After Solomon and the other Sinclair family members moved all the dowry items back to Northwatch Estate, Carissa came out to thank them and invited everyone in for tea.Solomon shook his head. "We've got other important matters to attend to, so we can't stay for tea. By the way, Barrett asked me to give you a message. He hopes you won't regret your decision.""I have nothing to say to him in response to his message. Since you have important matters, I won't keep you," Carissa replied calmly.Pleased with her response, Solomon and the others left.Even if the Sinclair family lost everything, they couldn't lose their dignity.It wasn't that Solomon didn't want to stay for tea, but Northwatch Estate was still in chaos. He was certain the new servants had yet to learn all the necessary rules and mannerisms.Solomon would have been okay with it, but he had brought along other family members. Too many people seeing the situation at Northwatch Estate might lead to gossip, and Carissa co
The problem was no one had told Rebecca that soldiers would be coming. And with over a hundred of them arriving, they took up many seats, leaving several other guests without a place to sit.These guests were prominent civil and military officials, esteemed figures in court whose goodwill could greatly benefit Barrett's career. But now, how were they to be accommodated? They were left standing in the cold, shivering and resentful.Rebecca urgently turned to Amelia, demanding she find a solution. Amelia was equally stunned and at a loss, as she had arranged the seating based on the official guest list and no one had informed her about the additional guests.The invited guests were equally shocked when they saw over a hundred unruly soldiers immediately sit down and start eating and drinking, laughing and joking loudly with the bride.The scene looked bizarre and out of place. Many of the wedding guests were from prestigious families and had attended out of respect for the king. They
Aurora felt Barrett's accusations were unreasonable.She scoffed and said, "We just got married today, and you're already yelling at me. What will it be like in the future? These soldiers have fought alongside you and witnessed our love."Even if I didn't tell you beforehand, who doesn't prepare extra tables for a big wedding? And about them leaving their posts, that's not for you to worry about. General Lane is an understanding person."Aurora's strong stance made Barrett back down a bit. He didn't want to argue on their wedding day.He asked, "So, they left the barracks with General Lane's permission?"Aurora hadn't actually asked the general, Gideon Lane. She had simply ordered the soldiers to attend. But she thought this detail wasn't important and believed Gideon would understand.Avoiding the question, she retorted, "It's your poor planning that's the issue. Go ask around, who doesn't prepare extra seats for a big wedding? I don't know who organized this wedding, but it's s
All the guests had left, leaving only a bunch of rowdy soldiers behind.Rebecca was so angry she almost had a heart attack. The other family members looked at each other in disbelief. They had never seen a wedding, especially one granted by the king, turn into such a disaster.News of this would surely make the Warren family the laughingstock of the capital.When Barrett found Amelia, he was unable to contain his anger any longer."Amelia, if you didn't want to help with the wedding, you should have told me! Now, a perfectly good party has turned into a joke, and all the guests have left. How am I supposed to hold my head up in court after this?" he ranted, slamming the table.An aggrieved Amelia let her tears fall freely."I made all the preparations according to the guest list. How was I supposed to know so many extra people would come? Was it my fault? Besides, this is the first time I'm managing the household!"Whenever we had celebrations or tea parties, Carissa handled eve
Barrett stood silently for a moment before turning to summon someone to clean up the mess.This was the woman he had fought so hard to marry. The wedding had indeed been disgraceful, and regardless of whose fault it was, her grief was genuine.He decided to endure it. He couldn't afford to feel even a hint of regret; he still wanted to see Carissa regret her decision!If Carissa knew how embarrassing his and Aurora's wedding had turned out, she'd probably laugh in secret.-Meanwhile, at Northwatch Estate, Carissa had just finished working up a sweat at a martial arts practice session. After soaking in a hot bath, she asked Lulu to bring her a bottle of wine and proceeded to drink alone.This had been her routine for the past month—reading during the day and practicing martial arts at night. During her year at Valor Estate, she had neglected her martial arts training. Although she wasn't entirely out of practice, her skills were not as sharp as before. She had to regain her stren
Carissa needed to get her hands on the battlefield report Dominic sent back.The reports first went to the Ministry of Defense, where a copy was made before the original was presented to the king. So, the Ministry of Defense should have copies of the battle report from Dominic as well as the victory report.She would have to sneak into the Ministry of Defense.There weren't many people at the ministry at night, but all the ministry offices were located on either side of Thousand Street, which was adjacent to the royal palace. The royal guards didn't patrol Thousand Street, but the guards from the garrison unit did.But no matter what, Carissa had to see the battlefield report and the post-war memorial Dominic submitted.One thing was certain—Dominic must have affirmed Aurora's contributions, otherwise the Ministry of Defense wouldn't have credited her.The people of Westhaven were known for seeking revenge at all costs. If Aurora had massacred the villagers who surrendered, Westh
Under the cover of the night, Carissa successfully broke into the Ministry of Defense's records room. It didn't take much effort to find what she needed—all the reports from the battle at Victory Pass were neatly arranged on the top left shelf.Using a special lamp called Night Pearl, covered with a light veil to dim its glow, Carissa hid in a corner to read the reports individually. After reading them all, she felt a chill run through her entire body as tears streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks.Barrett and Aurora had gone to Victory Pass as reinforcements and had participated in the battles despite their inexperience. During their first battle there, Carissa's third uncle lost an arm while trying to save Barrett.Meanwhile, her seventh uncle had died before the reinforcements even arrived. Carissa remembered him as a spirited young man; it was hard to imagine that he had fallen in battle.Dominic had also been wounded by an arrow before the reinforcements arrived, leaving Bar
In the study, Salvador gazed at Carissa, who was kneeling on the white marble floor.She wore a plain white dress cinched at the waist, with a blue cloak draped over her shoulders. Unlike her previous visits, her hair was tied up in a high ponytail with a simple white silk ribbon, not styled in the elaborate manner of a married woman.Her complexion was pale, and there was a faint redness under her eyes as well as a hint of dark circles. She looked as if she hadn't slept all night. There were also remnants of tears on her eyelashes.Despite all that, she still looked stunning. Her eyes seemed sorrowful, yet lacked any hint of vulnerability. Instead, they harbored a sense of strength and determination."Greetings, Your Majesty!" Carissa said hoarsely.After Lulu went to bed last night, Carissa had cried under her covers for a long time."Have you been crying?" Salvador frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure in his eyes. "Is it about Barrett and Aurora's wedding?"Carissa shook h
Hayden clenched his fists, his anger and helplessness tightening his chest as he followed behind.The physician worked quickly, examining Sonny's injuries. Both of his legs were broken, three of his teeth were knocked out, and his face was riddled with fractures. Despite the pain that twisted his expression, he still grinned at Hayden, forcing a smile through gritted teeth.He tried to assure Hayden with a look that said he would be fine.Hayden turned away, his heart aching. The man who had stood by his side for so many years now lay in such a state. Fury surged within him, but there was nothing he could do.Back in Nerovia, he had ordered an extra emblem to be made, just in case the day ever came when Nicholas stole the original to mobilize Hayden's forces. If Hayden noticed in time, someone could use the duplicate emblem to stop Nicholas.Hayden hadn't expected it to serve its purpose this way, though.The chaos of the riverworks project was swiftly quelled. Cameron was arrest
As dawn broke, Adrian led them to the Glimmering Tower. It was then that Carissa realized they weren't the only ones who had arrived—many guild leaders and elders were present as well. Even Violet and Bun's mentor had come.When Violet spotted her mentor Conrad, she gasped in surprise and rushed toward him. "Sage Conrad, what brings you here? You didn't even send word beforehand!"Conrad smiled warmly as he looked at his beloved apprentice, indulgence in his voice. "I heard you were guarding the capital. Naturally, I had to come and lend you a hand.""Sage Conrad, you're too kind. I'll get another villa for you once we're done here," Violet said, linking her arm with his, grinning widely.Conrad scowled lightly, feigning annoyance. "Why would I need more villas from you? No more, I tell you. However, I did hear about a hot spring at Solitude Peak. I thought of buying it, so your fellow apprentices can soak and strengthen their bodies."Violet nodded enthusiastically. "I'll buy i
The black-clad assailants' Lightfoot Skills were extraordinary, and they scattered in all directions. Adrian could have pursued one of them, but catching all of them was impossible.However, he chose not to pursue anyone at all. Emerging from the shadows, his hand darted out and grabbed Carissa by the ear, twisting it until she yelped in pain. "So bold of you, wasn't it? To engage without proper defenses? Do you think you're invincible? Haven't you heard the saying that there's always someone stronger out there?"Carissa shrieked and flailed in protest as the lamps were lit by Jacob, illuminating the courtyard and revealing the bloodstains on everyone's bodies.Only then did Adrian notice the wounds on Carissa. Yet instead of softening, his grip on her ear tightened, and he hissed, "You couldn't guess what Nicholas was planning? And you didn't think to write for reinforcements from Meadow Ridge? Are you so arrogant now that you've forgotten basic caution? Just wait until your mart
Hayden gestured for her to lower the sword. "Not tonight. Neither side is ready."Chaya frowned, confused. "Why? Didn't you say Mr. Russell was formidable? If he's taking action, surely he can capture Prince Nicholas?""He won't capture him," Hayden replied, rubbing his temples. "General Farrell has Valken surrounded, but he hasn't launched an attack because he knows Mr. Murphy has already undermined Prince Yuvan's authority. "A portion of Valken's population has joined the so-called rebel forces. If the capital falls now, the officials in Valken and Nerovia will find an excuse, under the court's banner, to slaughter the townsfolk. That would spark even larger uprisings. That's why Lady Carissa can't act prematurely."Chaya hastily tossed the sword aside. "And why isn't it the right time for Prince Nicholas, then?""It's simple," Hayden said. "He needs Mr. Murphy to first defeat General Farrell in a decisive victory. Once General Farrell is dealt with, he'll move on to General Mu
By the early hours of the morning, the rain had lessened to a gentle drizzle, leaving the air cooler and the night more serene. The quiet respite lulled many into a deeper, more peaceful sleep.Seven or eight shadowy figures darted through the curfewed city, their movements light and swift. They barely left a trace as they touched down on rooftops, their steps silent.They arrived at the Capital Guard headquarters. The outer guards had already retreated for the night, leaving only Carissa and her companions waiting in the main hall, tense and alert.With a quick exchange of glances, the group gripped their weapons. The assassins had arrived!The dim light of the hall flickered, and as the black-clad figures descended, a gust of wind extinguished the lamps. Darkness enveloped the room, plunging it into an impenetrable black where even an outstretched hand became invisible.Amid the darkness, the faint sound of breathing and the subtle rhythm of movements became the only clues to
The damp, oppressive heat of summer seemed to weigh heavily on the spirit, stoking an inexplicable irritation in the air.Hayden, clearly affected by the weather, barely touched his dinner. After a few cursory bites, he set his cutlery down and announced that he was heading back to the study to practice his calligraphy to clear his mind. He gestured for Chaya to follow, and the two left the room.Before departing, Chaya made sure to take two heaping plates of snacks with her. After all, she wasn't about to let herself go hungry.Nicholas, still in his Gordon disguise, watched Hayden leave but made no move to stop him. It didn't matter where Hayden went—his every step was being monitored. Besides, Nicholas had far more pressing matters to attend to tonight.Back in his room, Nicholas locked the door behind him and methodically prepared for the night's mission. He changed into his stealth attire, then sat before a mirror. Opening a small wooden box on the table, he revealed an array
By evening, tensions finally erupted.The Waterworks Department had stationed soldiers to oversee the workers, ensuring work continued on schedule. Yesterday's heavy rain had halted all progress, but with today's rare overcast skies and no rain, Cameron ordered the workers to make up for lost time. In fact, he demanded they finish the project three days ahead of schedule.The workers were already agitated, and they refused. Tempers flared, and heated arguments broke out between them and the Waterworks Department officials. In a fit of rage, Cameron picked up a club and struck one of the workers. That single blow ignited an uncontrollable fury among the workers. Over a hundred men turned on the officials, attacking them in a chaotic melee.Fortunately, Carissa had already stationed people nearby to keep an eye on the situation. Word was immediately sent to Max.Max was wary, suspecting this might be a calculated ploy by Nicholas. However, based on their investigation, not all th
Adrian had also brought a cannon with him, though it had to remain outside the city for now. It couldn't be transported in just yet. This cannon, an improvement on the red canon of Nerathia, was the same one that had destroyed Everett's courtyard back then.In a few days, nearly all the martial factions that had been invited to Adrian's birthday banquet would arrive, each disguised in various ways. Knowing that martial artists would be thoroughly questioned at the city gates, they all decided to change their appearances completely.Adrian had specifically chosen people from Coldmoon Guild to keep watch at the Capital Guard headquarters and Hell Monarch Estate in shifts. There was a reason for this. The people from Coldmoon Guild rarely moved within the martial world, and they seldom visited the capital. Nicholas' men likely had never encountered them, which made them perfect for keeping Carissa safe without drawing suspicion.Adrian was certain that Nicholas' next move would be to
After the group entered the city, Michael was momentarily distracted by another merchant caravan arriving at the gates. He made sure to inspect them thoroughly, confirming that there were no issues before allowing them to pass.As he turned back, he noticed the merchant caravan was following closely behind the group he had just checked. Among them, a familiar figure caught his eye—a figure whose silhouette seemed unmistakable. It resembled Carissa's martial uncle from the Pathfinders Guild.The man's name was Everett, if Michael recalled correctly. But then again, the face didn't match. He thought about it for a moment, but the resemblance was only in the figure. The features—absolutely not. Still, Michael felt uneasy and decided it was worth investigating further.He instructed a few men to follow the caravan and watch for any unusual activity. An hour later, they reported back that the group had settled in a manor on Eastland Avenue. That area was known for being home to powerfu