After the case was reported to Salvador, he appointed Patrick as a special investigator to investigate the matter in Brightmoor District. Ivy accompanied him.The fact that the investigation was being conducted by a special investigator personally appointed by the king, and one who was the head of the Ministry of Justice no less, would manage to stir some doubt among the enraged populace.Kyle, too, made a rare public statement regarding the case, outlining its ambiguities. Previously, the scholars who had condemned the situation had done so fueled by the public's anger. Their passionate outcry was driven by a wish for justice for the deceased, and to protect traditional family roles and authority.But now that Kyle had spoken up about the case's doubts, the scholars also changed their tune. They no longer asserted anything with certainty, but expressed hope that the investigation by the special investigator would bring about the truth so that the dead may rest in peace.Yuvan had
To demonstrate the potency of the Soulgrip Threadworm, Ivy ordered a chicken to be brought in. She made it swallow the threadworm, and then used medicinal smoke to stimulate the threadworm's power. The crowd watched in astonishment as the chicken went wild, pecking at anyone it encountered and flying frantically around the courtroom in a frenzied display of aggression.Even the most renowned local fighting rooster, which was brought in to challenge the erratic chicken, lost an eye in an instant.The chicken only calmed down after Ivy used more medicine, and it slowly threw up the Soulgrip Threadworm."This creature is called the Soulgrip Threadworm, and it's controlled by someone. When Lola ingested it, it was merely an egg. These eggs are resistant to high temperatures. Once inside the body, it will travel through the bloodstream to the brain. This process generally takes about six months, which aligns with James' account. Now that the threadworm has matured, anyone who is expose
Rafael inquired about Leona, "How is she now? Is she feeling better? Samuel's dismissal should have made him tone down his behavior, right?"Carissa shook her head. "With all his talk of true love, how could he possibly change? Not only has he not toned down, he doesn't even visit Leona's quarters anymore.""True love?" Rafael frowned. "Isn't that term completely tarnished? What about his other concubine? The merchant's daughter, the one whose dowry was used to redeem the courtesan.""Since Nora entered the estate, she's barely even seen him." Carissa stopped her embroidery, her face showing irritation. "Nora is only seventeen this year. Given her family background and the difference in status with the Earl of Gracehold's family, it's nearly impossible for her to escape that cage. Isn't she just another victim of her family's schemes? Did she really want to marry Samuel as a concubine?""Outside, that's indeed how they speak of her," Lily said as she personally brought in some soup
Lulu hurried downstairs to fetch more coffee, and poured a fresh cup for Alana.After Alana finished her coffee, she continued, "Lady Leona had been waiting for him to come, so we didn't stop him. We thought it would be better if the couple resolved their conflicts openly. At least, before the child is born, the duchess should be in a better mood instead of crying alone every night."Carissa became anxious. "Did he go in and insult Leona?""Insult her? If it was just that, I wouldn't have hit him. He pushed the duchess and made her belly hit the corner of the table. She was in so much pain that she broke into a cold sweat, which was when I stepped in and hit him.""He pushed Leona? How is she now?" Carissa asked urgently."The family's physician has seen her. She's experiencing a possible miscarriage and will need to stay in bed for a month," Alana said, taking another sip of coffee. "Since the duchess kept crying out for her mother, I went to Hartstone Estate first, hoping to ask
Janice had always accompanied Helen, so she had intended to go along as well. However, Carissa asked her to stay behind. "I'm short of people in my room. Please stay here and assist me for now."Janice bowed her head. "Yes, Your Grace!"She stopped in her tracks, and did not follow. A hint of panic flashed in her eyes—had Carissa noticed something?Carissa smiled warmly. "I've heard from Mother that you're skilled at hairstyling. From now on, you'll work as a hairstylist in my quarters."Seeing Carissa's gentle smile, Janice asked, "Your Grace, Lulu has always been the one to do your hair. If I take over her duties, won't it be inappropriate?"Carissa reassured her, "Lulu has other tasks to attend to. It's not about taking someone's place. There's no need for you to feel uneasy."Janice finally felt somewhat reassured. "Understood. If Lady Helen agrees, I'll serve you in Orchid Hall, Your Grace."She cast a secretive glance at Rafael. He remained indifferent, clearly showing n
Hearing Helen's tender tone, Leona could no longer hold back her tears.Although Alana had already explained the situation, Leona's maid still cried as she recounted it once more."Ever since Mr. Samuel was stripped of his title, Lady Leona has been confined to the estate, but our poor mistress hasn't had a moment of peace. Mr. Samuel blames her for everything. Twice, when they crossed paths while she was paying her respects to Madam Langley, Mr. Samuel pointed right at Lady Leona and accused her of spreading gossip. He said it was her fault the Oversight Department reported him to the king."Although Madam Abigail has protected our mistress, Madam Langley has shielded Mr. Samuel. She says that although our mistress is a duchess, she has married into the Earl of Gracehold's family and should treat her husband as her world. She mustn't speak a word of complaint or mention any fault of her husband to outsiders. Otherwise, she'd lose her standing as the proper wife."Just like today,
In the carriage, Violet had relayed Carissa's instructions to Helen.Upon arriving at Gracehold Estate, Helen was to use both grace and force. After witnessing Leona's pitiful condition, she was to unleash her full authority and intimidate everyone present, including the matriarch of the Earl of Gracehold's family.Violet dragged Ruby into the room and, with a firm kick, sent the latter sprawling on the ground. "Is that all you have? And you dare play tricks in front of the duchess? No one in this household stood up for the duchess. They all sided with this wretch. Lady Helen, please make your decision!"Abigail, who loathed the woman as well, knew that Ruby was her son's beloved. And since Samuel was Dorothy's favorite, Abigail tolerated Ruby in the household. Seeing Ruby now kicked and humiliated by Violet, Abigail couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.Without lifting her head, Helen said coldly, "I'm not sure what the rules are in this household, but in the palace, i
Noah saw the change in his mother's expression, and immediately advised, "Mom, please, let's discuss this calmly…""Be quiet, you useless thing! They've already bullied their way into our residence, and you're still playing the part of the dutiful son?" Dorothy shouted in fury, her face contorted with rage. "Get out of the way!"She walked over and took a seat, taking a deep breath as she met Helen's gaze. "Place and rank? Once the duchess married into our family, she became one of us—our daughter-in-law! Women follow their husbands both at home and in public. Yet, she stirred up trouble and even incited the Hell Monarch's princess consort to report her own husband, all for some domestic matter. What family doesn't have concubines? Instead of learning from the good examples, she's picked up all the bad habits—envy and pettiness. She's learned them all too well."Helen's eyes widened in shock. Wait, was Dorothy talking about Carissa? Was Dorothy referring to Helen's daughter-in-l
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