After finishing her statement, Viola smiled again. "But it might be for the best that you're separated. Now, marrying the Hell Monarch and becoming a princess consort is certainly better than being a general's wife, isn't it?"Carissa didn’t appreciate the ambiguous tone in Viola's words. "Fate cannot be controlled by human will. When I divorced, I never considered marrying the Hell Monarch," she said flatly.Evelyn's face darkened as she reproached her daughter. "Viola, how can you speak like that?""Forgive me. I speak bluntly by nature. I hope you won't take offense, Lady Sinclair." Viola's smile faded as she continued, "In that case, how do you view Barrett's character? Since you've divorced him, he must be quite lacking in your eyes."Carissa found the question amusing. "Since you've already made such a statement, why ask me?"Evelyn shot Viola a sharp look, then turned to Carissa with an apologetic tone. "Please don't mind her, Lady Sinclair. She's used to speaking freel
After seeing off Evelyn and Viola, Carissa sat in the living room for a while, lost in thought.What was Barrett's attitude towards this marriage? Wasn't he only in love with Aurora? Carissa remembered how Aurora had once come to her with such haughty disdain. How would Aurora feel now, knowing that a new lady of the house had appeared so soon? Would she think that her earlier arrogance was utterly laughable?Although Viola wasn’t the easiest person to deal with, she was from the Earl of Silverston's family, making her the most suitable choice for managing the household. Moreover, Rebecca would likely be very pleased with this daughter-in-law. Even though it was Viola's second marriage, the substantial dowry and the capable family background were qualities that Rebecca appreciated. She had always favored a daughter-in-law from a strong family.Aurora had said she would not engage in disputes with women, but would she still contest this new arrangement? Would she become the ver
Lily brought in a bowl of royal jelly soup that Charlotte was fond of, and said with a smile, "Madam Charlotte, you're in for a treat! It's been quite a while since we prepared this soup, and you happen to be here just as we made it today."Lily's comment wasn't entirely truthful. In fact, they had been making royal jelly soup every day to help with Ryan's throat as part of his treatment. The Klein family had sent some, the steward of the Hell Monarch Estate had contributed a few jars, and Frederick had also bought some.Charlotte looked at Lily with a smile. "I’m quite a food enthusiast, and couldn’t resist coming when I heard there was something delicious. I've been coughing lately, and I thought a bowl of royal jelly soup would cure it. I'm sure I'll stop coughing tonight."Carissa asked in concern, "You're still coughing? The last time you came to see Ryan, I noticed you coughing too.""With the constant gloom and arguments all day, it's no wonder I can't get better," Charlot
As Charlotte was about to leave, Carissa asked Lily to bring her a jar of royal jelly.Charlotte had a persistent cough that flared up in cold weather. In the past, Carissa had frequently sent her jars of royal jelly.Charlotte initially declined, but Carissa used Charlotte’s own words to counter, "If you refuse, it's as if you're rejecting my goodwill. In that case, I can't accept your gifts either."Saying this, she signaled Lily to return the gold bracelets."Oh, fine." Charlotte quickly took the royal jelly. "I keep taking your things—I've lost all sense of shame.""You stood by me during my hardest times, and I remember that in my heart," Carissa said, taking Charlotte's arm and walking her to the door.When the Duke of Northwatch's family was annihilated, though the first branch of the Warren family offered condolences, it was merely in words. Only Charlotte truly stayed by Carissa's side.Charlotte knew Carissa had trouble eating and sleeping, so she made some calming tea
Sebastian was summoned immediately. After examining Ryan, he praised Rowan's diligent efforts in helping the boy recover.He then tapped Ryan's little nose and said, "Well done, kid. You've really got some talent. This old man thought it would take at least a year and a half for you to recover.""But didn't you mention he needed to expel the poison before he could speak?" Carissa asked quickly."That's not an absolute requirement," Sebastian replied. "Looking at Ryan now, the toxins in his body are nearly cleared. It's just that after two years of silence, speaking might be a bit challenging. Additionally, his throat has been subjected to acupuncture, which has caused some damage and pain. With time, everything will improve."Everyone nodded and exchanged smiles. Previously, everyone was anxiously waiting to see if Ryan would need to expel the black blood, but it turned out that it wasn't necessary.Sebastian's medical skills were indeed somewhat unpredictable.Carissa bowed deep
Carissa had stayed up late, so she was groggy and barely coherent when Lulu came to report early in the morning.Aurora was outside the estate, demanding to see Carissa. The noise was so disruptive that Lulu had no choice but to wake her mistress.As Carissa sat up in bed, blinking away sleep, she was stunned to realize that Aurora had actually come. She focused her inner force on listening more closely and confirmed that the commotion outside was indeed Aurora's voice, accompanied by thunderous banging on the door.If this continued, it would disturb Ryan. Although he had improved significantly, loud and aggressive noises still frightened him.Carissa's first instinct was to grab her Rose Spear and drive Aurora away. However, with Northwatch Estate surrounded by influential families, she couldn't afford to embarrass herself by personally handling such a situation. It was beneath her status to engage directly with Aurora.However, Carissa's curiosity was piqued. She wondered what
After Carissa finished speaking, Aurora burst into wild laughter."You can't even speak the truth, Carissa. Where is your so-called bravery? It's nothing but hypocrisy!"Carissa ignored her and continued, "I remember the arrogant way you spoke when you came to see me. You demeaned women and reduced them to dust. I don't envy you, I only despise you. As a woman yourself, you have no pity for your own kind, and your character is questionable."Aurora snorted coldly. "Is that so? But even then, you had impressive martial arts skills. Since you found me displeasing, why didn't you take the chance to fight me?""Because it was beneath me!" Carissa's eyes darkened. "To me, you were nothing more than a buffoon. I had no interest in engaging with you. Besides, your offenses against me were only verbal, so I retaliated with words. The one who betrayed his promise was Barrett, so my ire was directed solely at him.""Beneath you, huh? I don't believe you didn't want to kill me back then." Au
Carissa stood and walked through the puddle on the floor, each step bringing her closer to Aurora.She bent down and whispered into Aurora's ear, "Has Liam's revenge not made you see the truth yet? Do you still think you're the greatest female general in the world? Aurora, you're nothing. Barrett married you out of novelty. If he truly loved you, he would have given you the position of a primary wife instead of a secondary wife."Aurora's face turned pale. "That's because he still wanted to preserve your dignity. As for me, I don't care about the title."Carissa grabbed the other woman's collar, then released it before smoothing out her neckline with a touch that carried a bone-chilling coldness."Do you think I care about the dignity he preserved for me? And what do you gain from not caring about titles? You came here today and flaunted your power. Did you think I might be concerned about my reputation and let you make a scene?"Carissa gripped Aurora's chin, pressing hard enough
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
Salvador didn't fare well along the long and tiring journey, his condition worsening with each passing day. Sebastian did what he could—applying needle treatment and using medicine—but all he could offer was temporary relief. As they pressed on, the king's condition only seemed to deteriorate further.Fortunately, Salvador was a man of remarkable willpower. Despite his suffering, he gritted his teeth and carried on, unwilling to give in. He could not afford to back down—not now.Eldermere Keep lay in the southern province of Mendoria, where the climate was mild and temperate, perfect for someone needing rest and recovery. Even though it was now winter, the air was neither cold nor biting, more akin to the gentler days of autumn.The locals knew little of Eldermere Keep, though they often spoke of a physician's office that was the largest in Mendoria, as big as the one in the capital, also called Arcane Sanctum. There were other keeps, but this one was renowned for its abundance of r
Before Salvador left the capital, Rafael had already become regent and taken on the required duties. With his great military achievements, he had earned respect from both civil and military officials. At first, no one questioned his authority, and many even held him in high regard.However, with Salvador now ill and traveling incognito, rumors began to spread within the palace, warning people to be wary of the regent. The fear was that, as Cecil was still so young, Rafael might take advantage of the situation and eventually replace him.As often the case, such suspicion and rumors spread like wildfire, fueled by the mouths of many. Consequently, a number of officials lost their previous respect for Rafael. They even began to disregard his orders, paying them little heed and carrying out his commands half-heartedly.Noticing this troubling shift, Davis felt a sense of urgency. He decided to speak with Patrick, the Minister of Justice, who was also Cecil's grandfather and the father o
On the day of the first snowfall, a sudden idea struck Salvador. He hadn't attended court in some time, and now, seated on the throne, he declared his plans for a private journey to admire Starhaven's beautiful landscapes. As for the kingdom affairs, they had already been entrusted to Rafael, and that arrangement would remain unchanged.As Salvador appeared very thin and weary, many court officials tried to advise against the trip. But once he had made up his mind, there was no swaying him. He insisted that Carissa and Galen accompany him, along with Sebastian and Dorian.The very next day, they set off.It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision—Salvador had already discussed the matter with Rafael and Carissa beforehand. Sebastian had advised against it, but the king's mind was made up, so the renowned physician had no choice but to accompany him.While Salvador certainly wanted to see more of the kingdom, his true destination was Eldermere Keep, as he longed to see his son one last
Eustace waited patiently for Violet to finish her greetings before he could finally choke back his emotions."Rise, you little imp," he said softly, his voice thick with feeling.Violet slowly stood, her eyes brimming with tears. She tilted her head back, fighting to hold them in.At that moment, she regretted her decision. Why had she been so stubborn? Why had she insisted on getting married in the capital when none of her relatives were here?"Dad, once the wedding is over today, may we return with you? We can hold a celebration at home. Afterward, we can go to the guild and host another, if that's all right," Violet suggested.Eustace was pleased by the thought, but didn't want his daughter to wear herself out with so much traveling."Didn't you say you don't have many friends in Ebonflow? That's why you didn't want a grand wedding there," he reminded her."I don't, but you do, Dad, and so does our family. I can't be so selfish. I don't want you to be embarrassed because of m
Carissa had intended to spend more time talking with Violet today, but she had forgotten how many little tasks came with weddings. The hired bride attendants arrived to do Violet's hair and makeup, and before long, an hour had passed.Violet was already stunningly beautiful, but under the skilled hands of the bride attendants, she looked even more radiant—lovelier than the flowers themselves.Lunchtime came and went with only a light meal, and soon, the guests began arriving to see Violet off.As the groom's elder sister-in-law, Zoey wasn't supposed to be present but had insisted on coming. She said that since she was family to the groom, and as good as family to the bride, there was no problem. After all, it was a good day, and as long as everyone was happy, what did it matter?As Violet put on her wedding gown, a sudden wave of nervousness washed over her.Was she really getting married?Marriage meant taking on responsibilities—managing a household and having children. It woul
Isaac and Violet were finally set to marry in the golden month of October.In truth, Violet had accepted Isaac's proposal the year before, during the Starlight Harvest Festival. From that moment, she knew he was the one she wanted to give her heart to. When she agreed to marry him, she did so with all sincerity, trusting her feelings in that moment.It had taken a full year to arrange the wedding, but it wasn't because of the wedding gifts or dowry.Violet's dowry had been prepared by the Spencer family since her birth, gradually adding to it year after year. Now, they had even bought a house and a large estate in the capital. As for the wedding gifts, the Pathfinders Guild had long since prepared them on Isaac's behalf.Instead, the delay was due to differing opinions among the Spencer family, the Inferno Guild, the Pathfinders Guild, and Violet herself.Violet wanted to get married at Hell Monarch Estate, then have Isaac escort her to her estate in the capital. It seemed easier