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
By the time they arrived at the capital, it was already New Year's Eve.The New Year was the most anticipated and joyous festival of the year for the common folk. Every street and alley was filled with festive cheer, with households putting up decorations and preparing fireworks to usher in the new year.Amidst this time of universal celebration and family reunions, Avis had passed away quietly, her death not causing even the slightest ripple in Yuvan's family. As Yuvan and his family had already arrived in the capital, the news of her death may not have reached them yet.When Carissa entered Hell Monarch Estate, she learned that Yuvan's family had arrived and that Helen was hosting them.As Violet handed over her horsewhip to the stable hand, she clenched her fists upon hearing the news. Her anger was so intense, she could hardly contain herself. She felt an overwhelming urge to storm in and confront Yuvan.Rafael frowned. "When I left, they hadn't yet arrived in the capital. Cle
At times, I taught my students to face life with courage and own up to their mistakes. Yet, I had not done so myself.All these years, I had hardly seen Thomas. If there was an event where he might be present, I would quietly avoid it.Back when I was still stubborn, Zoey had scolded me, saying I owed Thomas an apology. At the time, I didn't quite agree. In fact, I felt rather aggrieved.But thinking back now—what was I so aggrieved about? Who truly owed me anything? Had the heavens not already treated me kindly enough? Everything I lost, I brought upon myself.More than once, I had unfolded a sheet of parchment, intending to write him a sincere apology from the heart. Yet, each time I put a quill to paper, the ink would fall, but not a single word would follow.I feared the letter would seem sudden and out of place, that it might stir suspicion in his wife's heart, or in Barrett's. Even though Barrett and I were husband and wife in name only, I still didn't wish to disturb the pe
It had been a month since I arrived at Victory Pass, and I began to wonder what I ought to do with myself.Though I was Barrett's wife in name, in truth, we had very little to do with each other. He spent most of his time at the camp, only returning now and then. As such, I had plenty of time on my hands and thought I might start a little trade.Victory Pass was not quite as I had imagined. I thought a border town like this would surely be cold and short on supplies. But to my surprise, one could buy almost anything here—save for things like the finest jewels and luxurious brocade.That was not to say they couldn't be found at all. When merchant caravans brought such treasures, they were quickly stored away and sent on to Orivenia, where they would be sold to nobles and the wealthy.The common folk in Victory Pass bought ornaments for their prettiness rather than their worth, and no one really cared whether they were costly or not.I had been thinking about what sort of business I
I heard Franklin endured quite a few rejections from Isaac. In the end, Franklin had no choice but to release Merrick and send him to plead on their behalf—only then was Gabriel rescued.With the matter settled, they were deeply grateful to Isaac, though they all knew it had been a calculated move. What else could they do? After all, their son had behaved badly and been caught in the act.When Merrick learned of his mother's mistreatment of Courtney, he kept quiet for a time. However, once they were married, he made it clear that he wished to live separately. He didn't want to cause a rift in the family, but in Starhaven's official evaluations, being dutiful towards family mattered more than talent. A single accusation of being disloyal could end a person's career.Merrick's reason for wanting to live separately was perfectly reasonable—he said he needed peace and quiet to prepare for his upcoming exams. His family was too large, so the distractions would make it difficult to focus.
I finally understood Cari's plan.Maya had made a scene at the Prince family's residence, and would naturally have to go there and apologize. But the real plan was to use the scandal around Gabriel's disgrace to put pressure on the Saunders family. From now on, even if Courtney married into their family, they would be too scared to mistreat her.With both leverage and a secret weapon in hand, it was a solid move.But for me, today was about getting some justice, especially with Maya. I wasn't going to leave without making my point.Once Michael and the others left, I turned to Maya. "I heard you say that your family is one of high standing and noble reputation. Truly, that's a laugh. What kind of noble family would kidnap a woman and make a scene by beating up someone at another person's residence?"I was ready to tear your whole house apart and expose your hypocrisy to the city today, but you're lucky. Since Merrick genuinely cares for Courtney, I don't want to make things too ug
The reactions of the Saunders family were telling. They stood frozen, as if they couldn't believe what they were hearing. It was clear that no one in the capital had warned them, and they hadn't heard anything about it.Seizing the opportunity, I spoke again, my voice icy, "Who doesn't know that my husband, the third son of the Prince family, dotes on Courtney more than anyone? She's been wronged so severely, and he's beside himself with worry."I had to talk him out of rushing to the grand queen dowager to complain about this. But since I'm here, whoever it was that raised their hand against Courtney should step forward and accept the consequences."Isaac, while holding many positions in the capital, was most known as my husband, an apprentice of the Pathfinders Guild, the armory's overseer in the Ministry of Defense, and the owner of several enterprises in the capital. His connection to the Prince family was downplayed, but it still proved useful in situations like this.Among hi
Let me tell you about the day the Saunders family crossed a line even I, Violet Spencer, couldn't ignore.It was beyond outrageous!The Saunders family held nothing more than a minor earl's title, yet Maya dared act so arrogantly! In all my years alive, I had encountered plenty of ill-mannered women, but never had I encountered one among the powerful and influential.When I heard that they had dragged Courtney out and slapped her, calling her shameless for having feelings for a young man, I wanted to storm into Averton Estate, break down their door, and give them a taste of their own medicine.Cari was angry too, but she reminded me that we couldn't just go rushing in without thinking. The most important thing was to check on Courtney and Viola—who knew if they might do something rash?I had to admit, Cari had been in court long enough to know how to handle these things. She could stay calm when it mattered most.I rushed straight to the Prince family's residence. As I feared, I
When did I truly realize how wrong I was?It wasn't when Thomas returned, nor was it after my divorce from Barrett, nor even when the Prince family fell into misfortune.No, it was when talks were going on to arrange the marriage of my niece, Courtney.During the Prince family's fall from grace, I was imprisoned and narrowly escaped death. As I reflected on the past, I knew I had made mistakes and was willing to change. But I wasn't fully aware of just how deep my mistakes went.At the time, I thought it was all my own problem. No matter how much I suffered, it was my burden alone. No one else had the right to speak on it.I knew that my sister-in-law, Zoey, had suffered because of my stubbornness. She had worked tirelessly, running here and there, trying to help me, and perhaps I had grown accustomed to her always doing that for me. Because of that, I felt both gratitude and respect for her.Still, I wasn't ready to face the full weight of my past. I didn't want to dwell on it—i
Carissa stopped and turned back to me. "Her family treats her well. It's just that things didn't go smoothly when they were arranging for her niece's marriage. Thankfully, that niece is now married to a good man."I think Viola worries that, being unmarried at her age—twice wed, no less—she might invite gossip. She doesn't want to burden her nephews and nieces or trouble her sister-in-law."I nodded, thinking of Zoey—the fierce woman who was also kind-hearted. She had one son and one daughter, as well as more children from her late husband's concubines. She had likely faced many challenges while arranging marriages for all her children. I imagined the amount of gossip and judgment she must have endured.I truly cared for Zoey like a sister-in-law, and I felt for all she had gone through."Think it over," Carissa said.I nodded, then glanced outside, where there wasn't a soul in sight.I couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you afraid that Prince Rafael might grow jealous, you being her
At General Sullivan's 80th birthday celebration, I saw Carissa again. Before that, I had seen her a few times when she visited Victory Pass on occasion.We were like strangers now. We never spoke, but I would secretly see her off every time she left. I didn't know why I did that, or what I hoped to accomplish.I always carried a sense of guilt toward her.As for Aurora and Viola, I also felt I owed them something. But with them, it was a constant cycle of mutual exhaustion and arguments. They hurt me in the past, but I had also hurt them.But when it came to Carissa, it was my family and I who had wronged her. She never did anything to deserve it. Even after our divorce, she could have ignored my mother's illness. Instead, she helped Amelia learn how to obtain the Snowdrop Pills.When I saw Carissa at General Sullivan's birthday celebration, she was the regent's princess consort. The political affairs of the court were of little concern to us soldiers on the frontier. What mattere