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
One by one, the members of the royal family and their relatives who were in the capital began arriving at the palace.Harvey and Heather, along with several of the grand princesses, arrived together. The grand princesses came with their spouses and children, creating a bustling crowd that immediately filled the hall with lively chatter.Next to arrive were the two high princesses who had recently descended from their elevated positions of grand princesses, Meredith and Henrietta. Both were the king's sisters. Meredith, the elder, was born to the queen dowager and was Salvador's elder sister. Henrietta was the daughter of Josephine, and was Salvador's younger sister.Meredith was married to Levi Wright, the second son of the Oversight Department's minister, Irvin Wright. Levi was an optimistic and easy-going man, holding a nominal position in the Protocol Department. The Wright family was Natalie's maternal family, known for its scholarly traditions. However, Irvin, known for his s
Before the meal began, the women gathered in one area to chat, while Salvador and his uncles and brothers conversed together.Meredith sat beside Carissa and said, "When you married Rafael, I was unwell and couldn't attend in person. I only sent a gift, so I must apologize for not being there. Please accept my apologies, my dear sister-in-law."Carissa understood that Meredith was not one to look down on others—she was simply expressing her concern. Carissa smiled and replied, "There's no need for you to apologize. I should be the one thanking you for the generous gift. Is your health any better now?""I still have a cough and have had a high fever for several days. At the time of your marriage to Rafael, I was truly bedridden," Meredith said, coughing a few times. Her maid quickly brought her a cup of honeyed lemon tea, which she sipped, helping to alleviate her discomfort, though her face remained flushed from coughing."Please take care of yourself, Meredith," Carissa said w
Helen's words drew scornful glances from everyone present towards Heather.Heather felt a mix of grievance and shame. She looked at Carissa, hoping the latter might say something on her behalf. Yet Carissa's expression remained indifferent, her eyes betraying no emotion. Heather had no choice but to give up. However, Heather silently resented Carissa.How could she not speak up for her own aunt? How would she face Melanie in the afterlife after acting this way?Everyone continued chatting for a while before Eleanor finally returned. After the customary exchanges of greetings, everyone resumed their seats.As if the tension between them had never existed, Carissa greeted Eleanor with a respectful nod. Eleanor was even better at masking her feelings, and she gave Carissa a warm, attentive glance.Victoria inquired about Ruth, and Eleanor replied, "Mom's health has improved somewhat, but she won't be joining us for the New Year's Eve celebration tonight. With the cold weather, she
Hayden had been granted the title of duke, and lived a relatively comfortable life in his fief. It wasn't that he desired to return alone to the capital to spend his old age in solitude. He had hoped to have his descendants around him. However, as he grew older, he longed for a return to his roots. It was also partly to show the king that with his presence in the capital, it ensured his children and grandchildren would remain loyal.Hayden wasn't concerned about his own family, but he had noticed some troubling signs. He feared that ambitious individuals might try to win over the various local princes and dukes. That was why he anxiously returned to the capital and retired, to keep a closer watch on things.Tonight, he had taken Rafael aside. Hayden wanted to pretend he was drunk to speak his mind—whether as a warning or a hint, it was the most he could do.Before parting, he patted Rafael on the shoulder. "I must say, I quite like your wife. Bring her to visit me sometimes."Raf
The night was filled with lively festivities that lasted until past midnight, after which everyone retired to their rooms to sleep.Ryan was exhausted beyond measure, but he held on as much as he could. At the end of the night, Travis carried him back to their room.Rafael held Carissa close in the warmth of their bed, hoping to warm not just her body but her heart as well. He expected her to say something, but she remained silent, quietly lying in his embrace with even breaths. He couldn't tell if she had fallen asleep.However, Carissa was not asleep. She couldn't sleep, and she didn't want to move or speak. Some things, she believed, had to be endured silently. She would grit her teeth through the pain. Time would eventually cover the wounds, sealing away the hurt.That was her usual way of coping.What was different now was that she had someone who truly cared for her.Rafael felt a pang of sadness in his heart, mostly from the pain he felt for her. She would smile at him whe
Carissa responded with a thoughtful hum. "If an ordinary woman thought that way, I'd understand. But the Spencer family is a prestigious family from Ebonflow with a century-long unbroken lineage, though their marriage matters are complicated because of your aunt's elopement. Still, you're from a prominent family yourself. Why cling to someone with a higher status? Wouldn't marrying into a lower status family so you'd hold more authority in the marriage be a more comfortable life?""That's why I say she's foolish," Violet said, fastening the Mystic Pearl earrings on Carissa. "Yuvan's interest in the Spencer family isn't as simple as it seems. He's already left the capital this morning. I wonder how he'll handle your aunt's funeral.""Have people been sent to keep watch?" Carissa asked."They have," Violet said, pinching Carissa's cheek. "Smile a little. You haven't smiled much these days. If I had descendants, I'd want them to smile every day even after I'm gone."Carissa swatted
As Nicholas rode out, he saw Clifford in the distance, which finally put his mind at ease.He knew how fearless Clifford was—once people were willing to give their all and feared nothing, they could achieve anything.This was the war Nicholas had dreamed of—the battle for his great cause. All the calmness he had once carried disappeared. The suppressed fire in his blood surged through his limbs, and the desire to rule the world filled him with an overwhelming strength and conviction.He believed that ambition was the most powerful force in the world, and that it was unstoppable.What he didn't realize was that ambition wasn't the strongest force. The greatest forces were love and hate, justice and unity.It was the patriotism of Carissa, the commander of the Mystic Army!It was the hatred of Carissa, whose family had been slaughtered!It was also the union of soldiers and martial artists, working together to expel the rebels and uphold justice for the people!Nicholas quickly
At Willowbrook Estate, a light drizzle pattered from the eaves, leaving the entire estate damp and misty.Hayden stood under the corridor, listening—was that the sound of fighting, or just the rain?He stood there for a long time before finally turning and entering the house.Sonny lived here now. His legs were shattered, and he would never stand again. In addition to his leg injuries, his face bore fractures, and the constant pain tormented him. The pain from broken bones was excruciating.Hayden didn't visit often because every time he came, Sonny pretended to be fine and hid his pain. It was an act that made Hayden's heart ache every time.Inside, Chaya was tending to Sonny. She wiped his face and massaged his hands and back to prevent sores from forming after lying too long.Seeing Hayden enter, she took the basin away and said, "I was just about to feed him some millet porridge. Have you eaten?""No," Hayden replied. "Bring another bowl. I'll eat with him." He pulled a ch
The conversation turned toward Hayden's predicament. His roundabout way of sending the letter showed just how difficult his situation had become.When Violet and the others had stayed there, they hadn't noticed anything unusual. Only upon their departure did they realize that something was off with Gordon."Prince Hayden is truly sacrificing everything for the greater good," Jacob said with respect.As a descendant of the Sanford family, Hayden never wished for this rebellion, especially when it involved his own son. The pain of it all must have been unbearable for Hayden.They had investigated before and uncovered some of the inside details. Jacob sighed heavily. "Prince Nicholas launched the rebellion in Prince Hayden's name, dragging him into this mess. Now, in his old age, he must bear such a stain on his reputation."They were father and son. Though the throne had been forced upon Hayden, the world would never believe his innocence. The public would tear him apart, and the
True enough, the Shadow Guard was focused on The Golden Tower's assistant. Seeing that the banknotes given from Willowbrook Estate's account room weren't enough, the Shadow Guard searched the shop assistant's body at the gatehouse. The shop assistant was only let go after the Shadow Guard didn't find anything.The shop assistant felt insulted but didn't dare speak up. He found it strange—The Golden Tower had been in business for many years, and many customers had outstanding debts. Usually, after collecting the debts, the master of the household would even offer refreshments.No one had ever searched a shop assistant like this before.The Shadow Guard reported this to Nicholas. He thought that since they had already searched the shop assistant and had been keeping an eye on things at The Golden Tower, it wasn't too important.After all, Chaya always found ways to make Hayden buy jewelry for her, showing she was a greedy woman.Nicholas had observed Chaya for a long time and felt
The rain was coming down in torrents.After visiting a few shops, they came upon The Golden Tower, the city's most renowned jeweler. Seeing it still open, Chaya expressed a desire to buy some jewelry. Hayden waved a hand dismissively. "Buy what you like."Inside The Golden Tower, Nathaniel spotted Hayden and quickly ushered them to a private room on the third floor. The Shadow Guard, of course, followed close behind.Hayden had been here with Chaya on several occasions. As a regular customer, he was treated well. Aside from Nathaniel, William and two attendants stood by to serve them.Delicate cakes were brought out, and Hayden invited the Shadow Guard to join them for a drink while Chaya selected her pieces.The Shadow Guard naturally didn't dare to sit down. He was there to keep an eye on Hayden, so he stood beside him. He watched Hayden chat warmly with Nathaniel, ensuring no suspicious dealings took place.Occasionally, he glanced at Chaya. Her large frame blocked the jewel
Nicholas continued speaking, as if showing off how brilliant his schemes were."I had contact with General Liam a long time ago. I knew he wouldn't be easy to handle, so I sent someone into Westhaven to infiltrate their spy network. This way, I could learn of any news from the capital. I also thought this could give me a foothold inside Westhaven. Sure enough, it brought me to General Leroy."General Leroy was almost overshadowed by his older brother, but I knew of his ambition and that he was willing to sacrifice anything. When Westhaven's previous crown prince, Arthur, went to the battlefield, it was General Leroy who spread the rumors about the generals taking bribes and killing civilians to take credit for their achievements. That's why Prince Arthur went undercover to investigate.""He went to Fawnrun City. What good did that do you?" Hayden asked."Naturally, I stepped in to persuade him and formed an alliance with him," Nicholas said with a hint of regret. "Unfortunately, Au
Nicholas walked into Hayden's courtyard, holding an umbrella. He entered the house and dismissed everyone, not even allowing Chaya to stay.Hayden had just finished his meal, and the table still had leftover food that the servants were about to clean up.Nicholas sat down, picked up Hayden's cutlery, and started eating the leftovers. He ate gracefully as usual, which disgusted and angered Hayden.He had been raised with such refinement, every move reflecting the casual demeanor expected of a prince. Unfortunately, he had a ruthless ambition and a cruel nature.Nicholas finished all the leftover food, then set down the cutlery and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief. "We shouldn't waste food. I happen to be hungry as well. Surely you won't mind, Dad?"Hayden's voice was cold. "It's fine. It was going to be fed to the dogs anyway. You may as well eat it.""You think I'm a dog, Dad? Then, what are you?" Nicholas smiled, his expression brightening. "I came to share some good news
The Astrology Department's predictions were true. This year, there was indeed more rainfall than usual.On the 18th of July, a torrential downpour began over the capital.Outside the city, Nicholas' scouts spotted a group of people braving the rain, heading toward the capital.The scouts were posing as peasants from the surrounding villages on the outskirts, and their entry into the city wouldn't raise suspicion. When they recognized the leader of the group as Clifford, one of the scouts immediately carried a basket of fruit into the city.Such common folk were often overlooked. Every day, peasants entered the city, either to sell their goods at the market or to deliver produce to the homes of the nobility.The scout made his way to Willowbrook Estate's back door. Once it opened, he quickly slipped inside.In the study, Nicholas sat stiffly, listening intently to the report."Are you certain you saw Mr. Murphy?" Nicholas asked in a calm voice, betraying no hint of excitement. No
It wasn't until that moment that Yuvan fully realized the extent of his defeat. His lips trembled, and his legs gave way as he collapsed to the ground. Panic and fear surged within him. He thought of the tragic fates of past traitors who tried to rebel, and was struck with a deep, bone-chilling coldness.He had considered the consequences of failure before, but he always thought that if he failed, he would just face death bravely. At worst, he would end his own life to avoid further suffering.But now, locked in a cold, iron-barred cell with no weapons in hand, he realized how grim things had become. The walls were strong, but he might not die right away even if he charged headfirst into them.There were guards outside the cell. If he didn't die, he might suffer even more than this.However, it wasn't the fear of torture that pierced Yuvan the most—it was his unwillingness to accept this fate.How had it come to this? Even in defeat, he should've had a group of loyal men to stan