Knowing Theodore had a fiery temper, Jonathan didn't dare offend him."Don't worry, sir. We've invited you today to sort out the situation between the two children. Please, be patient," Jonathan said, trying to calm the old man.Solomon, who was standing next to Theodore, added, "When Cari comes out, let's ask her what happened. We can't let the Warren family dictate everything.""No matter the issue, Cari stayed loyal to Barrett for a whole year while he was away at war. She served his parents, treated his relatives well, and managed the household. He shouldn't be treating her like this. It's too much!" Theodore snapped, fuming."Please calm down, sir. We'll talk once everyone is here," Barrett said calmly.Barrett hadn't dared invite the neighbors since Valor Estate was surrounded by the residences of other officials. Inviting them to witness the divorce could damage his future prospects.Barrett had considered inviting an official from the Household Registry Department to stam
Carissa looked at her husband with a cold smile on her stunning face. "General Yates really has my best interests at heart, hmm? She's even helping me so that I can keep half of my dowry.""No, this isn't from Aurora. She didn't write this," Barrett argued.However, the signature at the end of the letter weakened his denial.Carissa raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Then, tell me, will you return my dowry in full if you divorce me today so I can take it with me?"Before reading the letter, Barrett would have agreed immediately, even against his parents' wishes. But Aurora had asked him to keep half the dowry. If he didn't follow her instructions, she would be very disappointed.Carissa laughed softly. "You're hesitating. Looks like you're not as honorable as you claim!"Her voice was gentle, but each word cut deeply. Though her smile looked warm on the surface, it carried a chill like the winter frost.Filled with shame and anger, Barrett couldn't say a word and simply watched hel
"Fifty percent!" Barrett declared.He was standing in the doorway, avoiding Carissa's gaze as he looked at everyone else in the room."We'll return fifty percent of her dowry. Lord Sinclair, if you and Mr. Sinclair disagree with this, you can take it up with the authorities and see if my actions are fair.""Fifty percent? How dare you! When Carissa married you, she brought a dowry so grand it stretched for miles! Do you know how much money, how many estates, shops, and businesses that were included? How dare you people be so greedy?!" Solomon exclaimed angrily.Clenching the crumpled letter in his hand, Barrett spoke in an icy voice, "I said, take it to court if you want. I've prepared the divorce agreement. You can review it first."He gestured for the steward to present the divorce agreement to Carissa, who reached out and took it. The steward sighed almost imperceptibly as he stepped back. Carissa had been a wonderful mistress. Why did Barrett have to divorce her?Carissa gl
Rebecca's words silenced Theodore and Solomon, leaving them unable to utter a word.She was right—the Sinclair family lacked capable individuals. In contrast, Barrett was currently in the limelight. Especially with Aurora by his side, their future prospects were indeed promising."Mom, that's enough. Let's drop this topic."Barrett didn't want things to escalate. He just wanted to settle this matter quickly and focus on preparing for his wedding with Aurora. He never intended to take half of Carissa's dowry, so he felt guilty towards the Sinclair family.The others hadn't said much. The Warren family members felt just as guilty but were unable to be vocal like Rebecca.This was especially true for Beatrice's side of the family. Rebecca's words were particularly grating to them. She sounded like a villainess who had just come away victorious. Beatrice now regretted coming, as the situation left her feeling utterly inhumane."Carissa, bring out the dowry list! I know you've hidden
Barrett stared at Carissa in shock.Her combat skills weren't just a bit better than his—it was leagues beyond. Even ten of him wouldn't stand a chance against her.Why had she never mentioned her martial prowess before?Carissa held the dowry list, smiling at him. Her smile was bright and radiant, like the dazzling sun. But then, with a swift motion, she lifted and dropped the list. It fluttered down like snowflakes in winter, turning into shreds of paper.Rebecca's heart shattered at the sight.Enraged, she shouted, "You've destroyed the dowry list! Fine, get out! You can't take anything from here, not even your clothes!"Carissa chuckled. "Do you think anyone can stop me if I decide to take something from the estate?"Rebecca seethed with anger. "You dare? If you take anything, I'll report you to the officials immediately. Barret divorced you! You can't take a single penny of the dowry!"She leaned on her maid's arm, commanding urgently, "Guards, throw her out! Not even her
Carissa bowed deeply, her shoulders relaxing as she sighed in relief.The royal edict had come at last."I thank His Majesty for his grace," she said gratefully.Barrett's face turned pale; he was frozen in shock.When Carissa went to the palace, she had actually sought permission from the king to divorce him? Not to obstruct his marriage to Aurora?Had she planned to divorce him ever since she learned about his and Aurora's marriage?!Barrett thought Carissa had done all those things to possess him exclusively. So, he had seen her as jealous, petty, selfish, narrow-minded, unable to tolerate others, and even despicable.But it wasn't like that...Barrett felt an indescribable feeling in his heart as he watched Carissa receive the edict. A warm smile appeared on her face, radiant and captivating.Suddenly, he remembered the first time he saw her. Captivated by her beauty, he had even forgotten how to breathe. But then, he met Aurora...Rebecca was also taken aback. She had ne
"Alright!" Theodore replied as he wiped tears from his eyes.Though he couldn't see the young girl before him clearly, he could feel her spirited determination and was deeply relieved."Let's not linger here any longer. You might pick up some bad luck. I'm leaving now; you should also depart soon," Theodore added."I will, Granduncle Theodore," Carissa replied respectfully.Standing up, she walked her great-granduncle and Solomon out of the manor.Beatrice also decided to leave. Initially, she had planned to speak with Carissa. But since the older woman had stayed silent while the Warren family gave Carissa a hard time, Beatrice didn't have the nerve to say anything now. So, she would act like she hadn't come today.The Warren family remained rooted in place, seemingly unable to accept this outcome.Carissa was suddenly the legitimate daughter of a duke, and her husband could even inherit the title. This was unprecedented. How was it possible for someone with a different surname
In the evening, Aurora had someone tell Barrett to meet her by the lake. As they walked, Barrett remained silent.Aurora was still unaware of the situation. She had expected him to explain the divorce voluntarily when they met up. But to her surprise, he didn't say a single word. Also, there were scratches on his face, as if a cat had clawed him.After walking for a while, she stopped and couldn't help but ask, "Did you divorce her? Did you take half her dowry?"As the dusk gently illuminated Aurora's somewhat tanned face, Barrett suddenly thought of Carissa's bright and beautiful face. His heart twinged with pain.Seeing how Barrett remained silent with a pained look, Aurora couldn't help but get angry."You didn't deduct it? Didn't I ask someone to send you a letter, telling you to deduct half of her dowry? The Warren family has minimal funds left. If you didn't keep some of her dowry, how are we supposed to live in the future?"Barrett looked at her and replied, "But that was
"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