Most of the Sinclair family members were involved in business or had bought land to become landlords. How could they not understand the significance of Theodore's words?The rise or fall of one affected everyone. Even if the Duke of Northwatch's family didn't offer direct help, having a duke as a powerful ally meant that anyone looking to oppress them would have to think twice.Because of this, everyone listened carefully to Theodore. The Sinclair family had always been relatively united. After the near-catastrophic events that had almost wiped out the Duke of Northwatch's family, there was no room for jealousy among them.Theodore spoke at length, and Ryan took in every word. Previously, as a child, he had never been allowed to attend family meetings, let alone hear the patriarch speak about the responsibilities and legacy of their family. A sense of duty towards his family began to grow within him. He still wasn't sure what his role would be, but he knew he couldn't afford to
Sebastian nodded. "First, I wanted to update you on Lord Ryan's detoxification progress. After this period of treatment, I've just done a check-up and found that his condition is better than expected. The swelling in his throat has also decreased significantly.""Really?" Carissa felt a surge of joy. Although Rowan had informed her of the positive progress yesterday, hearing it directly from Sebastian was even more reassuring. "That's wonderful news. Rowan, you've worked so hard in this period. Thank you."Rowan smiled modestly, but acknowledged the compliment. He had indeed been putting in a lot of effort lately.Sebastian took a sip of coffee, and continued, "Secondly, as you mentioned earlier, now that his overall health is improving, it's time to address his leg. As I've mentioned before, treating the leg will require resetting the broken bone."Carissa's heart tightened. "I understand. It will be very painful.""Pain is inevitable," Sebastian said. "You need to prepare hi
After Sebastian left, Carissa first spoke with Ryan about his situation, allowing him to give his own input. Naturally, he wasn't expected to make the final decision, but having his opinion would make it easier for her to discuss things with the Klein family.Ryan nestled against Carissa as he listened and smiled. Then he began to write in her palm, one word at a time.[Actually, Rowan has already told me that the pain will be unbearable. When my leg was first broken, I felt like I might die from the pain.]Carissa asked him to rewrite it, since some words were unclear. After he completed the revision, she understood and asked, "So, you would prefer acupoint sealing for pain relief, correct?"Ryan shook his head, and continued writing. [But if there's a significant risk of ending up with a permanent limp, how can that be acceptable? When I grow up, I will need to be the patriarch of the family. How can someone with a limp lead the Duke of Northwatch's household?]He looked up at h
When they arrived at Ryan's room, Pearl came out to greet them.Ryan was lying in bed, waiting for the painkiller. He had made up his mind not to take any risks—he wanted to get better on his own.He saw that everyone had worried expressions. They wanted to comfort him, but Ryan gave them an encouraging and determined look instead. The sight of the young boy, only seven years old, trying to be strong in such a vulnerable moment made everyone's hearts ache even more. He was at an age when children were pampered and showered with affection.Just as Sebastian was about to begin the treatment, Rafael arrived.The Klein family members, knowing Rafael was Ryan's savior, had intended to express their gratitude. They didn't expect to see him here, and they hurried to pay their respects and offer their thanks.Rafael waved his hand dismissively, and smiled. "It was merely a matter of chance; no need for thanks. I am here today to accompany him through the treatment. Let's not discuss any
Sebastian was reflecting on the anguished cry Ryan had just let out. It seemed that the pain had quite an effect on Ryan's vocal cords, but for Sebastian, the sound was like music to his ears.Rowan was capable of performing tasks such as setting bones. However, Sebastian valued Ryan too much to leave it to anyone else. He preferred to handle it personally.To him, this was a skill deeply ingrained in his bones. He carefully felt along Ryan's leg, inch by inch, until he reached the misaligned section. With great precision, he adjusted the bone.Ryan was drenched in sweat from the pain, his body trembling uncontrollably. He gripped Rafael's wrist tightly, his nails digging in and drawing blood.The pain from setting the bone was excruciatingly real. The pain-relief medicine didn't seem to help much, and he felt as though the pain was radiating throughout his entire body, even though the injury was in his leg.Once the bone was set, Sebastian began applying the medicine. Two woode
Rafael watched Carissa's careful and quick movements. She lowered her head, and he could see her slightly curled, thick eyelashes trembling gently.A subtle emotion stirred in his heart—she rarely displayed such a gentle demeanor.Looking at the two layers of bandages wrapped around his hand, he couldn't help but chuckle. "Isn't it just a minor wound? It's nothing serious.""How is it nothing serious?" Carissa looked up with wide eyes. "If it's not treated properly, it could get infected. I've experienced it before. Look, let me show you my hand."She extended her hand, revealing a small scar on the back, about half the length of a finger. The scar was faint, just a trace of pink left behind. "It got infected back then. It was only after my master treated it with medicine that it healed, but it left a scar. Your hands are so beautiful. If they were scarred, it wouldn't look…well, as good."As she spoke, she suddenly remembered that when she had cleaned his wound earlier, his h
Carissa looked up, her lashes wet with tears. "In any case, I will always remember this kindness. No matter what you ask of me in the future, as long as it doesn't go against my conscience, I will do it for you."Rafael's expression turned serious. "I don't need you to do anything for me. If there's one thing I ask, it's that you live well. Live happily, live a life full of joy. That's how you can honor your family's spirits in heaven."Her heart trembled slightly, and a single tear slid down her cheeks. Her tearful eyes were filled with confusion. "Why are you so good to me?"Rafael felt his heart breaking at the sight of her like this. He recalled her fierce and determined figure on the battlefield, yet now, she was so delicate and vulnerable. He couldn't hide the tenderness in his eyes and had to turn his face away. "Why wouldn't I treat you well? You're my betrothed, after all. We're going to spend our lives together."Carissa should have been moved, but she had heard simil
When Rafael saw Carissa on the Southern Frontier battlefield, his emotions were a whirlwind of complexity.He would often, almost subconsciously, bring up her husband, but she would avoid the topic. That was when he realized that Barrett might not be treating her well.This thought alone had made his fists clench countless times.It wasn't until later that he learned she had divorced. Barrett hadn't recognized her worth. It was absurd! Rafael committed the name to memory—Barrett Warren, a man unworthy of the gift of sight.The fury Rafael felt then was so intense that he wished he could gouge out Barrett’s eyes for causing her such pain.After the anger subsided, Rafael felt a surge of selfish joy, though he carefully masked it. He couldn't let anyone know he was secretly celebrating.During the days they fought side by side, he had to constantly conceal his feelings. He had to remind himself repeatedly not to let even a trace of personal emotion show in his eyes.Three year
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