The words were so crooked and difficult to decipher that Carissa had to spend a long time making sense of them.When she finally figured them out, she looked up at Ryan with swollen eyes, tears streaming down her face once more. The words felt like daggers piercing her heart, causing her to curl up slightly in pain.In the days before the massacre, she had returned to Northwatch Estate and discussed the Victory Pass battle with Melanie, who was worried about Dominic. She feared her father might meet the same fate as her husband and sons. Carissa had tried to comfort her, but her own anxiety about her grandfather and her concern for her mother was palpable.Outside Melanie's courtyard, Carissa had bumped into Ryan. He had lifted his small face and asked his aunt if she was unhappy.Carissa had smiled and ruffled his hair, saying, "I'm a little bit unhappy, but I'll cheer up soon. Don't worry, Ryan."At the time, she had been preoccupied with her own worries and had given a somewhat
After he finished writing, Ryan was exhausted. Carissa urged him to rest and watched as he fell asleep, unable to bring herself to leave his side. She was terrified that if she stepped away, the fragile dreamlike peace she felt would shatter, and Ryan would be gone when she returned to reality.Her heart ached to see the child suffer so much. Watching him limp painfully as he walked felt like a thousand needles piercing her heart.Rafael had already begun arranging their return to the capital. Ryan needed to see Sebastian for treatment as soon as possible, no time could be wasted. At seven years old, Ryan was still as small as he had been at five, and it was unclear what other poisons he might have been exposed to. It was difficult for any of them to feel at ease until Ryan was examined thoroughly.Rafael had also instructed the Eldorian governor to submit an urgent report to the king on his behalf, detailing the situation. The preservation of even a small part of the Duke of Northw
Once the boy had fallen into a deep sleep, Carissa went to find Rafael and showed him the note Ryan had written.The prince's expression was complex as he read the note. Did he resemble those thugs who had beaten Ryan? Perhaps so. After years on the battlefield, he had developed a certain harshness.Rafael sighed deeply. "We'll take it slow. I'll try to be more gentle and smile at him more often."Ryan needed healing, both physically and emotionally."You've worked hard throughout this journey," Carissa said.Her gratitude towards Rafael was beyond mere words. However, there was something she needed to clarify.She removed a hairpin from her hair and used it to adjust the wick of a lantern. The small flame flickered, casting a warm light over her gaunt face and pale lips.She spoke softly, "Given Ryan's condition, he'll need me for at least two or three more years. If our marriage is to proceed, I'll need to bring him to your estate with me. I can't leave him alone at Northwatch
That night, when they stopped at an inn, Rafael helped Carissa out of the carriage.Summoning his courage, Ryan climbed out after them, trembling all over. He positioned himself between them, his tiny arms outstretched as he tried to shield Carissa from Rafael, glaring at him with hostility.Fear gripped the child—his skinny legs shook uncontrollably, his lips quivered, and he made soft whimpering noises as he tried to drive Rafael away.Both Rafael and Carissa exchanged bewildered glances.What was going on? Was their approach having the opposite effect?"Oh!" Carissa slapped her forehead, realizing the reason.Ryan didn't know she was no longer Barrett's wife, and was unaware of her upcoming marriage to Rafael.That night, aunt and nephew sat by candlelight and had a deep conversation.Carissa knew she could no longer treat Ryan as a mere child. After two years of living on the streets and begging for food, he would understand more than she might expect if she explained thing
The next day, Rafael appeared refreshed, though there were dark circles under his eyes.Carissa found it strange how he managed to look so lively despite obviously not having slept well. Aside from the dark circles, his face and eyes actually had a radiant quality.After talking with Ryan the night before, Ryan was now less fearful and wary of Rafael. Occasionally, he would lift the curtain to sneak a look at Rafael’s back.Was Rafael like his grandfather, Hector? If so, he must be really impressive—he only fought enemies and never harmed ordinary people.So there was no need to be afraid of him.Ryan kept reassuring himself this way, all the way through their journey. Gradually, Rafael became as familiar and trusted in Ryan’s eyes as his grandfather or father. Moreover, Rafael would soon become his future uncle by marriage, a close relative.By the time they arrived in Greenbrook County, Ryan had even started signaling Rafael and was bold enough to let Rafael hold his hand while
Jeremiah wiped away his tears. "It’s good that he's alive. That's the most important part."Then, he stood and bowed deeply. "I've lost my composure, Your Majesty. Please excuse me.""I was also close to losing my composure, Jeremiah. Who wouldn't be moved by such news?" Salvador said with a broad smile.He then recalled something, and quickly ordered, "Derek, go to the Klein family's residence or look for the Marquis of Highcrest at the Royal Citadel. Inform him of this matter so he and his family can share in the joy."Derek, who had been dabbing at his eyes, immediately replied, "Understood, Your Majesty. I’ll go right away."With a heart full of genuine happiness, Derek left. The survival of the Duke of Northwatch's family brought him true joy. Melanie had treated him with kindness, and he was more eager than anyone to see her family prosper.As Jeremiah watched Derek leave, he was filled with a myriad of thoughts. Despite having a pile of official duties awaiting him, he was
Jeremiah felt a multitude of emotions as he took on the task of searching for a wife for Barrett.He remembered how Barrett and Aurora's marriage was once celebrated with great fanfare, full of glory and anticipation. Many in the court had high hopes for them. Even the common people sang praises of their love, feeling sympathy and admiration for Aurora, who, despite her remarkable achievements, was willing to accept the status of a secondary wife.Barrett was also praised. Even though he was deeply in love with Aurora, he didn't forget his rightful wife and managed to secure Aurora's position as a secondary wife. The victory at Victory Pass had clouded everyone’s judgment, leading to wild celebrations and a loss of reason.However, as the excitement faded, people began to see the dirt hidden beneath the beautiful facade of their stories. It eventually came to light that Barrett's primary wife was even more outstanding than Aurora. People started to recall the Duke of Northwatch's fa
The members of the Klein family were puzzled. What good news could the Hell Monarch possibly have to share with the Klein family?Seeing the confusion in their eyes, Derek continued, "Prince Rafael discovered a child beggar in Greenbrook County, who bears a striking resemblance to the late General Sinclair's second son. His Highness called him by name, and to his surprise, the child beggar responded—"Anthony found this absurd, and interrupted Derek, "Mr. Walker, so His Highness saw someone who resembles Ryan and reported it to His Majesty. What is the significance of this? Just because someone looks like Ryan doesn’t mean it’s him. What’s the point of reporting this to His Majesty?"Anthony was not only perplexed, but also angry. The loss of Yvette and Ryan was a deep wound for the Klein family, especially for the Klein family matriarch, who could not bear to hear such news.What kind of good news was it to report seeing someone who merely resembled Ryan? It caused everyone in t
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