Frederick wiped his eyes as he approached Carissa. "My lady, the bridal carriage will soon arrive. Please hurry and touch up your makeup."Now that her master and fellow guild members were here, Carissa felt a pang of reluctance as the time drew near for her to marry. She hesitated, and asked, "Could we delay by two hours?""That's not possible, my lady. You must complete the ceremony within the allocated time."Winona took her hand gently. "Come, let's get your makeup sorted out. It's a joyful day, so why are you crying and fussing? That's inappropriate. We've come to see you off, and we'll accompany you to Hell Monarch Estate. We have seats reserved there for the wedding banquet."Carissa blinked, her eyes misty. "So, Prince Rafael knows all of you are coming?""He does, but he didn't know that you were unaware."Well, if that was the case, Rafael hadn't withheld the information from her.With her mood steadied, Carissa stood and bowed in thanks to the heads of the various g
Carissa instinctively reached for Adrian's hand, only to see a different hand extended toward her.The hand was broad and long, with a palm covered in calluses, fingers slender and nails neatly trimmed. Most importantly, just above the palm, she could see a white sleeve embroidered with griffin patterns.The griffin pattern was allowed to be used on a prince's wedding garment or even normal ceremonial robes, but the sky griffin pattern was not.It was Rafael, her husband-to-be.Regaining her composure, Carissa placed her hand in his. He, too, seemed unfamiliar with holding hands. He first enveloped her hand with his palm, then awkwardly turned it a few times to find a proper fit before finally interlocking their fingers.Carissa's heart raced wildly, pounding so loudly it felt as though it might burst through her eardrums. But if it were possible, she would have heard Rafael's heartbeat quickening in tandem with hers, a sensation so intense it bordered on dizziness.Rafael led he
The two wedding processions collided head-on.Barrett looked at Rafael, and Rafael looked back at Barrett.Their gazes met, and Rafael felt nothing but gratitude. He was thankful Barrett had abandoned Carissa. However, gratitude was one thing—the fact that Barrett had previously wronged Carissa was another matter.Barrett's eyes were filled with a complex mix of emotions. Once, he had been just as passionate and proud while bringing Carissa into his home. Back then, he had felt like the happiest man in the world.Yet, fate was cruel. Now, Carissa was the Hell Monarch's princess consort, while Barrett had married and divorced different women, never truly finding fulfillment.Because of that, Barrett's complex gaze was filled with traces of envy, jealousy, resentment, bitterness, discomfort, and heartache. At this moment, he seemed to fully realize that he and Carissa could never go back—there really was no connection between them anymore.It was this clear realization that led B
Upon entering Hell Monarch Estate, Carissa was immediately overwhelmed by a cacophony of voices, all calling out congratulations and well-wishes. Some of the voices were familiar, while others were unfamiliar.Among them was Eleanor's annoying voice.Oh, Jessica was present too—how irritating.Her wedding was becoming a mess.Kyle was the center of attention, outshining Carissa as the bride. But it didn't matter, because Violet had quietly approached and taken her friend's hand."Guess who?""You're so childish! You're Rod!" Carissa joked with a laugh."If you say so," Violet replied, chuckling. "Rod is probably in the side hall. After all, he's part of your dowry."Carissa chuckled too, feeling less anxious.She had no idea what the procedures were. She was just standing there, listening to them set up a table and other things. Her mind wandered. Why were they setting up a table? Were she and Rafael supposed to swear brotherhood here?That was so funny.Well, it wasn't actu
Once the white veil was lifted, the matchmaker promptly removed it.The couple's eyes met, and each saw a breathtaking beauty in the other. In that moment, both held their breath.Rafael's heart raced faster. He couldn't tear his gaze away from his bride's face. She was the most beautiful person he had ever seen—like a fairy hidden beneath a rose tree.Carissa gazed at Rafael with bright eyes, noting that he looked even more handsome than before. The griffin patterns on his ceremonial robes showed his high status. The usual coldness in his noble presence was absent, with only warmth and tenderness present in his eyes. Standing tall and graceful, he seemed like a divine being.Both of them blushed and remained transfixed, reluctant to break eye contact.Some things were wondrous—they both felt it in that shared gaze.The matchmaker spoke up, "Your Highnesses, the ladies outside are here to receive their blessing gifts and share in your joy."That Carissa snapped out of her reveri
Talking bad about one's own master and others' masters was something they did without any pressure.Carissa raised her hand, sending her attendants out to stand guard at the door.Violet, who was never one to hold back, said, "We've been here for two days, but we weren't allowed to enter the city. It was your master's order. We had to stay at a small inn in a town outside the city. There were so many thieves in that town. Fortunately, we had enough martial experts among us, so the dowry was safe."Two days ago was when Kyle had left. He probably did it to meet up with Adrian outside the city."But your master brought Winona into the city every day, from morning until evening. We don't know what news they were gathering. Today, we waited outside the city around noon. When we saw that your dowry was about to depart, we hurried in," Violet continued, adding, "I've never been so flustered, but it was also quite thrilling. It felt like we were at the center of attention of the entire ci
Hell Monarch Estate was bustling with activity today. Most officials and military officers of the fourth rank and above were there. Those who weren’t present were either at Silverstone Estate or Valor Estate.However, the main topic of conversation at Hell Monarch Estate wasn't Carissa, the new princess consort, but rather the group of martial artists led by Adrian. His presence alone was enough to spark private whispers and speculation.Who was Adrian Russell?The Russell family had once been a powerful family in the capital, but they eventually withdrew from the circles of power to establish their own guild. Some insightful individuals claimed that, although there was no formal leader of the martial arts world, Adrian's position was essentially equivalent to that of a leader.Why?Because Adrian was both wealthy and highly skilled.His combat skills were exceptional—one could only guess at the extraordinary experiences that had honed his abilities to such a level.As for his w
After three rounds of toasts, Adrian and the apprentices from the Pathfinders Guild stood up to offer their own. It wasn't just Adrian whom people were impressed by—even if only Kyle were present, their presence commanded respect. When they came to make toasts, even the prime minister stood up to reciprocate.Trevor was the one who had initially secured this marriage, so Adrian toasted him. Adrian drank the entire cup, while Trevor only took a small sip, which was enough to show his respect as the royal chancellor. Also, considering his health, excessive drinking wouldn't be advisable.Carissa's eyes reddened as she watched the Pathfinders Guild members rise to make toasts.They were undoubtedly there to support her. Even though the occasion was hosted by Rafael's household, the Pathfinders Guild members wanted to show everyone that this place would also be Carissa's in the future.Though such customs were not typically observed in high-society marriages, they were martial artists.
Spring Pavilion was full that day.The restaurant wasn't very big to begin with, and it usually had some customers. The black-clad men that lady brought had taken up all the remaining seats.Carissa, Violet, and Travis had to sit at a small table the owner had set up at the last minute, separate from the others.The man's voice, soft and apologetic, reached Carissa's ear. It was warm and pleasant. "These are my brothers-in-arms. We've been traveling since last night and haven't had a bite to eat. If it troubles you, I can have them wait outside and just pass them some bread each when we're done."Violet paused, surprised, but quickly shook her head. "No need for that. Please, let them stay. They can sit where they like and order what they wish."The man smiled kindly. "You are kind-hearted, miss. In that case, we'll order freely, and we'll take extra.""Alright… That's fine," Violet replied, casting a glance at the sea of black. The men were dressed in a way that suggested some
Carissa studied the man and woman carefully, feeling a sense of unease. She couldn't quite place their age. They looked to be in their thirties, yet there was an undeniable vitality about them, as if they were no older than twenty.Her gaze moved to their eyes, particularly the man's. His eyes were as deep and mysterious, yet they held the calculating sharpness of a seasoned old fox.Before Carissa could say anything, the man stepped forward and spoke. "This is where the orphanage is being built? Is the local government funding it?"Travis glanced at them, noting their perfectly spoken Starhaven dialect. They clearly weren't from Victory Pass, yet he saw no malice in their faces. He nodded. "Yes, it's a place to take in abandoned children," he replied. "It's being supported by the local government."The man nodded. "That's a good cause."Carissa stepped forward. "Are you from the capital?"The man regarded her but didn't answer her question. Instead, he asked, "Are you the He
Kendrick didn't wake until well into the afternoon the following day, his body heavy with exhaustion and hunger. When his eyes finally fluttered open, he felt as if his entire body had been shattered. Every muscle ached, and lifting even his arm seemed like a Herculean task.The weariness sank deep into his bones, and he had no energy to move. His attendant, a trusted servant by the name of Avery, stood at his bedside, awaiting his attention. He said quietly, "Your Highness, Lady Carissa has been waiting for you for half the day. She wishes to speak with you."Kendrick had initially planned to stay in bed, have all his meals brought to him, and then drift back to sleep. He was simply too tired to move. But when he heard that Carissa had waited so long, he immediately threw the covers off and commanded, "Prepare me, quickly."Over the course of the journey, Kendrick had come to understand just how formidable Carissa was. As a woman, she had never once complained about exhaustion
After lighting a candle for Edith, everyone returned to the backyard. They wiped away their tears, set aside their grief, and gathered around Carissa to ask about her married life. The most frequent question was about how well Rafael treated her.That was how families were. They knew she was capable, yet they couldn't help but yearn for her spouse to treat her with genuine love and care.Carissa had many cousins, all daughters of her uncles, but most had only met her a handful of times. Still, when they saw her, they were all overjoyed.Her cousins were all married, and many had returned to Victory Pass with their husbands and children. Having heard so much about Carissa, they couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and sympathy.Among them was Shayla Sullivan, the eldest daughter of Carissa's second aunt. She had married Chase Hudson, one of Dominic's subordinates. But within a year of marriage, Chase died in battle before their child had even been born.Now, the child was 12
After nearly twenty days of grueling travel, they finally arrived at Victory Pass on the third of August.The heat had been unbearable along the way, causing many in the party to fall ill. Fortunately, Carissa had come well-prepared with plenty of medicine. They had also brought along a royal physician, Dorian, who was able to manage the illnesses without any major issues.But Kendrick, having never endured such hardship, was exhausted beyond measure. By the tenth day of their journey, he could barely speak. His face and lips were pale, and the exhaustion was evident in every line of his features.When they finally reached the outskirts of Victory Pass and saw the Sullivan family and the troops come out to greet them, Kendrick collapsed. The sight of him fainting right there gave everyone a fright, and they quickly rushed to carry him back.However, Carissa barely noticed Kendrick's condition. As soon as she saw her family, she ran straight into her grandfather's arms, tears stream
On the twelfth day of July, the Starhaven envoy delegation departed the capital in a grand procession, heading toward Orivenia.Rafael rode alongside the group for five miles, only reining in his horse reluctantly when Dylan and Jacob both insisted it was time to stop. Carissa turned back to wave at him, her smile as bright as ever. There wasn't a hint of sadness on her face.Rafael gazed after her, his eyes filled with longing.But under his breath, he muttered, "She's heartless, truly heartless."The sun had risen high, and the road was still and stifling with the lack of wind. Still, Rafael waited until the last of the procession had disappeared from view before reluctantly turning his horse around and heading back.This journey to Orivenia was a significant one. Carissa had brought along three hundred men from the Mystic Army, as well as Travis, Violet, and the others.Though the two kingdoms enjoyed a temporary peace after the last conflict, Leroy had made public what happen
The evening before the trip, Carissa, accompanied by Rafael, made her way to bid farewell to Helen. Since she was leaving early in the morning, before her mother-in-law would be awake, Carissa chose to say her goodbyes the night before.Helen had known about the trip to Orivenia for some time. At first, she hadn't fully understood the situation and felt Salvador's order was a bit much. Why did it have to be Carissa, of all people, who had to undertake such a long and tiring journey?But after hearing from Violet that the real purpose of the journey was for Carissa to visit her maternal family, Helen only sighed quietly."The greatest pain in life is the separation from loved ones, whether by life or death. And the greatest joy is the reunion with loved ones after a long time apart."Of course, those words were spoken to Violet, and would never be said in front of Carissa. To say them to her would be like rubbing salt in an open wound. After all, Helen had come to love and cherish h
In the blazing heat of July, a letter from Westhaven arrived.Westhaven's king, Edmund, had abdicated. Grand Princess Lisandra was now queen. She had taken the throne and assumed control of the kingdom, and its name was officially changed from Westhaven to Orivenia.The new queen invited Starhaven to send an envoy delegation to attend her coronation and to discuss the long-standing border disputes. Lisandra had already ascended the throne, so attending the coronation was merely a formality. The true purpose of the visit was to negotiate the border issue.When the Westhaven envoy delegation previously came to Starhaven, their primary goal was the border—an issue that had been put on hold due to internal unrest. It was also the matter that had weighed most heavily on Lisandra's mind. So, with her coronation behind her now, she wasted no time in reopening the talks.At the morning court session in Starhaven, there was unanimous agreement that old grudges were behind them. Both kingdom
At Hell Monarch Estate, Carissa and Cynthia were busy teaching Roxana and Courtney martial arts. Mostly, it was Cynthia who took charge of Roxana's lessons, while Carissa kept company with Courtney, observing but not actively participating.Work at the Capital Guard headquarters was actually quite busy, but time seemed to slow down, bringing a sense of calm to everyone's hearts. No matter how long this period without suspicion would last, they decided to cherish each day as it came.But there was one thing that weighed heavily on Carissa's mind—Rafael's health.Although he was gradually recovering, his vitality had been severely damaged. Working tirelessly every day, leaving early and returning late, with irregular meals and inconsistent medication, he wasn't able to rest properly, which was always a worry.Bun came down the corridor and approached Carissa, saying, "Vivi says she won't be home tonight."Carissa nodded, her expression unchanged. She didn't need to ask. She knew exa