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.