Lulu examined the outfit. "Moonlight white is fine. There's a subtle shade of blue that complements your skin tone. What about accessories? Should we add a strand of red coral?""No red," Carissa replied. "Keep it simple, not too grand."She selected a white pearl hairpin and paired it with two moonlight white silk ribbons."That's still quite plain," Lulu observed."Plain or not, we'll know once it's on," Carissa said.She went behind a partition screen to change into the outfit. When she emerged, she had styled her hair into a simple bun, secured with the silk ribbons and adorned with the white pearl pin.She twirled, asking her maids, "How do I look?"The girls were mesmerized. Even without makeup, Carissa resembled an ethereal fairy. The two silk ribbons in her hair added a significant touch of elegance to her moonlight white dress.Lulu quickly turned to Pearl. "Lip balm, earrings, perfumes, and pearl pendants—hurry!""Got it!" Pearl immediately got to work, gathering var
The next day was Eleanor's birthday banquet.From early in the morning, the entrance of Harmony Palace, Eleanor's residence within the royal palace, was crowded with carriages, and a long red carpet stretched all the way to the street corner. Outside, more than thirty yards away, a tent had been set up with thirty tables for a public feast. Commoners could come and eat as long as enough people gathered.Eleanor held this public feast every year under the guise of sharing her joy with the people. However, in reality, it was just a show to enhance her reputation for kindness.In addition to the public feast, she had prepared vegetarian meals specifically for priests. Known for her devotion to religion, Elaenor donated substantial sums to temples and monasteries every year. After all, those who have committed many wrongs often seek blessings from deities.Eleanor was hosting a large number of guests today, and she had also invited the Warren family.Barrett and Aurora did not attend.
Upon hearing Eleanor mention Carissa, Rebecca's heart was thrown into turmoil. She was unaware of the past between Eleanor and Melanie, and assumed that Carissa's recent achievements had made her valued by the royal family.Did this mean Eleanor was now favoring Carissa? But the gentle expression on Eleanor's face suggested otherwise.At a loss, Rebecca heard Isabella Miller, who was seated nearby, speak up."Your Highness, all this talk of devotion is just for show. After the divorce, Carissa ignored her former mother-in-law's wellbeing. Where is the so-called devotion in that? Anyone can put on a show. Rebecca made such a scene at Northwatch Estate. If she weren't forced into a corner, who would want to be embarrassed like that?" she said.Isabella was the queen's sister-in-law, and her husband held a third-rank official position, making him a key figure in court.As soon as Isabella spoke, others began to murmur in agreement."Isn't it just that she's flaunting her military ac
However, Helen had been invited. Although she didn't want to come, she couldn't bear the thought of what stories might be spun about her if she stayed away. So, she gritted her teeth and showed up.When she heard the gossip about Carissa, she was enraged. Fortunately, no one knew that this woman was about to marry Rafael. If they did, and if Eleanor herself were to lead in making fun of her, Helen would have felt utterly humiliated.Helen sat to one side, deliberately ignored by Eleanor. Helen had no mind for conversation. It was Eleanor's daughter, Jessica, who saw Helen and smiled. "Oh, you've come too, Aunt Helen? What gift did you bring for my mother?"Jessica's question, directed only at Helen, clearly aimed to make her uncomfortable.Helen had expected to be challenged over this gift. Reluctantly, she said, "I heard you're a devout Christian, Your Highness, so I brought a finely crafted gold cross as a gift. Please accept it."She signaled Gillian to present the gift t
When Carissa entered the venue, she was the center of attention.Many of the officials' wives had already paid her a visit, but seeing her now in her elegant attire, her beauty seemed even more transcendent and otherworldly.A hint of pink on her lips added a subtle flush to her already radiant complexion. Her pale cheeks, naturally smooth as silk, were gently highlighted with a touch of eyebrow pencil. A splash of green on her earlobes only enhanced her spring-like beauty, making her stand out among the finely dressed noble ladies present.Jessica, who had also dressed up for the occasion, wore a gold-threaded pleated skirt, a pale pink silk gown embroidered with peonies, and a red coat adorned with intricate gold and silver threads. Her hair was styled in an elaborate updo, decorated with pearls and gemstones, reflecting the height of luxury and splendor.Yet, despite her meticulous preparation, Jessica’s grand appearance paled in comparison to Carissa’s understated grace.Jessi
Carissa’s smile widened, her fan fluttering as she tried to dispel the oppressive atmosphere in the room. “It seems you believe in setting double standards, Lady Jesicca. How is it that when I speak the truth, you want to tear my mouth apart, yet it’s perfectly acceptable for you to slander and spread rumors? I trust the grand princess has invited Sebastian today. Should we perhaps ask him to clarify things?”Carissa cast a meaningful glance at Rebecca. “Rebecca, if you feel wronged, you may address your concerns directly with Sebastian.”Rebecca looked at Carissa with a mixture of resentment and coldness. Carrisa was once so submissive and obedient before her, but now, her gaze was filled with indifference. Rebecca blamed Carissa for everything that had happened. Carissa couldn't even tolerate one concubine. What kind of virtue could she have as a wife?Yet, Rebecca remained silent. She knew that if Sebastian was called over, she might find herself cut off from Snowdrop Pills i
Carissa’s voice softened, losing the earlier sternness and coldness. “Your Highness, I wish you a long life that's as enduring as a mountain.”Eleanor’s gaze slowly shifted away from Carissa’s face, and the rising resentment and thoughts were gradually suppressed. “Thank you, Carissa. Bring the gift forward.”A servant stepped up to receive the scroll. Jessica remarked coldly, “It seems the gift is a painting or calligraphy. I wonder which master’s work it is. I hope it isn’t something casually bought from the street.”Carissa smiled faintly. “Even if it were something casually bought from the street, it is still a token of my sincerity. Just as when my father and brothers sacrificed their lives, Grand Princess Eleanor sent my mother a symbol of chastity. It was also a gesture from your heart, wasn’t it?”No one had known of this particular event, but Carissa’s words sent shockwaves through the room. The crowd's expressions varied, but no one dared to speak out. The thought tha
Jessica stepped forward, and seized the scroll. “I will open it. Carissa, if you dare to curse my mother, I will make sure you can't rest in peace even after you die!"As the scroll slowly unfurled, everyone craned their necks to see what was revealed. To their surprise, the scroll depicted a painting of an orchid.The half-length scroll showcased an orchid, with blossoms either in full bloom or just about to open. Many flower buds stood quietly on the branch.The crowd was stunned. The orchid painting seemed almost alive, as if the flower was right before their eyes. Every little detail, including the texture of the petals, was meticulously depicted.Among the ladies present who were knowledgeable about painting, one gasped. “Is this Mr. Spencer’s painting? I have had the honor of seeing his paintings before, and the technique is identical. Yes, this is indeed Mr. Spencer’s work.”This announcement caused a stir among the guests. Kyle Spencer's painting? That was something
Spring Pavilion was full that day.The restaurant wasn't very big to begin with, and it usually had some customers. The black-clad men that lady brought had taken up all the remaining seats.Carissa, Violet, and Travis had to sit at a small table the owner had set up at the last minute, separate from the others.The man's voice, soft and apologetic, reached Carissa's ear. It was warm and pleasant. "These are my brothers-in-arms. We've been traveling since last night and haven't had a bite to eat. If it troubles you, I can have them wait outside and just pass them some bread each when we're done."Violet paused, surprised, but quickly shook her head. "No need for that. Please, let them stay. They can sit where they like and order what they wish."The man smiled kindly. "You are kind-hearted, miss. In that case, we'll order freely, and we'll take extra.""Alright… That's fine," Violet replied, casting a glance at the sea of black. The men were dressed in a way that suggested some
Carissa studied the man and woman carefully, feeling a sense of unease. She couldn't quite place their age. They looked to be in their thirties, yet there was an undeniable vitality about them, as if they were no older than twenty.Her gaze moved to their eyes, particularly the man's. His eyes were as deep and mysterious, yet they held the calculating sharpness of a seasoned old fox.Before Carissa could say anything, the man stepped forward and spoke. "This is where the orphanage is being built? Is the local government funding it?"Travis glanced at them, noting their perfectly spoken Starhaven dialect. They clearly weren't from Victory Pass, yet he saw no malice in their faces. He nodded. "Yes, it's a place to take in abandoned children," he replied. "It's being supported by the local government."The man nodded. "That's a good cause."Carissa stepped forward. "Are you from the capital?"The man regarded her but didn't answer her question. Instead, he asked, "Are you the He
Kendrick didn't wake until well into the afternoon the following day, his body heavy with exhaustion and hunger. When his eyes finally fluttered open, he felt as if his entire body had been shattered. Every muscle ached, and lifting even his arm seemed like a Herculean task.The weariness sank deep into his bones, and he had no energy to move. His attendant, a trusted servant by the name of Avery, stood at his bedside, awaiting his attention. He said quietly, "Your Highness, Lady Carissa has been waiting for you for half the day. She wishes to speak with you."Kendrick had initially planned to stay in bed, have all his meals brought to him, and then drift back to sleep. He was simply too tired to move. But when he heard that Carissa had waited so long, he immediately threw the covers off and commanded, "Prepare me, quickly."Over the course of the journey, Kendrick had come to understand just how formidable Carissa was. As a woman, she had never once complained about exhaustion
After lighting a candle for Edith, everyone returned to the backyard. They wiped away their tears, set aside their grief, and gathered around Carissa to ask about her married life. The most frequent question was about how well Rafael treated her.That was how families were. They knew she was capable, yet they couldn't help but yearn for her spouse to treat her with genuine love and care.Carissa had many cousins, all daughters of her uncles, but most had only met her a handful of times. Still, when they saw her, they were all overjoyed.Her cousins were all married, and many had returned to Victory Pass with their husbands and children. Having heard so much about Carissa, they couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and sympathy.Among them was Shayla Sullivan, the eldest daughter of Carissa's second aunt. She had married Chase Hudson, one of Dominic's subordinates. But within a year of marriage, Chase died in battle before their child had even been born.Now, the child was 12
After nearly twenty days of grueling travel, they finally arrived at Victory Pass on the third of August.The heat had been unbearable along the way, causing many in the party to fall ill. Fortunately, Carissa had come well-prepared with plenty of medicine. They had also brought along a royal physician, Dorian, who was able to manage the illnesses without any major issues.But Kendrick, having never endured such hardship, was exhausted beyond measure. By the tenth day of their journey, he could barely speak. His face and lips were pale, and the exhaustion was evident in every line of his features.When they finally reached the outskirts of Victory Pass and saw the Sullivan family and the troops come out to greet them, Kendrick collapsed. The sight of him fainting right there gave everyone a fright, and they quickly rushed to carry him back.However, Carissa barely noticed Kendrick's condition. As soon as she saw her family, she ran straight into her grandfather's arms, tears stream
On the twelfth day of July, the Starhaven envoy delegation departed the capital in a grand procession, heading toward Orivenia.Rafael rode alongside the group for five miles, only reining in his horse reluctantly when Dylan and Jacob both insisted it was time to stop. Carissa turned back to wave at him, her smile as bright as ever. There wasn't a hint of sadness on her face.Rafael gazed after her, his eyes filled with longing.But under his breath, he muttered, "She's heartless, truly heartless."The sun had risen high, and the road was still and stifling with the lack of wind. Still, Rafael waited until the last of the procession had disappeared from view before reluctantly turning his horse around and heading back.This journey to Orivenia was a significant one. Carissa had brought along three hundred men from the Mystic Army, as well as Travis, Violet, and the others.Though the two kingdoms enjoyed a temporary peace after the last conflict, Leroy had made public what happen
The evening before the trip, Carissa, accompanied by Rafael, made her way to bid farewell to Helen. Since she was leaving early in the morning, before her mother-in-law would be awake, Carissa chose to say her goodbyes the night before.Helen had known about the trip to Orivenia for some time. At first, she hadn't fully understood the situation and felt Salvador's order was a bit much. Why did it have to be Carissa, of all people, who had to undertake such a long and tiring journey?But after hearing from Violet that the real purpose of the journey was for Carissa to visit her maternal family, Helen only sighed quietly."The greatest pain in life is the separation from loved ones, whether by life or death. And the greatest joy is the reunion with loved ones after a long time apart."Of course, those words were spoken to Violet, and would never be said in front of Carissa. To say them to her would be like rubbing salt in an open wound. After all, Helen had come to love and cherish h
In the blazing heat of July, a letter from Westhaven arrived.Westhaven's king, Edmund, had abdicated. Grand Princess Lisandra was now queen. She had taken the throne and assumed control of the kingdom, and its name was officially changed from Westhaven to Orivenia.The new queen invited Starhaven to send an envoy delegation to attend her coronation and to discuss the long-standing border disputes. Lisandra had already ascended the throne, so attending the coronation was merely a formality. The true purpose of the visit was to negotiate the border issue.When the Westhaven envoy delegation previously came to Starhaven, their primary goal was the border—an issue that had been put on hold due to internal unrest. It was also the matter that had weighed most heavily on Lisandra's mind. So, with her coronation behind her now, she wasted no time in reopening the talks.At the morning court session in Starhaven, there was unanimous agreement that old grudges were behind them. Both kingdom
At Hell Monarch Estate, Carissa and Cynthia were busy teaching Roxana and Courtney martial arts. Mostly, it was Cynthia who took charge of Roxana's lessons, while Carissa kept company with Courtney, observing but not actively participating.Work at the Capital Guard headquarters was actually quite busy, but time seemed to slow down, bringing a sense of calm to everyone's hearts. No matter how long this period without suspicion would last, they decided to cherish each day as it came.But there was one thing that weighed heavily on Carissa's mind—Rafael's health.Although he was gradually recovering, his vitality had been severely damaged. Working tirelessly every day, leaving early and returning late, with irregular meals and inconsistent medication, he wasn't able to rest properly, which was always a worry.Bun came down the corridor and approached Carissa, saying, "Vivi says she won't be home tonight."Carissa nodded, her expression unchanged. She didn't need to ask. She knew exa