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
When Verdant Monastery was mentioned, the faces of Yuvan's family members changed immediately. Yuvan's eldest son, Randall, was about to sit down when he heard it.He abruptly asked, "Verdant Monastery? Do you know how our mother is faring?""Not well!" Carissa looked directly at Randall. "If you care about her, why didn't you go see her yourself?"Randall glanced at Yuvan, who remained indifferent and said nothing."I... I was at the academy and couldn't leave," Randall replied awkwardly."Is that so? With so many people in Horizon Estate, no one could leave? Only two maids were sent to attend to her. If it weren't for Sebastian's apprentices, Jasmine and Ivy, how long could she have lasted at Verdant Monastery?"Sabrina, who never thought much of Carissa because she had been divorced, was displeased by her words and said, "I didn't realize that my cousin-in-law had a penchant for meddling in other people's affairs."Carissa's gaze cut through Sabrina like a knife as she retort
Yuvan's face went ashen. The divorce agreement was still in existence? Every one of those responsible was unreliable!Randall took the letter with trembling hands. How could he not recognize the handwriting? It was his father's handwriting, written by his own hand.He lifted his gaze to Yuvan, clenching his fists. "Dad, how do you explain this?"Yuvan pursed his lips, his displeasure evident. The once gentle and unassuming expression on his face had been replaced by a cloud of gloom.Fiona quickly intervened, "How could your father have written that? It's clearly an imitation of your father's handwriting. Why would your father divorce your mother?"She looked around, but did not dare directly address Carissa. Instead, she turned to Violet. "You must have produced this document, right? Do you have some deep-seated grudge against Yuvan and his family? Why use a fake divorce agreement to provoke Lady Avis and cause her to fall ill?"Violet replied coldly, "Don't you know who I
Randall wiped his tears and approached Rafael, wanting to ask something. However, Yuvan cut him off with a loud command. "Didn't you hear them? They think we bring bad luck because we're in mourning! Hurry up and leave!"Tears streamed down Randall's face again. He gave Rafael and Carissa a salute, his tall, thin figure swaying as he staggered away.Yuvan's other children all made a noise of discontent and left. Only Fiona managed to maintain her composure. She bowed to Helen, and said, "Take care, Lady Helen. I'll be taking my leave."As Fiona left, she cast a few significant glances at Violet, who responded with a dismissive roll of her eyes.Helen remained in a state of bewilderment throughout the encounter. She had just been conversing pleasantly with them. They had appeared polite and well-spoken. How could they turn out to be so heartless?Avis was dead, and only Randall had shown any sign of grief. The others wore faces devoid of any visible sorrow. Especially the two y
After bathing and donning her formal attire, Carissa exuded an air of unrivaled elegance and majesty. She touched up her makeup lightly, trying to conceal her pallor and the dark circles under her eyes, to hide her weariness from view.The royal family banquet was clearly a time for family reunion, but it came with its own set of rituals and decorum that had to be observed.She took a deep breath before the mirror, striving to suppress the grief of losing a loved one. She told herself that she had become accustomed to it, that familiarity would make it less painful.In the mirror, she saw a figure dressed in splendid attire, with an elaborate hairstyle and adorned with pearls and jewels. A necklace made of Mystic Pearls shimmered with a lustrous sheen, cascading gracefully down her chest.This was part of the dowry given by Adrian. The jars of pearls alone were worth a fortune, and they were stored separately in another box.Her earrings, also made of Mystic Pearls, covered her en
Carissa knew she couldn't let Helen comfort her any longer. The latter's attempts at consolation were heartbreaking.Carissa squeezed Ryan's hand. "It's alright. I was just feeling a bit down, but my spirits are already lifting after I think about tonight's palace banquet and all the delicious food."Her tone was light, managing to deceive both Kiera and Ryan, as well as Helen.Though Helen was distressed by Avis' passing, the palace banquet was a lively affair. Such excitement was rare—who wouldn't enjoy it?The palace was indeed bustling with festive cheer. The atmosphere was thick with New Year's spirit, with lights and decorations adorning every corner. Star-shaped lanterns lined the corridors, casting a bright light that made the palace appear as if it were bathed in daylight.Yuvan was currently taking his family to pay their respects to the queen dowager and the queen. Victoria wasn’t fond of Yuvan, who was the late king's younger brother. Naturally, it was due to his rec
In the past, Augustus had been very fond of Chloe. By extension, he had also cared deeply for Eleanor. While Ruth was raising Eleanor, Augustus showered them with continuous gifts and rewards.Now, Ruth had become the grand concubine of Augustus' concubines. Compared to Sigmund's concubines, they were nearly inconsequential. Their primary concern was merely to continue living. Those of lower status who had not borne children were either consigned to be buried with the deceased or sent to nunneries.In terms of seniority, Augustus' concubines were indeed among the oldest in the palace. Unfortunately, seniority did not hold much weight in the harem.Sigmund had sent Yuvan to his fief, but he had kept Ruth in the palace as a way to restrain Yuvan.Over the years, Yuvan seemed to lack ability. He was foolish and infatuated with beautiful women, leading to him abandoning his wife for a concubine.So, Salvador had considered granting Yuvan a favor by allowing him to bring Ruth to Hori
Yuvan was also furious. "It wouldn't have mattered when she died. I would have kept it a secret and only revealed it after the New Year. But now, with Carissa stirring things up, the queen dowager and the king both know. How can I possibly stay in the capital any longer?"Eleanor gritted her teeth, but had no choice but to urge him to be patient. "Let it go for now. Don't provoke them. They’ve just returned after a significant victory, and have garnered respect both in court and among the common folk. They're formidable now, so it’s best to avoid them. Stay low-key and quickly gather troops. "As for your marriage alliance with the Spencer family, you need to expedite it. Violet once fought on the Southern Frontier battlefield. If you can marry her and bring her under your control, recruiting soldiers will be much easier. Besides, with the Spencer family as your support and the Inferno Guild assisting, given time, your great cause will surely succeed."Yuvan frowned and shook hi