As Barrett began his new role, Aurora hoped to secure an official position for herself, even if it were just a minor role in the Capital Guard or as a small team leader in the Mystic Army. She knew her past mistakes would limit her to a lower-ranking post, but given her significant contributions in the victory at Victory Pass, she thought finding a position wouldn't be too difficult.All she wanted was to have a position that would allow her to hold her head high.However, Aurora’s expectations were overly simplistic. Even Carissa, who held only a nominal title, didn't need to report to the Capital Guard Headquarters or participate in Mystic Army training unless specifically required. She had the option to go if needed, but she didn't have to.Aurora waited several days, only to receive a document from the Ministry of Defense stripping her of her military rank and erasing all recognition of her achievements at Victory Pass.She was no longer a general or even a soldier. All her con
After Rafael had gone to the Pathfinders Guild, Helen had once again summoned Carissa to the palace.Following the events at Eleanor's birthday banquet, Helen's view of Carissa had changed. However, it wasn't enough to change her mind about accepting Carissa as her daughter-in-law.Helen considered various approaches; she realized she had no effective means to sway Carissa through coercion, especially given how Carissa had dared to defy Eleanor. It was clear that strong-arm tactics would not work. Thus, Helen decided to appeal to Carissa’s emotions and reason with her, hoping she would voluntarily withdraw.Upon arriving at the Evergreen Palace, Carissa was greeted with a table set with an array of snacks and coffee. Helen was known for her haughty demeanor, but she managed to force a smile, though it was clearly strained and unnatural.After Carissa paid her respects, Helen dismissed the attendants and began to chat with Carissa in a casual manner."I genuinely mean well for yo
Helen gazed at Carissa's stunningly beautiful face, and then at her slender figure. It was hard to believe that someone who looked so delicate could possibly be as ruthless as Rafael described—someone who could cut a person into three pieces.Recalling Carissa's actions and words at Eleanor's birthday banquet, Helen asked, "You offended Grand Princess Eleanor that day. Aren't you afraid of her retaliation?"Carissa remained unperturbed. "Her bark is worse than her bite. Why should I fear her?"Helen's voice turned cold. "You're too young to understand her methods. She has many ways of getting back at people. Such people often strike you from behind. You'll find yourself in trouble.""If she tries to come at us from behind, we'll respond openly and twice as hard. We conduct ourselves with integrity—we're upright and unashamed of our actions. We're not afraid of her, whether she comes openly or covertly. It's the things she does secretly that we should be wary of. Once we have a hand
After leaving the palace, Carissa boarded the carriage bound for Harmony Palace. Today, she had originally planned to visit Eleanor, but the sudden royal summons had delayed her. However, the delay wasn't a major setback. By afternoon, Eleanor would have awakened from her nap and would be full of energy, so Carissa expected not to be disappointed.In recent days, Carissa had been organizing the storerooms, sorting out the dowry items brought back from Valor Estate. Some items needed to be sold, while others were to be stacked in a corner.Since she was marrying Rafael, she couldn't use those items as part of her dowry. After tidying up the storerooms, she needed to make a list of what new items were necessary. Frederick was to prepare this list.Among the clutter, she discovered the miniature sculpture of the chastity belt sent by Eleanor. It was exquisitely carved and made from a rare, precious type of marble.Such an expensive "gift" obviously had to be returned to Eleanor. Whe
Carissa looked up coldly, observing Eleanor's furious expression. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the serving maid rushing forward to shield Eleanor as they shouted for help."Guards, come quickly!"Carissa smiled. "Your Highness, there's no need for such a commotion. I'm merely here to return something."Eleanor's eyes narrowed as she fixed her gaze on the miniature chastity belt sculpture in Carissa's hands. Her expression darkened immediately. Had Melanie kept such an item?Such an object should have been smashed to pieces in anger upon receipt. Eleanor had thought it was just an empty threat, but to her surprise, it had actually been kept.The head guard, leading his men, was about to rush in when Eleanor snapped, "Stay back and guard the door."Only a few trusted individuals knew about the miniature chastity belt sculpture. Although it could be discussed, it must never be seen by others—especially since these were not her most trusted guards, but rather lower-ran
Derek entered the king's study, and reported, "Your Majesty, Grand Princess Eleanor has come to the palace and requests to see you."Salvador looked up from the mountain of reports before him. He tossed aside his pen, and rubbed his temples. "Did she say what it was about?""She didn't specify, but she appears to be quite angry," Derek replied cautiously.Salvador sneered, "My aunt has always been domineering. During festivals, she visits the palace and treats me like a child. However, she seldom comes to see me alone. After all, what could be so significant that a great princess like her can't handle? It's likely related to the events at the birthday banquet."He had heard about what happened at Eleanor's birthday banquet, though he was unsure of the full details. It had been several days since then—was she still aggrieved by that event?"Show her in," Salvador said.Derek hesitated before adding, "Grand Princess Eleanor is at Serenity Palace. She has also summoned Lady Helen."
Eleanor gritted her teeth, and spat out the name with venom, "Carissa Sinclair!"At the mention of this name, Helen lowered her head slightly, her gaze becoming evasive. She had sent someone to follow Carissa to see if she had gone to Harmony Palace. However, before the report could come back, Eleanor arrived at Trinity Palace and even summoned her.From Eleanor's demeanor, Helen could already guess that Carissa had indeed gone to Harmony Palace and must have said something outrageous but likely satisfying.What exactly did she say? It must have been something to infuriate that old vixen! Helen had never seen Eleanor come to the palace to seek Salvador's intervention before.Victoria frowned. "Carissa? What happened? Why does Salvador need to issue an edict to punish her?"Eleanor's voice was full of fury as she replied, "She trespassed into my palace and insulted me!"Victoria had always been protective of Carissa, and disapproved of Eleanor. "If she trespassed into your palac
Salvador raised a hand to calm the room, and said, "Aunt Eleanor, please try to calm down. It is indeed improper for Carissa to have trespassed and insulted you—it shows a lack of the grace expected from a noble lady. "What exactly did she say to you? Are there any witnesses? If you provide details, I will take charge. As for the accusation of her fabricating the miniature chastity belt sculpture, I'll have the Royal Citadel officials investigate. If it turns out to be false and an attempt to slander you, I'll ensure she is punished accordingly.""Witnesses? There are plenty! The entire staff of my palace can testify. She barged in without any restraint, and the guards couldn't stop her. As for her insults, the people in my palace also heard them," Eleanor replied in a firm tone.She paused before continuing, "As for the sculpture, having it investigated by the Royal Citadel officials is unnecessary. Conducting a large-scale investigation would only stir up more commotion. The comm
"Elise, must your mouth run on without end?" Carissa frowned at her daughter, who had been chattering away beside Ryan from the moment he stepped through the door.The little girl's face was flushed from the sun, her hair tangled into a messy nest that made it clear she had only just returned from playing outdoors. She hadn't stopped talking since Ryan came back from his travels, pestering him with questions about what he had seen and done.Elise turned to Carissa with wide eyes, looking up with a face so innocent it could soften stone. She truly had inherited the best features from both her parents."Mom, I haven't seen Ryan in such a long time. Every moment without him felt like an eternity. We've been apart for so long, so of course I have a lot to say to him."Carissa's frown deepened. "And who taught you to speak in such a ridiculous manner? An eternity—where did that come from?""Sage Isaac said it to Aunt Violet. He went back to Meadow Ridge for a few days and said it to her
Though Ryan had told Cecil he was going on a journey, he didn't stay long at Eldermere Keep. After just seven days, he left and made his way to the Pathfinders Guild.He had initially planned to return to the capital to seek out Claire, but soon reconsidered. Instead of troubling her, he thought it best to directly ask Winona to teach him the art of disguise.It was not difficult to learn, but to do it well—to the point where no one could tell—was another matter. Such skill could not be acquired in just a few months.The simpler form of disguise involved merely altering one's features with makeup and slight adjustments to the face. This was fine for ordinary situations, but could easily be seen through in more challenging circumstances, like on a rainy day for instance.Therefore, Ryan knew he couldn't settle for such a basic method.The more advanced form of disguise involved creating a mask as a false face. However, these masks had their own set of problems. They were thick, unco
That evening, Ryan and Clarence sat by candlelight and spoke quietly. They avoided discussing court politics as Clarence had no interest in such matters. As long as the kingdom was peaceful, that was enough for him.He was no longer the eldest prince of Starhaven, and only had himself to look after now. Everything else had faded into the past.It was better not to speak of politics; it was too sensitive a topic. In his younger years, Clarence hadn't understood why his "death" was so tied to such matters. But over the years, Sebastian had explained everything to him, bit by bit, including the risks and consequences.The bond between Clarence and Cecil was not without affection. However, to gamble with one's life and future for the sake of family might not be the wisest choice for any of them.Clarence had come to terms with it. Life had to go on; it was better to live it well today than to wonder about tomorrow."Aunt Carissa said you're no longer able to stand, but you were walking
The azaleas of Eldermere Keep bloomed in a riot of color, spreading across the hills in a blaze of purple and red. The sight was enough to dazzle anyone who set eyes upon it, especially those who had never visited this secluded place. It was the kind of beauty that made one long to stay forever.Yet, there was one exception.A young man rode his horse to the base of the mountain, dismounted, and secured his steed. Without a glance at the dazzling scene around him, he began to walk the path up the mountain, his gaze fixed firmly on the road ahead.The vivid azaleas stretched out along either side of the path, reaching out as if to claim him, but he merely brushed them aside with a casual swipe of his hand.His pace was swift, and he occasionally used his Lightfoot Skill. Eldermere Keep was not high up, but its location was well-hidden, with many winding paths leading in. However, he had studied the map countless times before embarking on this journey, so the route to the keep was et
Rafael glanced at the robe. "Isn't that mine? Are you saying I've gotten fat? I'm not fat.""Oh, is it yours? It's too long, then. I'll have someone alter it for me," Carissa replied casually.Rafael shook his head. "If you want something loose, just have someone make it for you. Why bother altering my old clothes? It's not even comfortable.""I'm going to Meadow Ridge for a year. Wearing your clothes will make it feel like you're still with me," Carissa said with a bright smile, as if the idea of being apart for a year was no more serious than being apart for a day."A year?" Rafael looked shocked. "You're going back for a whole year? Why?""Well, of course, my mentor misses me, and I miss him too," Carissa replied, placing her hands on her hips as she handed the robe to Lulu, who was standing by with a hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh."But I won't leave right away. Since Ryan is about to inherit the duke's title, I'll wait until that's settled before I go back to Meado
On the 13th day of winter, Salvador suddenly woke up feeling clearer than before. Saying he was hungry, he specifically asked for beef stew and milk pastries.Derek hurried to make the necessary arrangements. When the food arrived, Octavia sat by the bed as she had done many times before, ready to feed him. But Salvador insisted he wanted to sit up to eat himself.Derek gently helped the king sit up, placing a soft cushion behind him to support his back. Salvador had grown so thin that he seemed to be nothing but skin and bones. His body slouched as he sat, so Derek had to kneel beside the bed, holding his waist to keep him steady.Salvador finished an entire bowl of stew, eating it all without leaving a single bit behind. Then, he picked up a small milk pastry. But after a bite, he felt a little nauseous, so he didn't eat any more.Sebastian sent word to Victoria. After a brief conversation, her face turned pale and tears started to fall almost immediately. Though she had tried to
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