Meredith was far from being put off by Carissa and Violet's unexpected visit. In fact, she welcomed them with great warmth and enthusiasm."I should have sent a formal notice of our visit, but it was an urgent matter. I hope you will forgive our impromptu arrival," Carissa apologized. Meredith smiled. "Why make such formalities between us? It's a pleasure to have you here. Just so happens that today, Henrietta is also my guest. She overindulged and upset her stomach. She's currently in the restroom, but you'll see her shortly.""What are you talking about? Meredith, don't speak nonsense."At this moment, Henrietta entered with her attendants. She was holding her stomach and clearly still felt unwell, but her retort to Meredith was forceful.Meredith laughed. "Oh, Henrietta, you want to keep up appearances just because Carissa is here. Even if you refuse to admit it, you're still a glutton, and Kiera's just following your lead."Carissa, Violet, and Rowan greeted her. "Greeting
Meredith said, "My father-in-law oversees the Oversight Department. Just the other day, over dinner, he mentioned that they're working to clean up the behavior of officials and restore the regulations from the previous king's reign. He insists that all officials must be honest and incorruptible. Lately, he and his deputy are discussing this matter, and it seems that Samuel is now in the spotlight."Upon hearing this, Carissa smiled and said, "Isn't that a stroke of luck? However, we might need to wait a day or two. Since that courtesan was beaten today, Samuel might be quite distressed. When I met him, he looked down on me greatly. I suspect he might come to demand an explanation. I wonder if offending a princess consort counts as a crime?"Meredith replied, "I've heard that Samuel fancies himself some kind of genius reborn, and prides himself on his exceptional talent. Since he was appointed as one of the top scholars by the king, he thinks of himself as above others because he's co
After returning to the estate, Carissa discussed the matter of hiring his senior guild members with Travis.Travis's first question was: "How much are you offering?"Carissa knew she wouldn't easily persuade him without a substantial financial incentive. Only by offering more money could she possibly get his master to relent.She replied, "I'd like them to stay until the child is safely born and reaches their Lunar Blessing Ceremony, which will be a few months. If you send two people, I'll offer a total of one thousand silver coins. How does that sound?"Travis raked a hand through his hair, considering the offer. "It sounds acceptable, but I must immediately write a letter. Does His Highness have someone specifically for delivering letters? We must ensure the letter reaches my master as quickly as possible."Carissa smiled. "Please make sure to write the letter as quickly as possible, then."One thousand silver coins was indeed a significant amount.Travis' master forbade her a
In front of them, Travis reiterated, "From now on, in the prince's residence, you must call me by my name. I'm Travis—not Rod, not Troublemaker, and definitely not Shit Stick!"Violet shrugged. "You've been known as Rod for a long time. But if it makes you happy to be called Travis, then so be it. In our hearts, you'll always be just a rod."Carissa instructed someone to take Leah and Alana to freshen up, and then to buy a few sets of clothing. They would head to Gracehold Estate early the next morning.Since Rowan had asked Violet to deliver a prescription to Margaret at Ironridge Estate, they would need to pass by Valor Estate. As they passed Valor Estate, Violet peeked through the curtain but saw nothing unusual, so she ignored it.After delivering the prescription to the steward at Ironridge Estate, they didn't linger and quickly proceeded to Gracehold Estate.In the carriage, Carissa went over the important points with Leah and Alana about what to be aware of once they entere
Carissa recalled what Violet had said. Viola had been intent on competing with her over the dowry, and their previous encounter had ended poorly. So, Carissa simply nodded and said calmly, "Mrs. Warren."Viola's face was grim, and her tone was sharp, "Is the princess consort so idle that she comes early in the morning to witness the commotion at the Warren family's residence? Or did the princess consort forget the way back to her own residence, mistaking the Warren family's residence for her own?"Violet immediately started to get out of the carriage, but Carissa stopped her and then looked at Viola with a faint smile. "Sometimes," Carissa said, "it's necessary to pay a visit to one's past and see how the unscrupulous people in the Warren family are faring. It's only a gesture of goodwill."Viola's face turned ashen. "Who are you calling unscrupulous? Are you here to mock us for our misfortunes? If so, get out of the carriage and see for yourself! See it up close, smell it you
Carissa sighed in relief. She had been worried that if she mentioned wanting to hit Viola, Leah and Alana might start a fight if they encountered something displeasing at Gracehold Estate. She believed the two young women would understand the limits.Carissa found Viola's behavior quite baffling. To be honest, she hadn't wronged Viola much. So why the intense hatred?However, after a bit of thought, she realized it was probably because Rebecca had spoken ill of her in front of Viola. It seemed that Rebecca harbored a deep resentment toward her marriage into the royal family.Yet, Viola had once been a wife in the Farrell family. With such an open-minded and far-sighted man like her late husband, Thomas, why had she learned nothing from him?Upon arriving at Gracehold Estate, Abigail hurried to welcome them into the sitting room. She felt a bit anxious, especially since Samuel had caused a scene at Hell Monarch Estate a few days ago. She was worried someone from Rafael's household
Carissa looked at Leona's swollen, red eyes, which she was trying to hide behind a fan. With a sigh, Carissa said, "So, you knew I was here, but still didn't want to see me?"Leona replied with a nasal tone, "Cari, my eyes are in no condition to be seen."Carissa glanced at her. "You're right. They're swollen so badly.""Cari…" Leona's voice choked up again. "Because of that incident, he insults me every day. How can he be so cruel?"Carissa frowned. "If he insults you, why don't you insult him back?""I…" Leona's tears fell once more. "I don't know how."Carissa was at a loss. She turned to Alana. "Alana, do you know how to insult someone?""Oh, I'm very good at it," Alana replied."Good. From now on, if Mr. Langley comes and insults the duchess, you insult him back. Remember one principle: if he insults you, insult him back. If he gets physical, you get physical.""Got it," Alana said."Cari, who are these two?" Leona asked, wiping her tears away and looking at the newcom
Aurora's eyes narrowed, her entire body stiffening as a fierce intent flashed from her gaze. But she quickly composed herself, adopting a nonchalant demeanor. "So what? If she wants to watch the commotion, that's her business."Viola choked momentarily. "What?! Aurora, I'm begging you. Can you please go to Jadehill Estate and apologize again? Your actions have not only affected the Warren family, but also impacted my husband's career!""Your husband?" Aurora sneered coldly. "You call him that so easily.""What's wrong with how I address him? Isn't he my husband?"Aurora's voice grew colder, "Yes, he is your husband. So, if you want to plan his future, apologize, or contribute money, that's your responsibility.""What is that supposed to mean?"Aurora drew her sword slightly, her expression steely. "That means you should leave. Don't provoke me."Viola trembled with rage. She struggled to understand how, despite being a member of the family and the legitimate, primary wife, Aur
Before I took the vows and entered the monastery, my name was Caden.From the time I was young, I often heard the same praise whispered around me: "This child is sharp beyond his years—clever, quick-witted, the finest of the three princes."I heard it so often that I came to believe it myself. At times, I even felt proud. But whenever I let that pride rise too high, Mom would bring me back to earth.She would look at me, her eyes soft but filled with something I couldn't quite name—pity, perhaps. And then, she would sigh and say, "What a pity you were born of my womb. If not, you might have risen above that foolish one. But fate favored him, not you."That "foolish one"—I knew well enough who she meant. I had heard her say it so many times in private, though never once in public.It puzzled me greatly as a child. Mom clearly disliked my eldest brother, Connor, more than anyone. Yet, whenever he came near, she would smile warmly and speak kindly. She would even flatter him, calling
Two childhood friends were now each giving their all on very different paths.Clarence had started with herbs, then medicine, and in time, healing became his entire world at Eldermere Keep. At first, it was merely something to pour his heart into, because he knew he would never be allowed to leave the mountain and open a medical hall of his own.But then Ryan came, and afterward, sent Clarence a letter.That letter changed everything.For the first time, Clarence began to hope that maybe, just maybe, he could go down the mountain after all. And once that hope took root, he threw himself into his studies with more energy than ever before. He barely slept, rarely left the apothecary, and sometimes forgot to eat.Because of the pain he had once endured, he focused his efforts on curing injuries and chronic pain. Of course, a good physician had to know more than one thing, so he studied every field without neglecting any.There was a fire inside him now. A quiet flame that had not bur
"Elise, must your mouth run on without end?" Carissa frowned at her daughter, who had been chattering away beside Ryan from the moment he stepped through the door.The little girl's face was flushed from the sun, her hair tangled into a messy nest that made it clear she had only just returned from playing outdoors. She hadn't stopped talking since Ryan came back from his travels, pestering him with questions about what he had seen and done.Elise turned to Carissa with wide eyes, looking up with a face so innocent it could soften stone. She truly had inherited the best features from both her parents."Mom, I haven't seen Ryan in such a long time. Every moment without him felt like an eternity. We've been apart for so long, so of course I have a lot to say to him."Carissa's frown deepened. "And who taught you to speak in such a ridiculous manner? An eternity—where did that come from?""Sage Isaac said it to Aunt Violet. He went back to Meadow Ridge for a few days and said it to her
Though Ryan had told Cecil he was going on a journey, he didn't stay long at Eldermere Keep. After just seven days, he left and made his way to the Pathfinders Guild.He had initially planned to return to the capital to seek out Claire, but soon reconsidered. Instead of troubling her, he thought it best to directly ask Winona to teach him the art of disguise.It was not difficult to learn, but to do it well—to the point where no one could tell—was another matter. Such skill could not be acquired in just a few months.The simpler form of disguise involved merely altering one's features with makeup and slight adjustments to the face. This was fine for ordinary situations, but could easily be seen through in more challenging circumstances, like on a rainy day for instance.Therefore, Ryan knew he couldn't settle for such a basic method.The more advanced form of disguise involved creating a mask as a false face. However, these masks had their own set of problems. They were thick, unco
That evening, Ryan and Clarence sat by candlelight and spoke quietly. They avoided discussing court politics as Clarence had no interest in such matters. As long as the kingdom was peaceful, that was enough for him.He was no longer the eldest prince of Starhaven, and only had himself to look after now. Everything else had faded into the past.It was better not to speak of politics; it was too sensitive a topic. In his younger years, Clarence hadn't understood why his "death" was so tied to such matters. But over the years, Sebastian had explained everything to him, bit by bit, including the risks and consequences.The bond between Clarence and Cecil was not without affection. However, to gamble with one's life and future for the sake of family might not be the wisest choice for any of them.Clarence had come to terms with it. Life had to go on; it was better to live it well today than to wonder about tomorrow."Aunt Carissa said you're no longer able to stand, but you were walking
The azaleas of Eldermere Keep bloomed in a riot of color, spreading across the hills in a blaze of purple and red. The sight was enough to dazzle anyone who set eyes upon it, especially those who had never visited this secluded place. It was the kind of beauty that made one long to stay forever.Yet, there was one exception.A young man rode his horse to the base of the mountain, dismounted, and secured his steed. Without a glance at the dazzling scene around him, he began to walk the path up the mountain, his gaze fixed firmly on the road ahead.The vivid azaleas stretched out along either side of the path, reaching out as if to claim him, but he merely brushed them aside with a casual swipe of his hand.His pace was swift, and he occasionally used his Lightfoot Skill. Eldermere Keep was not high up, but its location was well-hidden, with many winding paths leading in. However, he had studied the map countless times before embarking on this journey, so the route to the keep was et
Rafael glanced at the robe. "Isn't that mine? Are you saying I've gotten fat? I'm not fat.""Oh, is it yours? It's too long, then. I'll have someone alter it for me," Carissa replied casually.Rafael shook his head. "If you want something loose, just have someone make it for you. Why bother altering my old clothes? It's not even comfortable.""I'm going to Meadow Ridge for a year. Wearing your clothes will make it feel like you're still with me," Carissa said with a bright smile, as if the idea of being apart for a year was no more serious than being apart for a day."A year?" Rafael looked shocked. "You're going back for a whole year? Why?""Well, of course, my mentor misses me, and I miss him too," Carissa replied, placing her hands on her hips as she handed the robe to Lulu, who was standing by with a hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh."But I won't leave right away. Since Ryan is about to inherit the duke's title, I'll wait until that's settled before I go back to Meado
On the 13th day of winter, Salvador suddenly woke up feeling clearer than before. Saying he was hungry, he specifically asked for beef stew and milk pastries.Derek hurried to make the necessary arrangements. When the food arrived, Octavia sat by the bed as she had done many times before, ready to feed him. But Salvador insisted he wanted to sit up to eat himself.Derek gently helped the king sit up, placing a soft cushion behind him to support his back. Salvador had grown so thin that he seemed to be nothing but skin and bones. His body slouched as he sat, so Derek had to kneel beside the bed, holding his waist to keep him steady.Salvador finished an entire bowl of stew, eating it all without leaving a single bit behind. Then, he picked up a small milk pastry. But after a bite, he felt a little nauseous, so he didn't eat any more.Sebastian sent word to Victoria. After a brief conversation, her face turned pale and tears started to fall almost immediately. Though she had tried to
Once back at the palace, Salvador was unable to rise from his bed. Sebastian spoke briefly with him, hinting that he didn't have much time left. If there was anyone he wished to see, it should be done as soon as possible.The first person Salvador wanted to see was, of course, Victoria."That child… When he saw me, he couldn't stop asking about you. You didn't love him in vain, Mom," Salvador murmured, his voice weak.Victoria sighed deeply. "How cruel... his life must be lived hidden away in the mountains, never able to leave. Is there truly no hope for his legs?""I believe there is no hope," Salvador replied softly, his lips pale and drained of color. "But as I was leaving, he said, 'Dad, once I've learned enough medicine, I'll cure you. I'll make you better.'"Victoria's heart ached. "What a good child."Salvador's gaze drifted to the ceiling, his voice barely a whisper as he repeated, "Yes, he is a good child."After speaking with Victoria, Salvador asked Rafael to bring in