In the sitting room, the fragrance of coffee filled the air.Lulu brought out some cloud cakes. It was raining outside, and her shoes were soaked. As she walked across the cloud-patterned stone floor, several clear footprints were left behind.Carissa didn't speak. She sat in a chair, slowly sipping her coffee, with only a high, square table separating her from Heather.The cloud cakes were placed on the table. Lulu, holding a tray, retreated to stand at the door, keeping watch. Carissa picked up a piece of cloud cake by hand and ate it slowly. The sound of her chewing was barely audible.Heather also took a piece with a fork and brought it to her mouth. She ate with refined manners, taking small bites and using a tiny porcelain saucer underneath to catch any crumbs that might fall onto her purple floral gown.Heather's skin had a yellowish tint, and the purple gown she wore made her complexion look even duller. Her eyes were lifeless and shadowed with dark circles, clearly the re
Carissa was silent for a moment before saying, "Lulu, show our guest out."Heather's anger flared. "Carissa, I haven't finished speaking yet, and you're already so eager to drive me away? I am your aunt!"In her rage, Heather threw a cup to the floor, her chest heaving with emotion.Carissa glanced at the shattered cup on the floor. The liquid spread beneath her feet, dampening the tips of her shoes.She raised her head to meet Heather's gaze, her voice stern and cold as she said, "If you had vented your anger this way at Gracehold Estate, by smashing a cup in front of them and cursing Samuel for his heartlessness, I would have been glad for Leona and still respected you as my aunt."But didn't you see how aggrieved Leona was that night? Yet, you were only making excuses. When she asked if you would accept her back into the house if she got a divorce, a simple nod from you would have been a great comfort, even if you only advised her to endure."Her words about divorce might have
The news of Carissa's anger towards Heather reached Helen's ears.After calling Lulu in to get the full story, Helen was furious."Who wouldn't be infuriated by such behavior? It's only because Carissa is younger that she put up with Lady Heather. If I were there, I'd have slapped her a few times myself!"Hurry, get the kitchen chefs to prepare some sweet treats- No, better yet, go buy an assortment of pastries from the best bakery in the capital. Cheer Carissa up. Don't let her stay angry and make herself ill over such spineless people. It's not worth it to ruin her health over them."Helen's maid, Mindy, hurriedly prepared to buy the treats, but Violet said, "I'll go. I'm quick on my feet.""Yes, you should go, Violet," Helen said anxiously.She had seen her daughter-in-law angry before, but this time, Carissa's frustration with Heather was something she couldn't express. It was like when Helen was extremely annoyed with her sister but dared not show it.No, it wasn't quite th
Carissa handed Helen a pastry with a smile. "Mother, I'm not angry anymore. Please have some."Seeing that Carissa had taken the pastry directly with her hands, Helen frowned slightly. Her daughter-in-law was still rather rough around the edges, wasn't she?After hesitating for a moment, Helen accepted the pastry. Well, it wasn't like she would get sick from eating something a bit dirty.-The Oversight Department was busy once again as they launched a formal investigation against Samuel. They accused him of immoral conduct, public insults towards the court, and showing blatant disrespect for royal authority.They argued that Samuel was unworthy of being recognized as one of the top scholars, and petitioned the king to remove his name from the National Examination Register. They also called for his removal as the heir to the title and estate of the Earl of Gracehold.During the morning court session, Salvador stripped Samuel of his title as heir, but didn't revoke his status as a
"Your Majesty, what is Septimus' true identity?" Rafael asked.When Rafael received Septimus' intelligence from Louis, he had investigated all the military commanders and captured soldiers, only to find that none of them were named Septimus Tetra.Salvador shook his head. "I don't know. It's likely that no one knows. Your late father-in-law received the initial intelligence. Perhaps he knew his identity, or perhaps even he didn't know. Since Septimus was able to escape from the enemy camp, it indicates that his martial arts skills are quite impressive, and that he is no ordinary soldier."Rafael frowned.When he received the intelligence from Septimus, he hadn't inquired about his identity. Moreover, even if he had asked, Septimus' identity would likely not have been disclosed to avoid compromising the intelligence. It was too risky."Your Majesty, he has provided a lot of valuable intelligence and has done our kingdom a great service. We must rescue him," Rafael said.Salvador n
At Hell Monarch Estate, Carissa was helping Rafael pack his belongings, her expression marked by a hint of worry."Why don't I go with you? I'm not comfortable with you going alone.""I won't be alone. I'll have Dylan and Jacob with me. You should stay behind to handle Kiera's wedding arrangements. Besides, Ryan will be going to the academy soon.""How is Jacob's martial prowess?"Carissa wasn't very familiar with Jacob. Although he was an important figure in the estate, he often seemed rather inconspicuous."He's average in skill but sharp-witted."Hearing that, Carissa was still uneasy, considering the dangers of infiltrating the Sandorian border city."Then, perhaps Violet should go with you?"Rafael embraced Carissa, kissing her forehead. Her concern genuinely pleased him."No need. I've invited my master to accompany me.""Sage Everett is going with you? That's good."Everett was highly skilled and elusive. Even when he was far away, he seemed to appear out of nowhere w
Rafael left the city that night, taking Dylan and Jacob with him. At the same time, a carrier pigeon flew back to the Pathfinders Guild, carrying a letter requesting help from Everett.After Rafael left, Violet pulled Carissa into the next room to sleep together, under the excuse that she was worried Carissa would feel lonely after getting used to having someone beside her.Carissa knocked on her head. "I'm not lonely at all. You're just bored, aren't you? Why don't you go play with Rod?""I'm not going to him. He's all high and mighty now ever since becoming a drill instructor for the household soldiers. He walks around like a peacock," Violet said, lying on the bed with her chin propped up on her hands. "And I'm not bored or lonely. I just wanted to chat with you. In a couple of days, we'll have something fun to watch—Serena's going to be taken into the Marquis of Ironridge's family as a concubine."Carissa folded her arms behind her head. "I know, but I've been thinking about
The two friends chatted through the night. After experiencing the battles in the Southern Frontier, Violet had matured a great deal. Especially now that she was living in the capital, she had come to learn much about the affairs of powerful families. She realized that the world wasn't as simple as it had seemed back in Meadow Ridge.Life in Meadow Ridge had been far too easy. Every day was spent causing trouble, walking dogs, teasing cats, digging around for snakes, or chasing wild boars. The worst thing that ever happened was getting beaten up by apprentices from other guilds.As they talked, they grew sleepy. Violet turned over and casually threw a leg over Carissa, yawning. "I really envy you for having such a good mother-in-law. Lady Helen's always so protective of you.""I know.""Maybe I should just marry the marshal too, then she’d be my—"Before Violet could finish her sentence, Carissa kicked her off the bed. Violet jumped back up and started pounding on Carissa, laughi