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
Tears suddenly welled up in Violet's eyes as she leaned against Carissa's shoulder and sobbed softly."What was I thinking? I used to hope the scholar would treat my aunt poorly so she would regret it. I also hoped that the scholar, after suffering through all the hardships, would come to regret it too. I wished they would become resentful partners, hurling insults at each other."Carissa gently rubbed her shoulder. "You're not a cruel person.""I really did think that way. I was cruel, but you didn't know," Violet said, her gaze vacant. "Now, apart from me, everyone in my family disapproves of them. Even the old servants who have been with the family for years secretly curse them when they see them.""Then, why did they come back?" Carissa asked.Violet explained, "My grandmother's health has worsened. My aunt wanted to return to see her, and perhaps she missed her family. So, she rented a house nearby and kneels at the door every day, hoping that over time, my grandmother will b
Due to Carissa's wedding, Violet had first returned home to help her family, then gone to assist the Inferno Guild with the gifts to add to Carissa's trousseau.Though this had occurred more than a month ago, Yuvan would have had to travel from Valken to the Spencer family's residence in Ebonflow if he had gone to propose marriage. Considering the time it took to travel, Yuvan likely arrived to propose shortly after Violet's return to the Inferno Guild.The Spencer family had sent people to help with the gift preparations just a few days after Violet's return to the Inferno Guild. That meant that by the time Violet met with the other Spencer family members in the capital, they probably hadn't heard the news yet."How shameless can Prince Yuvan be? How old is he? How dare he come to propose marriage to me? When was the divorce agreement sent? It's possible he came to propose first, then sent the divorce agreement. That old scoundrel—I'll have him chopped up!" exclaimed Violet, outrag
To prevent Avis from becoming too agitated again, Ivy administered acupuncture to calm her nerves and instructed her to get a good night's sleep. She also prescribed some sedative medicine that needed to be taken for the next couple of days.Upon reading the divorce agreement, Violet became so enraged that she smashed a table.The nuns from Verdant Monastery came to offer a simple meal. Ivy had them bring it over, and they dined in the side courtyard.According to Ivy, the head of Verdant Monastery was a kind-hearted person who had a lot of sympathy for Avis. The other nuns did not intrude and provided plenty of food and drink, though they could not offer meat due to their dietary restrictions."Given Aunt Avis' current condition, she can't even drink a bit of broth with meat. How can she manage?" Carissa expressed her concern."If she were to drink it, she wouldn't be able to keep it down," Ivy, who was dressed in coarse cloth and thick cotton garments, replied, shaking her head.
Carissa looked up at Ivy and asked, "Is there no other way to treat my aunt's illness? Could we ask Sebastian to come over?""My mentor has already come here, but he didn't tell you. He said Lady Avis is just enduring, and it's uncertain how long she can last. If we stop her medication, she might only have a day or two left," Ivy replied.Carissa's eyes widened in alarm. "You can't stop her medication!"Ivy looked resigned as she said, "Even if we continue with her medication, she may make it through the end of the year, but she certainly won't survive beyond the fifteenth of the new year."Tears streamed down Carissa's face. She hadn't realized how severe Avis' condition was. Sebastian had kept her in the dark, and Rowan had always seemed on the verge of saying something but held back.Carissa should have guessed earlier."At least the current medication and acupuncture will ease her suffering. When the time comes, she won't be in too much pain," Ivy consoled.As a physician, I
"Cari, I'm thinking of sneaking into Horizon Estate and getting rid of him," Violet said after tossing and turning in bed."Don't be foolish. Plotting against a prince—are you trying to have your entire family implicated?" Carissa glanced at her friend. "Are you worried that your family might agree to the marriage?"Violet folded her arms behind her head. "I don't know, but I'm sure my father wouldn't agree. My grandfather has always doted on me, so I believe he wouldn't consent either."However, my family is desperate for a high-status marriage to restore their reputation. I'm afraid that the pressure from the rest of the family members might force my grandfather and father into agreeing.""Even if they agree, you wouldn't marry him," said Carissa confidently."That's right, I wouldn't," Violet's voice was tinged with frustration. "But if the marriage is agreed upon and I refuse, another woman from my family will be married off in my place. How can I bear to let someone else sacr
During these fifteen days, the king would personally visit Skyward Sanctum, the sacred platform for ceremonies. He would then enjoy the festivities at the city gates with the common folk and watch the fireworks.The Capital Guard and the garrison unit needed to make early preparations, urging the Ministry of Housing to build high platforms outside the city walls so the king and court officials could watch the fireworks.After visiting Avis, Carissa and Rafael talked in the small wooden cabin outside. Travis had used the cabin for a night, but the bedding was neatly arranged. Although the furniture was old, it had been cleaned thoroughly.Carissa shared the situation regarding Avis with Rafael, who was equally shocked upon hearing about Yuvan's reasons for the divorce."That's absurd, isn't it? Having no sons and jealousy—none of those accusations are convincing," he said, frowning."There's always something that can be used to convince others, like Aunt Avis' grave illness," Caris
Avis gripped Carissa's wrist tightly, glancing anxiously outside. Her breathing was rapid, and she struggled to keep her voice steady."Listen to me. Prince Yuvan is not a good man. He has been conspiring with Grand Princess Eleanor."Carissa was stunned. "What?"She hurriedly sent everyone out, instructing Violet to stand guard at the door."Aunt Avis, what do you mean by that?"Avis' head sank, her voice filled with fear and cold dread as she continued, "Over the years, he has been secretly raising troops in Valken, funded by Grand Princess Eleanor and Lady Fiona. Those soldiers are hidden in Stonebridge County."Carissa knew Stonebridge County. It was Eleanor's fief, the dowry the late king had given her."Do not offend him. Do not become his enemy. He is not as simple as outsiders think," Avis said, her breath growing weaker.Perhaps the revelation of this secret had frightened her deeply."Over the years, he has caused a scandal with his favoritism and abandoning his wife