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
Thomas had already received word from his scouts. Several mysterious groups had gathered outside Nerovia and were now heading toward Valken.Long before this, he had received a report from Jacob. Jacob had warned him that Yuvan might feign surrender to lure them into the city for a trap, and then spring an ambush from within. Thomas knew well that Yuvan was nothing more than a pawn in Nicholas' game.With years of experience in intelligence and espionage, Thomas could piece together the situation with just a few key bits of information and devise a strategy accordingly.Homer and Felix had initially remained in the capital, but yesterday they had suddenly moved to join him outside Valken. Thomas had been surprised at first—after all, the capital should have been the most dangerous place. Why would the two of them be sent here?Felix explained that Carissa's mentor, Adrian, the leader of the Pathfinders Guild, had come to the capital, bringing with him many martial artists to aid
That evening, Samson returned with a scout and hastily reported, "Your Highness, Mr. Harper has successfully rallied our scattered troops and secured 500 warhorses from the Spencer family. He is making his way back now. If the pace holds, he will arrive in three days."Yuvan sprang to his feet, his heart pounding with excitement. "Is that true?""Absolutely, Your Highness. The scout is waiting outside. You may call him in to confirm.""Bring him in!" Yuvan sat back down, his pulse racing. At last, he had gathered all the forces—but the news of the Spencer family providing 500 warhorses caught him off guard. Since the fallout over Violet's incident, he had severed ties with the Spencer family. The scout entered, kneeling before Yuvan. "Your Highness, Mr. Harper sends word that the private army has assembled. Also, Mr. Murphy, one of Prince Nicholas' advisors, is leading 5,000 men and 500 warhorses in support. Prince Nicholas has one request—he wants the rescue of Prince Hayden."
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