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
The next day, Ryan woke up. He was still in pain, but it wasn't as unbearable as when his bone was being reset.Despite the discomfort, he forced a smile to reassure Carissa and the rest of the family. His resilience was heart-wrenching to witness.Even so, the acupuncture in his throat continued. Rowan insisted it couldn't be stopped. Since they didn't do it yesterday because of the bone-setting, it couldn't be skipped today.Especially since Ryan had cried out during the procedure, which had proven the treatment to be effective. So, both Sebastian and Rowan believed that the poison in Ryan's body was being expelled faster than expected.Additionally, the withdrawal symptoms from the Peony Bliss had not resurfaced, which greatly surprised Sebastian. He knew that even for adults who committed to quitting, the process could take over six months. Yet, here was a seven-year-old child with such an indomitable will.In a private conversation with Rowan, Sebastian said, "The Duke of
Carissa nodded thoughtfully, then asked, "So, may I ask, in which aspect of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, or trustworthiness does society find him lacking?""It's because your second marriage has harmed him," Samuel replied."My second marriage has nothing to do with him. My remarriage is my own affair," Carissa responded.Her voice was calm and steady, showing none of the shame Samuel expected. "Let me ask you this: does the law forbid a second marriage after a divorce, or is it merely a social custom? Are there not others in society who have remarried? Does benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, or trustworthiness dictate that a woman cannot marry again? And another question: if a woman is abandoned, must she then retreat to a life of solitude, living out her days in misery to satisfy society's expectations?"Samuel sneered, "You twist words to make them pleasing, but true virtue is rare!"Unable to counter Carissa's reasoning, he chose to dismiss her
However, Carissa suddenly recalled that the Prince family had indeed come to propose marriage. It was Oliver's younger cousin, but Melanie hadn't been impressed.Forget the past. It was better to move on. She and Rafael were set to marry in two months. What had happened in the past was as if it had died yesterday, and what lay ahead was as if it was born today.They would bid farewell to the past, and look forward to a new beginning.The weather was getting colder, and the orchids in the courtyard had begun to bud. It was expected that they would bloom in a few days, but this year, they bloomed early. Frederick said it was an auspicious sign.Ryan could now get out of bed, but he could only walk a few steps before needing to return and lie down again.The Duke of Northwatch's household was also busily preparing for the wedding. The bridal gown had been in production since the engagement day, entrusted to the embroiderers of Enchanted Boutique. In the capital, many prominen
However, two days later, an invitation arrived. The Earl of Silverstone family's matriarch, Evelyn Turner, was coming to visit the next day with Viola.When Lily reported this, she said, "Perhaps we should just avoid seeing them. We don't know what they want. If they're here to inquire about the Warren family, they should have done so long ago, not after the wedding has been arranged and the bridal gown is already in preparation."Carissa agreed that it might be best not to meet them, and asked, "How was the invitation worded?"Lily replied, "It says they’re coming to congratulate us on our young lord's return, but that's just an excuse. Lord Ryan has been back for a while now. Why didn't they visit sooner?"Carissa thought for a while, and said, "You should respond by saying that Ryan is still recovering from his injuries, and is not in a condition to receive guests. Once he has fully recovered, I will take him to visit them."Lily nodded in agreement, and went to deliver the mes
In the evening, Rafael came to visit Ryan. His words of comfort were more effective than those of Rowan or Carissa.Rafael's reassurance was simple and direct: "A true man must learn the way of patience and endurance."Upon hearing this, Ryan immediately felt at ease, accepting the treatment calmly and obediently.Rafael spent half an hour with him, practicing writing. Ryan's handwriting had improved significantly. The flexibility of his fingers had increased, and his progress was gratifying.Clearly, Ryan was quite talkative. While Rafael accompanied him, he asked numerous questions, all trivial and conversational in nature.Rafael patiently answered every question, no matter how inconsequential.After a while, Carissa instructed the staff to prepare dinner and invited Rafael to stay for the evening meal.Rafael now occasionally dined at Northwatch Estate. Lily had figured out his food preferences—he wasn't particularly fond of sweets but could tolerate them, and he wasn't keen
Salvador's desire to settle the score on Carissa's behalf by arranging for Barrett to marry a woman who had been divorced after just a year seemed rather pointed. Ironically, Carissa had also been married to Barrett for only a year before their separation.It was possible Viola might not agree to this match. But since it was the king's edict, it left her with little choice.The visit from Evelyn and Viola might have been an attempt to gauge what kind of person Barrett was. Salvador's actions made Carissa feel that she might be dragging Viola into this situation. This wasn't settling a score for Carissa, but creating an enemy for her.It seemed necessary for Carissa to meet Viola, at least to clear the air and prevent any hostility towards the Duke of Northwatch's family. It didn't matter much for Carissa's own sake, but she wanted to avoid creating lingering resentment toward the Duke of Northwatch's household, as Ryan would eventually take charge of it.Rafael noticed the conc
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