Serena covered her face, and threw herself into Rebecca's arms. "Mom, Barrett hit me!"Rebecca patted her back, comforting her, and looked at Barrett with disappointment. "You hit her just because she said a few words? As her brother, how could you not see how that would hurt her? Even if her intentions weren't purely for your sake, in the end, you still stood to benefit from her actions," she said. "Mom, I hit her because she spoke disrespectfully of her sister-in-law," Barrett said angrily.Viola's heart swelled with emotion. Seeing how fiercely Barrett defended her made all her sacrifices feel worthwhile.Rebecca glanced at Viola and said, "Enough. All of you leave for now. I'll talk to her myself."Feeling suffocated by the toxic atmosphere, Barrett turned and strode out of the room, still fuming.Viola noticed his frustration, and hurried after him. She took his arm and said, "Honey, after seeing how you defended me tonight, I swear I'll do everything to protect your futu
Seeing Margaret's pallid complexion, Carissa ordered for herbal tonic soup to be brought in. The soup was originally intended for her own use, as Rafael had advised her to keep up her health and prevent any lingering ailments from the battlefield.Noticing Margaret's breath was more hurried than usual, as though she was seething with anger, Carissa said gently, "There was no need for you to make this trip if you're unwell. What happened last night has nothing to do with you."Margaret drank the herbal tonic soup, clutching her chest for a long time. Then, she started speaking slowly, "I truly wish it had nothing to do with our household. But Jessica is still part of our family, and I saw what happened yesterday with my own eyes."She wanted to ruin Prince Rafael's reputation, only to end up ensnaring her own husband in the scandal. She brought shame upon herself, and left our family no choice but to bring Ms. Warren into our household as a concubine."Carissa had anticipated this o
After Margaret took her leave, Helen hurried into the sitting hall.However, she only found Carissa sitting alone, leisurely sipping coffee, her expression contemplative. Helen frowned and asked, "Wasn't Madam Winchester supposed to be here? I rushed over, thinking I'd get to have a chat with her."Carissa rose and curtsied gracefully. "Mother, Madam Winchester just left a short while ago.""She's gone?" Helen said, out of breath, sinking into a chair. "Wasn't she here to talk to me?"Her disappointment was evident. She thought Margaret had been here to see her. Helen often envied Eleanor, who was always surrounded by visitors from high society."She was here for you as well," Carissa explained gently. "But when she heard you were still recovering from last night's festivities, she didn't want to disturb you and left early."With just one glance at Helen's expression, Carissa could tell what was on her mind. Her mother-in-law's thoughts were never hard to guess."Overindulging
A few days later, after court had adjourned, Salvador retained Rafael for a private conversation.Ignoring the stack of documents left untouched, Salvador signaled to Derek to set up the chessboard. "It's been a while since we last played chess together," he remarked.Rafael adjusted his belt, and sat down comfortably. "After days of poring over case files until my head felt like it was spinning, it's a blessing to have a reprieve. I'm deeply grateful for the leniency, Your Majesty."Salvador watched Rafael's actions with a furrowed brow. "You're still clinging to those old military habits? How rude. You are now head of the Supreme Court and a high-ranking member of the court. Remember to maintain your dignity and composure.""Why worry about appearances in front of my own brother?" Rafael replied with a bright grin."Do you act so freely in front of your princess consort as well?" Salvador said, placing a white piece on the board with a deliberate motion.Rafael held a black p
"Who doesn't want children? I look forward to the expansion of the royal family," Salvador said. "He's only a few years younger than me. At his age, he should be considering fatherhood."Derek replied softly, "Perhaps Prince Rafael understands your concerns and does not wish for any discord among brothers. Do you remember? From childhood to adulthood, he has always seen you as his role model and pride. Whenever he spoke of you, his expression was always one of admiration."At Derek's words, Salvador reflected on many past events, and his gaze softened considerably.After a long pause, he sighed deeply. "Perhaps I have been overthinking things."Derek silently poured more coffee, understanding from years of service that such sudden sighs often reflected nostalgic sentiments rather than a shift in his cautiousness.Rafael's decision to delay having children was a wise one. At least for now, without offspring, Salvador could feel somewhat at ease. Rafael had only recently returned fr
Rafael nodded, his admiration for Carissa always evident in his gaze."That's right. The family, including her, consisted of thirteen people. She killed twelve of them—her father-in-law, husband, and three sons, all of whom were in good health, as well as her mother-in-law and two unmarried daughters. The remaining victims were servants and maids. "The issue is that this incident happened at dusk, not in the dead of night when everyone was asleep. After dinner, she suddenly turned violent, grabbed a kitchen knife, and killed everyone. This woman had no martial skills and was known to be ill, requiring long-term medication.""A sickly, somewhat harsh person could kill one person, but they'd be quickly subdued. Were they all poisoned? Did they all lose consciousness?" Carissa asked."No, they were all awake. Neighbors who witnessed the scene said the woman seemed to have gone mad and possessed extraordinary strength. She killed anyone she saw. If those neighbors hadn't fled quickly
Yuvan's gaze remained indifferent as he turned the emerald ring on his thumb. "That's not enough. Keep spreading the word that Rafael, the Hell Monarch, is defending the woman to show he's fit for the Supreme Court post he holds. Claim that he's daring to defy public opinion for personal gain, and emphasize that he's just a military man with no understanding of the law or public administration."Also, suggest that even the king is deceived by him. Because of Rafael's immense accomplishments and influence, the king is forced to give him some regard."The subordinate asked, "Do you really believe he will order a reexamination, Your Highness?""Of course he will, if there are doubts." Yuvan smiled faintly, a cold, bloodthirsty glint in his eyes. "I understand him well. He is meticulous about human lives. Anyone who values life so seriously will be extremely cautious. With such significant doubts, if he doesn't call for a reexamination, he cannot reconcile with his own conscience.""
At the Supreme Court, Patrick was growing increasingly anxious. "Your Highness, why have you summoned Sebastian? He has never examined the deceased. No matter how skilled he is, he's not a coroner."Rafael remained calm. "Please be patient, Mr. Lloyd. Given the magnitude of this case and the uproar it has caused, if we mishandle it and wrongfully accuse someone, the entire kingdom will condemn us."Patrick was accustomed to handling cases, so how couldn't he know that there was the slightest doubt in the case on hand? But with the perpetrator's confession, witness testimonies, and physical evidence, what ground was there for a retrial?"It's a waste of time! Every extra day the perpetrator lives is a sign of disrespect to the victims she has murdered," he argued.Rafael replied, "The case documents from Brightmoor District also recommend execution. It is only April, and with swift couriers, it only takes about a month for the documents to travel back and forth. Why are you so imp
At the break of dawn, the large procession set out for Orivenia.Carissa didn't feel much regret in leaving. After all, they would pass through Victory Pass on the way back, and she would have the chance to meet with her grandfather and his family again.Once they had left Victory Pass, the road grew rougher. Many sections were full of deep potholes or had been intentionally damaged, making it difficult for the carriages to move forward.However, Kendrick was determined not to ride a horse again. Even after days of rest, his legs were still sore from the relentless friction of the saddle. Walking was manageable, but sitting on horseback? That was pure agony.So, despite having earned his merit at Victory Pass for establishing an orphanage there, Kendrick insisted on traveling by carriage. When the wheels got stuck or the path became too treacherous, the Mystic Army soldiers dismounted and pushed the carriage forward, inching their way through the difficult terrain.Fortunately,
Wallace gave the order, and Barrett was tasked with the job of investigating. He led a group to search the area.Barrett was aware that Carissa had arrived at Victory Pass. He had been there to greet the group. However, he had stayed at a distance, watching from afar without approaching. From that distance, he hadn't been able to make out any faces, only a vague silhouette that seemed to resemble hers.He had thought his actions unnecessary. After all, what business did he have with her? The affairs of the capital were nothing for him to involve himself with.While the diplomatic envoy rested in Victory Pass, they spent their time discussing strategies and rehearsing their approach. Everyone understood that while this negotiation might seem easier compared to the last, it was by no means a simple task.Lisandra had long kept this matter at the forefront of her mind and would not easily yield to any compromises.The Sullivan family also feared that someone might infiltrate the envo
Spring Pavilion was full that day.The restaurant wasn't very big to begin with, and it usually had some customers. The black-clad men that lady brought had taken up all the remaining seats.Carissa, Violet, and Travis had to sit at a small table the owner had set up at the last minute, separate from the others.The man's voice, soft and apologetic, reached Carissa's ear. It was warm and pleasant. "These are my brothers-in-arms. We've been traveling since last night and haven't had a bite to eat. If it troubles you, I can have them wait outside and just pass them some bread each when we're done."Violet paused, surprised, but quickly shook her head. "No need for that. Please, let them stay. They can sit where they like and order what they wish."The man smiled kindly. "You are kind-hearted, miss. In that case, we'll order freely, and we'll take extra.""Alright… That's fine," Violet replied, casting a glance at the sea of black. The men were dressed in a way that suggested some
Carissa studied the man and woman carefully, feeling a sense of unease. She couldn't quite place their age. They looked to be in their thirties, yet there was an undeniable vitality about them, as if they were no older than twenty.Her gaze moved to their eyes, particularly the man's. His eyes were as deep and mysterious, yet they held the calculating sharpness of a seasoned old fox.Before Carissa could say anything, the man stepped forward and spoke. "This is where the orphanage is being built? Is the local government funding it?"Travis glanced at them, noting their perfectly spoken Starhaven dialect. They clearly weren't from Victory Pass, yet he saw no malice in their faces. He nodded. "Yes, it's a place to take in abandoned children," he replied. "It's being supported by the local government."The man nodded. "That's a good cause."Carissa stepped forward. "Are you from the capital?"The man regarded her but didn't answer her question. Instead, he asked, "Are you the He
Kendrick didn't wake until well into the afternoon the following day, his body heavy with exhaustion and hunger. When his eyes finally fluttered open, he felt as if his entire body had been shattered. Every muscle ached, and lifting even his arm seemed like a Herculean task.The weariness sank deep into his bones, and he had no energy to move. His attendant, a trusted servant by the name of Avery, stood at his bedside, awaiting his attention. He said quietly, "Your Highness, Lady Carissa has been waiting for you for half the day. She wishes to speak with you."Kendrick had initially planned to stay in bed, have all his meals brought to him, and then drift back to sleep. He was simply too tired to move. But when he heard that Carissa had waited so long, he immediately threw the covers off and commanded, "Prepare me, quickly."Over the course of the journey, Kendrick had come to understand just how formidable Carissa was. As a woman, she had never once complained about exhaustion
After lighting a candle for Edith, everyone returned to the backyard. They wiped away their tears, set aside their grief, and gathered around Carissa to ask about her married life. The most frequent question was about how well Rafael treated her.That was how families were. They knew she was capable, yet they couldn't help but yearn for her spouse to treat her with genuine love and care.Carissa had many cousins, all daughters of her uncles, but most had only met her a handful of times. Still, when they saw her, they were all overjoyed.Her cousins were all married, and many had returned to Victory Pass with their husbands and children. Having heard so much about Carissa, they couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and sympathy.Among them was Shayla Sullivan, the eldest daughter of Carissa's second aunt. She had married Chase Hudson, one of Dominic's subordinates. But within a year of marriage, Chase died in battle before their child had even been born.Now, the child was 12
After nearly twenty days of grueling travel, they finally arrived at Victory Pass on the third of August.The heat had been unbearable along the way, causing many in the party to fall ill. Fortunately, Carissa had come well-prepared with plenty of medicine. They had also brought along a royal physician, Dorian, who was able to manage the illnesses without any major issues.But Kendrick, having never endured such hardship, was exhausted beyond measure. By the tenth day of their journey, he could barely speak. His face and lips were pale, and the exhaustion was evident in every line of his features.When they finally reached the outskirts of Victory Pass and saw the Sullivan family and the troops come out to greet them, Kendrick collapsed. The sight of him fainting right there gave everyone a fright, and they quickly rushed to carry him back.However, Carissa barely noticed Kendrick's condition. As soon as she saw her family, she ran straight into her grandfather's arms, tears stream
On the twelfth day of July, the Starhaven envoy delegation departed the capital in a grand procession, heading toward Orivenia.Rafael rode alongside the group for five miles, only reining in his horse reluctantly when Dylan and Jacob both insisted it was time to stop. Carissa turned back to wave at him, her smile as bright as ever. There wasn't a hint of sadness on her face.Rafael gazed after her, his eyes filled with longing.But under his breath, he muttered, "She's heartless, truly heartless."The sun had risen high, and the road was still and stifling with the lack of wind. Still, Rafael waited until the last of the procession had disappeared from view before reluctantly turning his horse around and heading back.This journey to Orivenia was a significant one. Carissa had brought along three hundred men from the Mystic Army, as well as Travis, Violet, and the others.Though the two kingdoms enjoyed a temporary peace after the last conflict, Leroy had made public what happen
The evening before the trip, Carissa, accompanied by Rafael, made her way to bid farewell to Helen. Since she was leaving early in the morning, before her mother-in-law would be awake, Carissa chose to say her goodbyes the night before.Helen had known about the trip to Orivenia for some time. At first, she hadn't fully understood the situation and felt Salvador's order was a bit much. Why did it have to be Carissa, of all people, who had to undertake such a long and tiring journey?But after hearing from Violet that the real purpose of the journey was for Carissa to visit her maternal family, Helen only sighed quietly."The greatest pain in life is the separation from loved ones, whether by life or death. And the greatest joy is the reunion with loved ones after a long time apart."Of course, those words were spoken to Violet, and would never be said in front of Carissa. To say them to her would be like rubbing salt in an open wound. After all, Helen had come to love and cherish h