After being roused from his stupor by the servants, Samuel sat in the courtyard, feeling as though his heart had been hollowed out. No matter who called out to him, he remained unresponsive.Outside Hibiscus Lane, Henry's men kept a close watch. When they reported back to Henry, he frowned. "Didn't Celeste say she would sever ties with him properly? Forget it. He's of no use anyway. The reputation of the Earl of Gracehold's family is already notorious. It wouldn't matter what he did."Samuel spent two days at Hibiscus Lane, refusing to eat or drink. Celeste's departure wasn't the most devastating blow to him. The real blow was the words she had spoken before leaving.He had high ambitions and had achieved the rank of third place in the national examinations, garnering the admiration of many noble young women in the capital. He saw himself as a genius, someone born to stand apart from the ordinary, destined to rise above the common crowd. In his mind, he wasn't just exceptional
That day, Claire reported that several suspicious individuals had entered the capital and checked into Prestige Lodge.The reason they were considered suspicious was because they carried a distinct aura of violence, one that set them apart from the usual martial arts practitioners. This bloodthirsty presence was something the scouts were highly sensitive to. As soon as the scouts detected it, they began to track the individuals closely. After they checked into Prestige Lodge and didn't come out, the scouts reported their findings.Upon hearing the report, Violet went to find Carissa.Carissa frowned when she heard the news. The capital was the most prosperous and bustling place in the kingdom, with a significant number of merchants and martial artists coming and going."People who have killed excessively often carry a distinct scent," Violet said. "That's what Claire said, and that's why those people are highly suspicious. Could they be plotting to assassinate the king?"Carissa
Violet looked at Carissa, and asked, "If they're not targeting Aurora, could they be targeting you and the marshal's household?""I don't know," Carissa admitted. She hadn't been able to analyze it yet. After all, she only knew that a few individuals with a heavy aura of bloodlust had entered the capital, and there was no other information. "I need to have Rod strengthen the defenses of the estate. Tomorrow, I'll take Ryan to the academy and have Rod station people outside for a few days until those individuals leave."No matter what, caution was paramount. With Rafael and Jacob not in the estate, it was better to take extra precautions rather than rely on luck.That day, Travis began setting up defenses. With five hundred soldiers stationed in Hell Monarch Estate under the king's nose, Salvador might feel some trepidation. However, their actual utility was significant.Setting up the defense was quite straightforward. They worked in three-hour shifts, and there were more than
The woman's face was pale, her hair and clothes drenched by the rain. Clearly embarrassed by her disheveled appearance, she used her sleeve to cover her face and murmured to Carissa, "Thank you. Thank you so much.""No need to thank me," Carissa said. "Are you hurt badly?""Not too badly... Oh!" The woman shifted her foot and winced as a sharp pain shot through her left ankle, letting out a cry of discomfort."It seems like you might have twisted your ankle," Carissa observed. She helped support the woman, and the maid rushed over to assist as well. However, the maid's hands were covered in blood, likely from scraping them on the rough ground during the fall.Carissa frowned, and said, "My carriage is just up ahead. I have some medicine and ointment in it. Why don't you come with me, and I can take care of you there."The woman hesitated. "W-Wouldn't that be too much trouble? And I still don't know your name."Carissa replied, "My name is Carissa. We've met before."The woman in
The carriage stopped at the northern corner of Silverbrook Academy, while the Marquis of Elderglen's family's carriage followed behind to avoid traffic congestion.The rain grew heavier, and the crowd increased. With Kayla's injured foot, it was inconvenient for her to return to her carriage at this time. She had to wait until the carriages bringing children to the academy had dispersed before she could leave."Are you here to send your son to school, Lady Kayla?" Carissa asked, knowing that Kayla had adopted a son but unaware of his age."Yes, it's his first day at school, so I came to see him off." A genuine smile appeared on Kayla's face as she spoke of her son, making her expression seem more natural."How old is he? What's his name?"Kayla replied, "He's seven years old, and his name is Alexander."Violet laughed and said, "From that name, one can tell he comes from a family of generals."Kayla's expression momentarily faltered, a hint of bitterness showing in her eyes befo
Carissa called Violet over, asking her to help place Kayla on her back. With Kayla securely on her back, Carissa hurried back to the carriage. "Stay here. I'll find it for you," she promised.Kayla shivered uncontrollably, her hair soaked through. It was impossible to tell whether the moisture on her face was from tears or rain, and her lips quivered violently. "Please… Please, you must find it.""Don't come out!" Carissa's tone grew more urgent. "Take care of yourself. We can't have you distressed, even in spirit."Kayla covered her face and wept.Carissa instructed the coachman to keep an eye on Kayla, then turned back to continue the search.After a little more than half an hour, the carriages began to thin out, but the rain still poured relentlessly. The sky was ominously dark. Even with the help of the coachman from the Marquis of Elderglen's family and three others, they were exhausted and unable to find the earring.Just as they were about to give up, Carissa noticed a
Barrett went out and bought a gold hairpin, and placed it in a box. Upon returning to the estate, he inquired about Serena and learned that she was in their mother's room. He went straight there.As expected, Serena was holding the jewelry box when he arrived. Seeing him, she immediately stood up, her expression wary. "Aren't you on duty tonight? Why are you back so soon?""This is for you." Barrett handed her the box and said coolly, "I bought it with my allowance."Serena looked at him with suspicion. "You bought a hairpin for me? Why?"She clutched her jewelry box tighter. For the past few days, she had been told to return the ruby tiara. Now, she was suddenly being given a hairpin?"It's to add to your dowry, and also because you've been taking such good care of our mom these past few days. Just accept it," Barrett said with a sigh, then turned to look at Rebecca on the bed. "Mom, how are you feeling today?"Rebecca was surprised by her son's actions. She replied, "Your sis
When Barrett returned to Valor Estate, the maid had managed to pull the two women apart. However, both Serena and Viola were in a terrible state—hair disheveled, clothes torn, and their faces marked with scratches and handprints. They looked like they had been in a street brawl.Rebecca sat on a chair, gasping for breath and glaring fiercely at Viola. "Serena is about to debut into society! How can she face anyone with her face so marred?"Viola was sitting on the floor, crying inconsolably. Her sobs filled with deep frustration and helplessness.Barrett strode in and helped Viola to her feet, then handed her a stack of banknotes. "The ruby tiara has been returned. Take this money back with you.""Are you out of your mind, Barrett?" Rebecca snapped, rising angrily. "Returning the jewelry we bought—what's left of our family's dignity?""Bring it back! I won't return it!" Serena had just caught her breath, and she rushed at him. She pounded his chest and displayed an unseemly tant
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
In the royal study, the braziers still hadn't been lit, and the cold crept in like a quiet intruder, spreading its chill across the room.The reports had been reviewed and signed long ago, yet Salvador lingered, his hand resting idly on the pile of documents. His gaze was fixed on the dim flickering of the lamp's flame, his mind adrift.He read the letter Rafael had written to Carissa, filled with endless longing and heartfelt emotions. It was as if they had just gotten married, and they were deeply in love and inseparable.This wasn't the first time Salvador had read their letters. While there had been expressions of longing in the past, none were as bold and reckless as this.Such words would feel awkward to say out loud, let alone write down. Salvador thought his younger brother's actions were inappropriate and too careless.There were far better ways to win a woman's affection—why resort to this?And yet, despite his disapproval, something within him stirred, like a stone t
Balin entered the city with just a dozen men. They were all strong and sturdy, with curved blades at their waists, looking fierce and intimidating.But when they sat down to eat and drink, their tanned faces broke into wide, radiant smiles.Balin was in his fifties, with skin as dark and shining as his men's, his eyes sharp and intelligent. He was a man of great wisdom and was meticulous in his thinking. In other words, he remained cautious and never fully trusted the Hell Monarch.His one demand was simple: this would be a one-time alliance. After driving back the Sandorians, the Southern Frontier Army was to withdraw from the grasslands swiftly. No one was to step foot in the heart of the grasslands again without permission.Rafael agreed, and the treaty was signed immediately.Once the agreement was made, they didn't linger any longer than necessary and left.The grassland tribes held little fondness for Starhaven, as the endless warfare often spilled over into their territori
After the lively wedding banquet, Carissa returned to Hell Monarch Estate, only to be struck by an unexpected chill in Orchid Hall. Her thoughts turned to Rafael, who was far away in the Southern Frontier. She hadn't counted the days since they had parted, but it felt like an eternity.She was about to head out to the Glimmering Tower as usual to see Adrian, but then she remembered that he had returned to Meadow Ridge.A pang of emptiness settled in her chest.She thought back to how Rosalind had seemed tonight. Carissa realized that when a woman got married, her heart was filled with so much joy, excitement, and bashfulness. The happiness just radiated from Rosalind.Carissa thought back to her own two weddings—both had been too calm and quiet.Lulu helped remove her makeup and was about to prepare a bath, but Carissa stopped her, pulling her down to sit beside her instead."Lulu, I've mentioned before that we need to talk about your marriage. Have you thought about anyone in