Two days later, Frederick arrived at Valor Estate with two guards in tow.Since Aurora returned home the previous day, she had been suffering from a high fever. She had called for a physician that night and taken medicine. Though she managed to sleep, her nightmares persisted. Only today was she starting to feel a bit better.However, she hadn't given the promissory note much thought, dismissing it as just another attempt by Carissa to humiliate her. To Carissa, fifty silver coins were nothing—why would she truly come to collect them?But Frederick had indeed come to claim the money.When Aurora was informed of Frederick's arrival, she felt a deep sense of embarrassment, as if she were burning with fever again.Barrett was at home today as he wasn't on duty. He had no idea that Aurora had caused a scene at Northwatch Estate a few days prior.He hadn't even noticed her leaving—they had been arguing frequently, so he had been staying in the study. His visits to the residential area
However, when Frederick came to Valor Estate to collect the debt, the servants reported it to Rebecca. She immediately summoned Barrett to explain the situation.Knowing that the incident couldn't be hidden any longer, as too many servants had seen and heard what happened, Barrett decided to tell his mother everything in detail.Rebecca's face turned ashen with fury. "A disaster, truly a disaster! How could you have chosen such a calamity for a wife? Is it not enough that she wreaks havoc every day at home, now she's even going to Northwatch Estate to cause trouble? Does she think our family can afford to offend the Duke of Northwatch's family now? Has she even looked at herself in the mirror? Did she go there specifically to embarrass us?"Her hand clutching her chest, Rebecca continued to curse, "A disaster, a complete disaster! She must have gone there to deliberately provoke Carissa, trying to interfere with your marriage to the Prince family's third lady."Barrett suddenly rea
Barrett eventually decided to seek out Aurora. He didn't want to argue anymore—they needed to have a proper conversation.When he entered the room, he found her curled up in a blanket on the chaise lounge, a black veil on her face as usual. Ever since she obtained the scars on her face, she had made a variety of veils in different colors. She refused to leave the house without wearing a veil or a hood.In the past, whenever they met, Aurora always had the look of someone ready for a fight, as if she could start a battle with Barrett at any moment. But today, she looked weak and sickly. When she saw her husband, she merely glanced up before lowering her gaze, ignoring him altogether.The maid standing by her side noticed and said, "General Warren, you're finally here. Madam Aurora has been ill for two days."Barrett knew his wife had called for a physician, so he asked, "Are you feeling any better?"Aurora turned away from him, refusing to respond.It seemed that neither of them w
As Barrett stepped out of the estate, a sudden impulse surged within him—a strong desire to rush straight to Northwatch Estate.He wanted to ask Carissa in person if there was still any chance between them.Even though Aurora had said today that Carissa thought nothing of him, even though Carissa's attitude on the battlefield had been clear, even though he had been so resolute in divorcing her back then, he still couldn't believe that his former wife could have erased him from her heart so quickly.He thought she was merely angry at his ruthlessness, that she hated him for not keeping his promises. As long as she still felt anger and hate, it meant she still cared.But the biting cold wind brought Barrett back to reality—or perhaps he had been clear-headed all along and had just been momentarily overwhelmed by emotion.Things were already set in stone.There was no point in seeking out Carissa. Even if she still had some lingering feelings for her former husband, she was going to
The slap left Serena stunned and disoriented. She covered her face, staring blankly for a moment before finally bursting into tears."You hit me? You hit me for that shameless woman?! I'm telling Mom about this!"With that, she ran off, still covering her face.Barrett pounded his fist against the study door, his face a mask of anguish.Carissa was unchaste? Quite the opposite.She was pure, as he had never touched her.It was laughable that now, having realized his own feelings, Barrett found that he had never truly possessed Carissa. If he had consummated their marriage before going off to war, then when he married Aurora, Carissa would never have so easily asked for a divorce.After a while, Rebecca summoned her son.Before he could say a word, Rebecca spoke up, "I think it's good that Serena is so determined. I support her wholeheartedly. As long as Grand Princess Eleanor is willing to recommend her to Lady Helen, and she can marry into the Hell Monarch's household, it will
Carissa naturally had no desire to attend Helen's tea party. Relieved that Ryan was finally able to speak again, she now turned her attention to organizing the defensive strategy maps and tactical diagrams left by her father and brothers.Whether it was Victory Pass or the Southern Frontier, her family had guarded these strategic points. They were well-acquainted with the fortifications and had drawn numerous defensive strategy maps.Even during times of peace, they had sent scouts to explore the surrounding forts, meticulously marking every detail on their maps. However, some of the sketches were a bit haphazard and disorganized, so Carissa decided to create new, more refined versions.This was, of course, a time-consuming task. Looking at the stack of rough drafts, Carissa estimated that if she were to do it herself, it would take at least two or three months to complete.She sighed, thinking how much easier it would be if Kyle were around. His keen eye and sharp mind meant that
Brimming with excitement, Carissa eagerly linked her arm with Kyle's."Kyle, where did you come from? From Meadow Ridge? Did you come alone? What about our master? What about Winona?" she asked one question after another, rapid-fire.Kyle rapped her gently on the head, his eyes still filled with affection. "I didn't return to Meadow Ridge. I came from Victory Pass. As for Winona, she will arrive in a few days. She's been keeping an eye on the movements in Sandoria and has sent numerous reports through carrier pigeons.""Winona is coming too? That's wonderful!" Carissa's face lit up with joy, her smile as radiant as a blooming flower.Frederick had brought a cloak but then remembered that the main hall had a fire going, making the cloak unnecessary.Nevertheless, as he stood by the door, watching the legendary Kyle Spencer, he felt a surge of emotion that almost made him tear up. He desperately wanted to fetch some stationery and have Kyle write something for him, which he would tr
Carissa knew that Helen had not invited her to the tea party, but she was unclear about when exactly Helen planned to host it.She looked at Kyle. "When did you arrive in the capital? This can't be a coincidence, can it?"Kyle smiled. "I've been here for a few days, just strolling around the city to enjoy some peace and quiet. I didn't expect to hear your chatter so soon.""What? You arrived in the capital and didn't come to see me immediately? That's really too much!""Well, go ahead and cry about it," Kyle said, sitting down leisurely with his coffee. After sipping half a cup, he looked up and saw Carissa's eyes had reddened. He couldn't help but sigh. "You never tell us about your problems, so of course I had to come and check on you myself. I needed to see if you were doing well or not. Even if you don't need our help, at least I should be aware of the situation.""Kyle, I'm doing very well now." Carissa said as she sat beside him, still trying to act spoiled like she used
"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