barrett. I'm not a discarded woman—I requested the divorce edict. If anyone was discarded, it was him. The Warren family had no say in it. Nevertheless, I appreciate your concern," Carissa replied.Still angry, Helen retorted, "Regardless of who left whom, you're still a woman who has married once. A virtuous woman does not remarry. Since you chose to divorce, you should stay at home and not aim for higher status. What yo
Helen didn't want to let Carissa leave so easily, at least not before she gave up the idea of marrying into the royal family. However, Carissa didn't mind kneeling. Having been punished with kneeling plenty of times at Meadow Ridge, she had grown accustomed to it.She had no intention of currying favor with Helen, who already had plenty of people around her doing just that. Besides, Carissa's marriage to Rafael was a mutually beneficial arrangement. There was no need for unnecessary flattery.In fact, Helen's straightforward personality made her easier to deal with. She was fierce but not cunning, which was preferable to those who were two-faced.Carissa wouldn't bully Helen, but she wouldn't let her future mother-in-law bully her either. It was much like when Carissa had to deal with Rebecca when she was still part of the Warren family.Before Barrett returned, Rebecca had always been kind to her, so Carissa naturally showed her respect. But after Barrett's return and his decision
Looking at the cute and innocent princess, Carissa recalled how she looked when she was a child—chubby and adorable.Kiera had slimmed down a bit, but still had cherubic cheeks that gave her a sweet and charming appearance. Especially when she smiled, her dimples were shallow, and her eyes seemed filled with sweetness, making people happy just to see her.Carissa smiled. "If everything goes well, I should be your sister-in-law."Kiera shook Carissa's arm, stars twinkling in her eyes. "I admire you so much. The queen dowager and the king say you're the most outstanding female general in our era. It used to be Aurora, but I don't like her much. I met her once—she was very aloof and acted rudely. She didn't have the grace and charm that you have, being both a formidable general and a captivating woman."The princess stuck out her tongue playfully. "But Mother says girls shouldn't casually talk about other girls; it can easily cause misunderstandings and tarnish their reputations. So,
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