Carissa leaned back in her chair, her long legs and tall frame giving her an imposing presence. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and her eyes gleamed with satisfaction. She was pleased Helen hadn’t fallen for Eleanor's trap, even though her response had seemed rather forced.When Eleanor's attempt to provoke failed, she simply smiled. "Yes, those with capability should be in charge. But I seem to recall you once complained about this being Carissa's second marriage and how she was unworthy of Rafael. And now, in just a few days, she's got you wrapped around her finger. Quite the skillful move. Helen, I'm worried that if you stay in this estate, she'll have you dancing to her tune in no time."Carissa's smile faded, and she said coldly, "That's enough. We'll proceed as I've said. I'm done here. Goodbye.""Hold it!" Eleanor's voice was sharp and commanding. "Carissa, don't think you can just walk away!"At her shout, Helen flinched instinctively.However, Carissa
Carissa continued to count the money. When the banknotes fell short, gold bars were brought out to make up the difference. It seemed Eleanor had substantial reserves—producing over two hundred thousand silver coins was not difficult for her.Carissa had underestimated Eleanor. Over the years, Eleanor had supported the household soldiers, maintained hundreds of servants, frequently hosted guests, and adorned herself in luxurious clothing and fine jewelry. Every piece of her attire was of the highest quality.Yet, seeing Eleanor's pained expression as she handed over the money, Carissa knew this sum was hitting Eleanor where it hurt. This time, they had completely ripped off the mask of civility between them.At least, Carissa had recovered what was rightfully theirs and what had been deceitfully taken. There was no loss on her part. As for the rift, it was nothing new. There was no need to maintain the facade of hypocritical harmony.With that, Carissa made her way out.Elean
Rafael and Dylan led the way on horseback, while the carriage followed slowly behind.Helen grasped Carissa's hand, her excitement almost impossible to contain. "I truly didn't expect you to successfully get all the money back. Others may not be aware, but I know Grand Princess Eleanor very well. She may appear amiable to everyone, but in reality, she's quite domineering."Carissa gently pulled her hand away. "Now that you know what kind of person she is, it's best to keep interactions with her to a minimum in the future."Helen nodded, but her expression grew worried. "I'm just concerned that if we fall out with her, she might speak ill of us in front of other ladies and tarnish our reputation.""What's there to worry about?" Carissa said dismissively."Of course, you're not concerned. Your reputation is already in tatters, but I've just left the palace and can't afford to gain a bad name."Carissa gave her mother-in-law a sidelong glance. Helen was really harsh with words, espe
With so many thoughts swirling through her head, coupled with the chill she had endured, Helen's mind became muddled and her body ached slightly.When they returned to Hell Monarch Estate, Carissa helped her out of the carriage and immediately instructed the servants, "Prepare a pot of chicken soup. Everyone has been out in the cold for a while. They need something to ward off the lingering chill."Helen felt even more ashamed after hearing that.Carissa was truly considerate, remembering that her mother-in-law had suffered at Harmony Palace. Who could match such devotion and attentiveness?Little did she know, Carissa's concern was not for her but for Rafael, who had been outside in the cold and wind.The kitchen chefs soon brought up the chicken soup, and each person was served a bowl. Carissa watched Rafael drink two bowls before she was satisfied.Turning around, she noticed her mother-in-law sipping her soup slowly and said, "Mother, drink a full bowl first, and have some ho
Embarrassed or not, the two of them did end up bathing together in the end. After soaking in the bath, they continued their passionate night under the white canopy of their bed.Fortunately, both were trained in martial arts. So, even with only getting an hour or two of sleep, they were still able to go about their day without feeling tired.As they got up the next morning, two unfamiliar attendants entered to serve Rafael. Luke had arranged this. These two elderly women, Sydney and Qiana, had originally worked in the embroidery room. But now that Rafael had no one to serve him, it wouldn't be appropriate to have a young servant help him with dressing and personal needs.As for the maids serving Carissa, Joy and Winter had gone to attend to Ryan. Meanwhile, Lulu, Snow, and Pearl remained by Carissa's side to serve her personally.Lily was in charge of managing the entire Orchid Hall, so naturally, it wouldn't be appropriate to ask her to take on these duties. And if younger servant
Jacob chuckled and said, "With Lady Carissa here, you won't be short-changed. Just make sure to do the job well. Once the household army is established, you'll be in charge of their management and training. Given the hard work involved, there will definitely be an additional reward."Not interested in vague promises, Travis asked directly, "So, how much are we talking about?"Jacob held up one finger. "This much."At that moment, Travis wished he had an actual rod in his hand to smack Jacob over the head. Couldn't Jacob just say the amount instead of making him guess?"Just tell us whether you'll do it or not," Rafael said."I'll do it!" Travis immediately agreed, planning to ask Carissa later to find out exactly how much the pay was.Either way, he had already decided to take the job. He would be in for a beating if he didn't bring some money back to the guild."Alright, you won't need to worry about the recruitment process. Just focus on being the drill instructor and teaching
"She's ill, so she moved to Verdant Monastery. She wanted peace and quiet to recover, and the monastery has the blessing of the Lord," Carissa replied.Kiera was puzzled. "But if she's sick, shouldn't she stay at Horizon Estate? At least there, if anything happens, the household can be notified immediately."Even Kiera understood this logic, so how could Yuvan not know?Carissa was actually quite concerned. Yuvan's fief was in Valken, which was not too far from both Verdant Monastery and the capital.If it were truly about recuperation, wouldn't it have been better to bring Avis back to the capital? After all, the royal family was in the capital. There were also the royal physicians and Sebastian to watch over her.Now that Avis was at Verdant Monastery, Sebastian had sent two of his apprentices, Jasmine and Ivy, to care for her. But still, without any family around, it must be lonely."I'll find out more once I get there. In the meantime, Mother, please keep an eye on Ryan for m
Carissa mulled over past events in her heart, then sadly said, "I fear that her sudden worsening condition is not unrelated to me."Violet had initially intended to keep this from her friend, but since Carissa had already guessed as much, she decided to come clean."You're right. Lady Avis didn't know about your divorce at first, but Lady Fiona specifically told her about it. After hearing the news, Lady Avis coughed up blood and her condition deteriorated. These details weren't uncovered by the people from Skywing Spire. Rowan told me directly, asking whether or not he should inform you," Violet explained."I had a feeling," Carissa said, her voice filled with melancholy. "Aunt Avis arranged my marriage. Although she was the one who recommended it, my mother also made inquiries. The Warren family had indeed been quiet for years, with no significant troubles."With Amelia being ineffectual and weak, there was no oppressive sister-in-law to deal with. Also, the relationship between
Spring rain was as precious as gold, even if the April showers came a little later than expected.Salvador stood outside the royal study, looking at the lamps swaying in the rainy night. Everything around him felt like a dream, a mix of reality and illusion.Rafael's figure had long disappeared into the rain, no longer visible. A bitter feeling stirred in the king's heart as he remembered how his brother had taken the medicine without hesitation, as if accepting the outcome without a second thought.While Salvador felt a sense of relief, it was tinged with a deep discomfort. He had pushed his younger brother into this situation.Rafael and Carissa were still young. Even without concubines, the couple could easily have three to five children in the future. But having taken the medicine, Rafael's line would end. Even if it could continue through adoption, it would never be the same as having a biological child.How could Rafael not feel an ounce of regret?As an older brother, Salv
"Has His Majesty grown suspicious of you again?" asked Carissa, startled to see the pill.Rafael shook his head. "Not at all. In fact, he trusts me more now. Many of the reports go through me and Mr. Murray before they reach him.""Then, why?" Carissa asked, confused."There are three reasons," Rafael replied, putting the pill down and holding her hand. "First, His Majesty trusts me now because he's been through so much. Also, his health has stabilized, which has eased his suspicions. But if his health falters again, and I have too much power and even children at the time, he might see me as a threat."Carissa nodded in understanding. "We can wait a few more years before having children, right? Wasn't the medicine you took previously supposed to last for five years? Since that time has passed, could you take another pill to buy us five more years?"Rafael squeezed her hand tightly. "This is the same pill. The first time, it lasts for five years. But if I take it again, it will pre
In the end, Grace couldn't hold out for long and passed on.When she learned that Caden, having lost his mind, had been sent away to a monastery to spend his days, she was already near the end of her strength. The pain, relentless as a shadow, gnawed at her day and night. And on a bitterly cold night, she breathed her last.Victoria took charge for a time, sending away all the palace servants involved. What happened to them remained unknown to Carissa and the others.With the sudden loss of the queen and two high-ranking concubines, coupled with the queen dowager's declining health, the task of overseeing the harem fell to Penelope for the time being.Salvador had no plans to marry again. He preferred to keep the harem simple and avoid any further complications.But despite her best efforts, Penelope lacked the strength to handle things properly. Every few days, there was some new problem. The matter of the concubines' allowances and the monthly payments to the servants caused end
Kylie stood frozen, her body tense with fear and sweat beading on her brow as she saw the black silk ribbon coming toward her neck. Desperate, she tried to talk her way out of it, her voice shaking."N-no, it's not too late. His Majesty loves Connor dearly. He wouldn't let him be without a mother. I must care for him myself. No one can take away my right to be his mother!"She paused, gasping for breath before adding, "And Lady Carissa once said... she said that Connor loves me. Those were his words. He's wounded, alone, and heading to Eldermere Keep. He can't go without me. I must go to him!"As the silk wrapped around her neck, Kylie cried out sharply, "Your Majesty, you can't do this! What have I done wrong? Lady Grace tried to kill Connor and wasn't sentenced to death, yet you're going to execute me just because I've been foolish? I've hurt no one!"Derek paused momentarily. There were things he wasn't supposed to say, but thinking of the injured Connor stirred his compassion.
Kylie's sobs ceased abruptly. For a moment, she stood frozen.Her voice trembled with disbelief as she asked, "What did you say, Your Majesty? Connor is not dead?"How could he not be dead? The funeral had already been carried out, and he had been laid to rest. The entire court knew of his passing.Salvador gazed steadily at her and said, "He is not dead, but gravely wounded. Both of his legs were shattered. If he survives, he'll never walk again. Healer Dalton has taken him to Eldermere Keep for treatment. If he recovers, he'll live under a new name. If not, at least the keep is a good place to lay him to rest."Realizing that the king didn't seem to be lying, a sudden wave of hope and joy surged in the queen's heart. But right after, confusion set in."If he is alive, why was the funeral held? Why not treat him here in the capital? What if his injuries aren't as bad as they seem? What if you've been deceived by Healer Dalton, Your Majesty? He's close to Lady Carissa, who has alw
Salvador didn't grant Grace a swift death.Instead, he commanded that her legs be shattered—one brutal strike at a time. Flesh split, blood pooled, and gleaming white bone pierced through torn skin.The pain was so unbearable that Grace lost consciousness multiple times. After hours of torment, she was unceremoniously cast aside, her broken form left to suffer in the Cold Palace.Salvador personally led Caden to the Cold Palace, his expression as cold as the wind that swept through its desolate halls.The king pointed at Grace, who lay curled on the ground and howling in pain, then said to Caden, "Your elder brother suffered far worse when he fell from his horse. His pain was unbearable. He died from it—slowly, and with no reprieve."Caden had long since been reduced to tears, his face streaked with grief and regret. As his legs gave out beneath him, he collapsed onto the cold stone floor, hands clamped over his ears as if that might drown out his mother's screams.Salvador then
Caden's eyes were wide with terror and his expression was one of sheer horror, as though he had been suddenly awakened from a nightmare.Gasping for air, he clutched his ears and shouted desperately, "No! Mom, I don't want this! I don't want my brother to die! I don't want it..."Grace collapsed to the ground. From the moment Salvador had taken out the caltrop, it was as if all her strength had been drained from her body, leaving her crumpled on the floor.However, Salvador paid her no mind. His gaze remained fixed on Caden, the coldness in his eyes unyielding."It is too late. Your elder brother is dead. You killed him," said the king.Caden whirled around, his head slamming into Grace's abdomen. A shrill, anguished cry escaped his lips as he shouted, "You lied to me! You said he wouldn't die! You said that he would only be crippled! You lied to me! You lied to me! I killed my brother—"The force of the impact left Grace breathless, her insides twisting painfully as if they migh
Grace received Salvador's arrival with a sense of dread.The past days had been filled with Carissa's relentless probing, which had left Grace in a state of terror. Yet, despite her fear, a small spark of hope still flickered within her.Connor was dead, while Cecil was but a child and of frail health. It was Caden—intelligent as well as gifted in both studies and martial arts—who was undoubtedly the most suitable choice for the throne.If not Caden, then who? Could it truly be Cecil?If Caden were chosen, Grace was certain she wouldn't be blamed for anything. Salvador wouldn't tarnish the reputation of the birth mother of the crown prince and future king.Now, as Salvador arrived at Iridescent Palace, Grace's heart began to race. His presence could only mean one of two things. Either he had come to check on Caden's progress and finalize his selection as crown prince, or—more dangerously—he had come with evidence and questions regarding the events that had unfolded.Either way, t
During her investigation, Carissa learned a troubling piece of information from a young chamberlain. The caltrop Cecil had been playing with had indeed gone missing, and a palace maid had picked it up.The chamberlain had witnessed the moment the caltrop was picked up, and recognized the maid in question as Clara, who served Penelope, one of Salvador's concubines.It was clear to Carissa that Penelope had no reason to harm Connor. Her relationship with Grace and Sylvia was rather indifferent. Thus, Carissa formally petitioned Victoria for permission to conduct an inquiry within the harem and see if Clara was secretly loyal to someone else.As expected, Carissa uncovered that Clara had entered the palace years earlier as a low-ranking maid, assigned to laundry duty and forced to endure a hard life. She was from the same hometown as Lyra, one of Grace's trusted maids.Lyra helped Clara by making arrangements with the head maid, sending her to Penelope's residence to work as a cleaner