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
But how could it be true?They were destined to be disappointed.Everyone in the Klein family felt a deep sadness, but also sympathized with Carissa. If she had set out with high hopes, she would surely be heartbroken upon arrival.Wait, Derek had mentioned that they would be arriving in the capital soon. Could it be that she really brought that child beggar back, thinking him to be Ryan?What kind of mistake was this? Just when Anthony thought her to be prudent, she had done something so reckless?!Carissa had left the capital on Starlight Harvest Festival. By the time she reached the capital, it was already the seventh of September.The crisp autumn air made for a pleasant day.The city guards were astonished to see that the carriage was being driven by the Hell Monarch himself. The prince was acting as a coachman? Who was inside the carriage?As a prince’s carriage entering the capital didn’t require inspection, it was allowed through immediately and went straight to North
Frederick didn’t place Ryan in his previous residence. Although the place had been redecorated, Frederick was concerned that it might remind Ryan of his painful past. Instead, Frederick arranged for Ryan and Carissa to stay in Amethyst Hall. The place was spacious enough for the two of them, and they had plenty of room to settle in comfortably.Frederick was mindful of the hardships Ryan had endured, and knew that Carissa would need to look after him closely. Since Ryan had not yet turned seven, it was appropriate for him to stay with his aunt. They would go with the arrangements like this for now, and after Carissa’s marriage, they could consider other arrangements.Once Ryan was settled, Carissa gathered everyone in the side hall and instructed Frederick to send word to Theodore and the Klein family. She mentioned that once Ryan’s emotions were more stable in a few days, she would take him to visit everyone.“If the Klein family members wish to see Ryan sooner, they can come to
Carissa knew all too well the excruciating pain of broken bones, having experienced it in her youth. Even with pain-relieving decoctions or acupuncture treatment, the agony remained sharp and penetrating.Carissa felt her heart break as she asked, "What about the addictive drugs he was using before? Is that still a serious issue?"Sebastian replied, "The drug he was taking is called Peony Bliss. It is indeed addictive, but considering his current condition, he seems to be managing well. Did he experience any discomfort during the journey back to the capital?"Carissa recalled that Ryan seemed to have had a few episodes along the way, but he endured them. After that, there were no signs of any episodes. She said, "It didn't happen much. The last time it happened, he was able to endure it. Also, His Highness mentioned that Ryan had severe episodes while in Eldoria—he was hitting walls and hurting himself. I didn't see such extreme behavior when I arrived."Sebastian sighed deeply.
As Carissa saw Sebastian out, he sighed and said, "Being captured by human traffickers is undeniably unfortunate, but escaping the massacre of your entire family is a great stroke of luck amidst the misfortune."Carissa didn't share his view.Had Ryan delivered the candied apples to Valor Estate as planned, she would have personally ensured his safe return, though it would have likely meant staying a night at Northwatch Estate. If she had been there when the Westhaven spies attacked, she might have been able to save some of them, and the massacre might not have been so complete.So, her hatred for the traffickers was deep and all-consuming. She hoped to see them utterly eradicated, and not a single one of them spared.After sending Sebastian on his way, Carissa asked for a carriage to be prepared. She intended to take Ryan to the palace to meet the king and the queen dowager. Following that, they would visit the Klein family.New clothes had been made for Ryan, as only a few of hi
After leaving the palace, Carissa helped Ryan onto the carriage and headed toward Highcrest Estate. It was already evening, and the men of the Klein family would be finishing their duties and returning home.Inside the carriage, Ryan used Carissa's palm as a writing surface. He scrawled, [Going to Grandpa's house?]Carissa nodded and replied, "Yes, we're going to your grandfather's house. Don't you miss them?"Ryan nodded and wrote a single word, [Yes!]Yet, his expression was tinged with worry. The child was sensitive, and the Klein family's disbelief in his return made him fear they might not want to see him.Carissa noticed his anxiety and reassured him, "Ryan, don't worry. Your grandparents, uncles, aunts, and everyone else are very eager to see you. They just don't believe you're still alive. Once they see you, they'll be very happy."Ryan leaned against Carissa, his sharp little chin raised slightly. He opened his mouth, trying to make a sound, but nothing came out. He lo
Carissa anticipated such a misunderstanding. While she had previously said she understood, in reality, she didn't fully comprehend.It was just like when she had rushed to Eldoria upon receiving Rafael's letter. Despite her efforts to temper her hopes, she couldn't help but go and see for herself.So, hearing Anthony's words now, her temper flared. She turned, threw back the curtain, and lifted Ryan up. The two stood before Anthony. With a cold voice, Carissa said, "At least take a good look. Throughout the journey, Ryan wrote messages in my hand, worried that you might reject him. I reassured him that you wouldn't."Anthony was reluctant, but he instinctively glanced at the child she was holding.In that one glance, he realized just how wrong he had been.In that brief moment, his heart almost stopped.The resemblance was undeniable. Although Ryan was now gaunt and not as chubby and adorable as before, the similarity was unmistakable.Anthony's lips trembled, and his eyes q
The other Klein family members helped Diana lay down on the ground and elevated her legs, ensuring she was breathing properly. Then they fanned her and waited until she finally came to.Upon waking, Diana continued to cry, "Oh, Lord, how could you allow this child to suffer so much? The Sinclair family was full of loyal and brave souls—why did they meet such a terrible end? Lord, you're unjust! You're too cruel!"Carissa couldn’t bear to hear such heart-wrenching lamentations. She hurried outside, her tears flowing freely. In the past, she had managed to hold back her emotions. But now, the floodgates had opened, and all the tears she had previously stifled came pouring out.Every Klein family member present had their turn to look at Ryan, and then he was taken to Ingrid's room. Fortunately, she had been given medication beforehand. Seeing Ryan as a mute and a cripple broke her heart. He was her great-grandson, whom she had cherished so dearly. How could he have been reduced to