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
Watching Eleanor's face shift from green to red, and then from red to white, Helen felt a deep sense of satisfaction. At last, she was seeing Eleanor get a taste of defeat.Helen didn't fully understand why this matter couldn't be used to accuse Carissa of any crime—after all, an offense of disrespect was no small matter. Regardless, seeing how Eleanor suddenly fell silent, it was clear that no punishment for Carissa would be forthcoming. To truly understand the subtle reasons behind this, Helen would need to consult her sister. But for now, she was content to enjoy the spectacle of Eleanor's irate, multicolored face.In the end, Eleanor stormed off in anger, having realized during this visit to the palace that Carissa's audacity was backed not only by Rafael, but also by Victoria and Salvador. No wonder she had been so brazen!After Eleanor left, Salvador sighed and rubbed his temples. "It seems that the matter of the miniature chastity belt sculpture is indeed real. Aunt Ele
Victoria was well aware of Helen's intentions. She decided to give Helen a gentle warning. "Soon, you'll be moving to Hell Monarch Estate to live with Rafael. If you don't understand the ways of managing a household, don't try to overstep and take control. Once Carissa enters the family, she will naturally take charge of the household's affairs…""Victoria, that's not quite right," Helen interrupted Victoria with an unusual seriousness. "How can a new bride be in charge of the household? I have reservations about her. Since we're here together, I won't hesitate to speak plainly—I don't like her, and I don't want her to be my daughter-in-law, let alone manage the household.""Oh? You want to take over the household?" Victoria raised an eyebrow. "Alright then, starting tomorrow, I'll ask Kylie to transfer her duties overseeing the inner palace to you. Let her have a rest and see how you manage for a few days.""It's not like I've never done it before," Helen replied. "Kylie has been
Eleanor was indeed behind this matter. Since she couldn't have Salvador punish Carissa for offending the royal family, she decided to take matters into her own hands and teach Carissa a lesson in her own way.The people of the capital had praised Carissa for her devotion to her family. Then, what about now? Eleanor wanted to see if a daughter who remarried during her mourning period would be met with public scorn!One of Eleanor's servants, Lucy, came in with a beaming face to report, "Your Highness, news of this has spread far and wide. Coffeehouses and taverns are abuzz with discussions, and it's mostly in condemnation.""Mostly?" Jessica's brows knitted in cold displeasure. "Are there still some people speaking in her favor?"Lucy replied, "Yes, my lady. There are a few troublemakers defending her, saying that by the time she got married, it had already been twenty-four months since her father's death."Mourning for parents traditionally lasted three years for children, but thi
Eleanor smiled slowly, thinking it was time to extract some money from this money tree.-Inside Evergreen Palace, Helen sneezed repeatedly. As she was preparing for a nap at noon, she was informed that Eleanor and Jessica had arrived.Gillian furrowed her brow. When the two of them came together, it was usually for a specific reason.A few years ago, Jessica and Dakota opened a makeup shop and made some money. Helen, who hated being outdone by others, heard about their success and thought about starting a shop herself. However, she didn’t plan to team up with Jessica. She actually wanted to partner with her maternal nephew.However, Jessica approached Helen with a proposition. She claimed she had a unique formula that produced makeup as good as the ones used in the palace. She asked Helen for three thousand silver coins to start the business, suggesting they could open a makeup shop together.Helen was skeptical of Jessica, so Eleanor intervened. Eleanor made sarcastic comments,
With the silver she obtained from Helen, Eleanor distributed some to continue fueling the gossip in the taverns and coffeehouses, exaggerating Carissa's supposed failure to observe her duties toward her family.Carissa remained silent. She even closed the doors to Northwatch Estate and refused to make any public response, which satisfied Eleanor. Eleanor thought Carissa must be scared of the public outcry, and reveled in the victory. Eleanor believed that Carissa going against her was like trying to fight a rock with an egg—completely futile.Riding on her success, Eleanor entered the palace to see Salvador. She argued that Rafael's marriage to Carissa was laying a hidden danger to his throne. For the stability of the kingdom and its people, she suggested that Carissa's entry into Rafael's household should be prevented.She expected Salvador to ponder her words seriously. To her surprise, he responded with a cold and stern expression. "Aunt Eleanor, what are you saying? Both my
One of the coffeehouse patrons recognized the irate speaker, and immediately shouted, "That's the current minister of the Astrology Department!"The murmur of the crowd erupted into a clamor. How could a date chosen personally by the minister of the Astrology Department fall within a period of mourning?The Astrology Department minister pointed an accusatory finger at the stunned storyteller, and thundered, "Who sent you to defame the Duke of Northwatch's household? The Sinclair family's seven men all sacrificed themselves on the Southern Frontier! General Sinclair is a female general who has distinguished herself repeatedly in battle! She aided the Hell Monarch in reclaiming the Southern Frontier! "Any loyal subject of our kingdom would only hold the Duke of Northwatch's family in the highest respect. Yet here you are, spreading vile rumors and accusing General Sinclair of being disrespectful! What is your true intention?"A loud voice called out, "Could it be that you're a spy f
It was relatively easy to trace the matter back to Eleanor's estate.With so many people bought off by Eleanor, there were bound to be a few with weak nerves who, after being questioned by the officials a few times, would reveal everything they knew.When the investigation reached Eleanor's palace, Anthony ordered a temporary halt. He decided to visit Northwatch Estate in person to see Carissa.When Carissa got married, the event was conducted with great discretion. There were no lavish feasts, and the Marquis of Highcrest's family only sent three ladies to present gifts. No one attended the wedding.Carissa and Anthony had seldom met. She had left home at a young age and rarely stayed in the capital. After returning from Meadow Ridge, the Marquis of Highcrest's female relatives occasionally visited Carissa's sister-in-law. Anthony had come once or twice, but Carissa, still learning etiquette at the time, had only appeared briefly to offer a polite greeting while concealing her fac
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