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
As soon as Carissa left, Salvador's smile vanished. He barely sipped his soup before dismissing Grace and Caden. Grace said nothing. She simply instructed the servants to clear the dishes, took Caden's hand, and curtsied gracefully before taking her leave.Once the hall was silent, Derek closed the door and turned toward the king. "Your Majesty, it's not yet time for the next council meeting. Why don't you rest for a short while?"In the past, Salvador had always taken a brief respite during the noon hours. But ever since summoning Carissa for these conversations, he hadn't rested at all.Salvador massaged his temples and sighed. "Very well. My head's starting to ache.""Should I summon the royal physician to examine you?" Derek offered."There's no need. Those useless quacks at the Royal Medical Department have yet to cure a simple headache, though I've taken more than my share of their remedies."Salvador stood and made his way into the inner chamber, lying down fully clothed.
Of course, Carissa couldn't share her thoughts with Derek, so she simply thanked him and left.After that, Salvador continued the same routine of summoning her for idle conversation after court meetings. Sometimes, these sessions lasted an hour, and other times, they lasted two hours.Gradually, Carissa learned to take it in stride.As his subject, if Salvador wanted her to act like a competent friend, she could oblige. Still, she couldn't help but think about how these midday breaks, a time the king should have spent resting, were now wasted on trivial chatter.During this period, Grace visited a few times to deliver soup. Sylvia also came by, as did Penelope and even Jeanette.Since the royal study was off-limits to the concubines, these women couldn't enter. Instead, they had to hand the soups to Derek, who would deliver them inside. However, if they brought along one of the princes or princesses, they were allowed to step into the study for a brief visit.Perhaps because the
This pattern continued for nearly ten days.Back at the estate, Carissa discussed it with Jacob and Kyle, but no one could make sense of Salvador's intentions.At first, they assumed the king was trying to gather information about the Pathfinders Guild. After all, Adrian had not only modified the six-barreled matchlock and red cannon for this battle, but had also rallied numerous martial arts guilds to defend the capital.Given Salvador's naturally suspicious nature, it wouldn't have been surprising if he harbored doubts.But the more time passed, the more it seemed like that wasn't the case. The king didn't show much interest in the specifics of Meadow Ridge or Adrian's actions. Instead, he seemed more entertained by Carissa's childhood escapades.In recent days, Salvador's favorite stories were those of her mischief at Meadow Ridge—brawling, causing trouble, and forcing her mentor to go door-to-door apologizing and paying reparations.Whenever she recounted those tales, Salvado
Carissa had known for some time that Barrett had lost an arm while saving Wyatt. Cindy had mentioned it in a letter—not intentionally, but while talking about the Sullivan family's situation and the battle, it came up briefly.When Carissa read it, she didn't dwell on the matter, nor did she mention it in her reply.In the chaos of war, it was often impossible to distinguish who saved whom.She naturally wished for every soldier to return home whole and unharmed, but war was brutal and unrelenting. Blood and sacrifice were inevitable.While Carissa had acknowledged Barrett's actions, Salvador had only recently learned of them. The latest victory report from Victory Pass detailed Barrett's courageous efforts—how he had fought valiantly, saved lives, and lost an arm in the process.The earlier reports that came back on horseback had contained only critical updates on the battle's progress, with no mention of individual achievements. Only the detailed victory reports included a list
Salvador now regularly summoned Carissa to the royal study to discuss military matters, granting her a seat at the table where battle strategies were planned and debated. Her place in these discussions was earned by leading the Mystic Army to crush the rebels.It was a position forged in blood and sweat, with no one daring to challenge her right to it.The reports that shaped their discussions came from Victory Pass and the Southern Frontier. These dispatches provided the foundation for the court's analysis of the situation, guiding decisions on logistical support and strategies.Yet, even when strategies were drafted, Salvador refrained from issuing direct commands. Instead, he offered suggestions, a gesture that showed his trust in Rafael and the Sullivan family—though that trust extended only as far as their abilities on the battlefield.With winter approaching, the soldiers needed winter clothing and more weapons. Most of their discussions revolved around supplies.Leroy and V
The garden at Tranquil Palace wasn't small, but it couldn't be compared to the royal garden.If one took their time strolling along, admiring the flowers, or stood still to enjoy the view for a while, one could easily spend a good portion of the afternoon. But Carissa was accustomed to walking briskly. Flowers didn't require her lingering attention—she could glance at them and move on, seeing little difference between one bloom and the next.She had seen fields upon fields of flowers, all of which had left a lasting impression on her. These meticulously tended peonies in their pots, though, hardly stirred any great interest.By the time they finished their walk, some of the other ladies hadn't even finished their coffee. Just as Jeanette began to speak of Skye Embroidery, they found themselves back at the main hall of Tranquil Palace.Jeanette forced a smile. "Shall we go inside and congratulate Lady Sylvia?"Carissa shook her head. "I have matters to attend to, so I'll have to
When Sylvia moved to her new residence, all the concubines sent gifts. The royal relatives, upon hearing the news, hurried to send their congratulations as well.As for what to send, other households usually left the decision to the lady of the house. But at Hell Monarch Estate, the ones in charge were Jacob and Luke.They searched through the storerooms, but nothing seemed quite right. Either the items were too expensive, or they were just simple gold, silver, or jewels. Even the golden vases seemed too small and trivial.As for the larger items, such as coral trees or folding screens, Jacob wasn't inclined to part with them. The coral tree, in particular, was rare. The one in the estate had been a wedding gift from the Pathfinders Guild when Carissa married.In the end, their eyes landed on the most abundant item in the storeroom—Kyle's orchid paintings.This would certainly make a strong impression—expensive and elegant, yet not unique to the estate. If it wasn't enough, snow w
Among the harem, Kylie was most wary of Sylvia and Grace. Sylvia was caring for Cecil, while Grace was caring for Caden, the second prince.Cecil was not Sylvia's biological son and was still very young, so Kylie need not worry too much. But Sylvia had once been arrogant, with an impressive family background and a sharp aptitude for power games.In the past year, Sylvia had softened somewhat, co-managing the affairs of the harem with Grace. She had learned how to win hearts and minds, and her support for Skye Embroidery and Gracewood Women's Academy had earned her some reputation among the common folk.In contrast, Grace was far more restrained. She co-managed the harem with Sylvia and would occasionally seek Kylie's opinion, genuinely treating her with respect due to her being the queen.But Caden, a sharp and well-mannered boy, was Salvador's and Victoria's favorite.If the position of Crown Prince were to be decided now, it would naturally fall to Connor. But once the princes g
Kylie had yet to remove her hairpins, and her makeup was still untouched, her face brimming with quiet anticipation.Earlier that day, a message had arrived from the court, announcing that the king would visit the harem tonight. She had waited for hours, but had heard no news that he had sent for any concubines. In her heart, she felt a surge of joy. If no summons had come, it meant he would be visiting her chambers."Lydia, go and see if His Majesty has arrived yet," she urged once again, her third time asking that evening.Lydia was standing to the side. She smiled and said, "Your Majesty, please be patient. If His Majesty was coming, he would surely send word beforehand so you can prepare to receive him.""Yes, you're right," Kylie sighed, brushing a loose strand of hair from her temple. "It's been so long since His Majesty visited my palace that I nearly forgot how it goes." Her smile was soft and alluring. "We are husband and wife, after all. What couple do not have thei