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
Barrett's eyes were cold as he said softly, "I truly wish you could tell me that you didn't do those things in Fawnrun City."Aurora smirked coldly. "Is it because of what happened in Fawnrun City that you despise me? No, you despise me because I was captured on the mountain outside Simonton City, because I was disfigured. You think I'm no longer pure, but I can assure you, I am."Barrett shook his head. "No, it's not the events on the mountain outside Simonton City that trouble me. I only feel pity for you in that regard. Otherwise, I wouldn't have taken a beating on your behalf. What I can't accept are the things you did in Fawnrun City.""Stop deceiving yourself, alright?" Aurora continued to smirk. "Do you really think that what I did in Fawnrun City was wrong?""Don't you think you were in the wrong?" Barrett took a deep breath. "Even now, you still don't see your mistakes?"Aurora didn't wear a veil, and the light revealed the full extent of her emotions. Her eyes burned wit
Barrett said, "Even if they were Westhaven people, they were still civilians. We had an agreement not to harm civilians. It was a promise from the rulers to the people, and it benefited the citizens of both kingdoms. Did you never consider that the people of Victory Pass might also be at risk of slaughter?"Aurora snorted, her eyes filled with disdain. "As a former military general, you should know better, Barrett. You're not cut out for the battlefield. You're too soft and lack the resolve needed. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have achieved anything. Even in front of General Sullivan, you needed me to strongly advocate for sending troops to burn the supply depot in Fawnrun City. Without me, you wouldn't have even achieved that."You gained merit because I earned it first. I signed the treaty, and you, as the commanding general of the reinforcements, reaped the benefits of my accomplishments. Now, you have the audacity to blame me for achieving success? Don't you find yourself d
Barrett lifted the curtain and stepped outside the room with Aurora. They moved so silently that their footsteps were almost inaudible, and the surroundings were eerily quiet.After waiting for a moment, he opened the door and quickly hid behind it. Once he was certain there was no immediate danger, he cautiously peered outside.The sight that met his eyes was chilling.The lanterns in the corridor cast light on the stairs, where three bodies lay sprawled. These were the maids who had served Aurora. They had been killed with a single sword thrust to the throat, unable to even utter a cry.Blood trickled down the stone steps, staining them a deep crimson.Barrett's mind instantly flashed to the Duke of Northwatch's family's massacre.He gasped. "My parents…!"He was about to rush out when Aurora grabbed his arm.Aurora's face was ashen, her lips trembling slightly. "I think… I think they're after me."Barrett quickly understood. It was possible that spies from Westhaven were se
Salvador seemed much more clear-headed now, no longer as muddled as he had been in the palace.He smiled. "There's no need for formality. Please relax. I only came here to the estate to see Mr. Spencer and have a chat. I was feeling a bit restless."Carissa replied, "In that case, I won't keep you from your conversation with Kyle. We shall take our leave.""Don't rush off," Salvador said, his gaze turning toward her with genuine concern. "Since you're here, stay and talk for a while. How is your injury? Are you feeling better?"Carissa lowered her hand again, which she had just propped up, and answered, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. It's getting better, but the physician insisted I rest in bed for a few more days.""I see." Salvador nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Injuries to the muscles and bones need proper care."He said this, but he didn't allow Carissa to leave. Everyone in the room stayed, either sitting or standing, and kept them company.After a moment o
The events in the study and at Serenity Palace were quickly reported to Salvador, leaving him restless and irritable. Coupled with days of intense planning, the strain weighed heavily on him, and the relentless headaches only worsened.Lifting Kylie's house arrest had been part of Salvador's preparations for Connor. If Connor was to be Crown Prince, his mom couldn't remain under the shadow of punishment. Salvador had hoped Kylie's time in confinement would lead her to reflect and understand the dangers of indulgence—that spoiling a son was no different from harming him. Yet, Kylie had emerged with an even stronger determination to keep Connor close, convinced that his presence was the key to securing her own position.Salvador pushed his dinner away, his appetite nonexistent. He forced down a few bites to keep his stomach from aching and sipped the bitter medicine prescribed.He had no choice but to drink it. Every day he managed to hold on felt like a small victory.But the loom
Kylie timed her visit perfectly and made another trip to the study to personally retrieve Connor. Together, they returned to Serenity Palace to offer their greetings to Victoria.The procession was grand, with a whole entourage following behind. Even Connor was carried back by a young chamberlain, only being set down once they reached the palace gates.Kylie straightened her appearance and held Connor's hand firmly as they entered.After performing the proper gestures to greet Victoria, Kylie remained on her knees and maintained perfect decorum throughout the entire time.However, Victoria made no motion to let her rise. Instead, she turned her attention to Connor, gesturing for him to approach. "Did your tutor praise you today?"Connor hesitated, shrinking back slightly. He cast a cautious glance at Victoria before answering in a timid voice, "The tutor forgot to praise me today."Still kneeling, Kylie quickly interjected. "Mother, Mr. Young is strict and doesn't hand out compli
The mother and son pair spoke in the royal study for nearly two hours.After Victoria left, Salvador issued an edict lifting Kylie's house arrest. However, the authority to manage the harem was not immediately returned to her.Upon hearing Derek's message, Kylie was at first hesitant to believe it. How had the house arrest been lifted so suddenly?But then she remembered—it must have been the rumors she had people spread earlier. The queen was still alive, yet they wanted to send her son to be raised in the queen dowager's palace? That went against tradition.So, after the house arrest was lifted, Kylie didn't immediately go to express her gratitude. Instead, she headed to the study to visit Connor.Upon seeing his mom, Connor's face lit up with joy. Ignoring the fact that Trevor was still giving a lesson, he sprang to his feet and ran straight into Kylie's arms. "Mom, I've missed you so much! When will you come and take me back?"Kylie bent down, resting her hands on his shoulde
The following day, Jeremiah went to the Royal Medical Department. All the court physicians, including the head physician, were present. Jeremiah sat, his gaze heavy as he surveyed them all. "I have only one question for you," he began. "Do you have any hope of curing His Majesty's illness?"The physicians fell into a long silence. After what seemed like an eternity, the head physician, Desmond Walker, looked up with tired eyes. The red veins around them were a testament to sleepless nights. He shook his head. "No, we do not.""Not even a glimmer of hope?" Jeremiah asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Not even the smallest chance, a method, anything?"Once again, the room was filled with silence. Jeremiah's eyes dimmed, his expression sinking until it was devoid of light. With a deep sigh, he finally spoke, his voice heavy with resignation. "Can you extend his life for two more years if we gather the full strength of the Royal Medical Department?"Desmond bowed his head,
That evening, Jeremiah chose to stay in the palace.Salvador still hadn't visited the harem, nor had he returned to his chambers. Instead, he had made his bed on the couch within the royal study.Jeremiah watched as Salvador finished his medicine and then offered him a piece of candy.Salvador accepted it, but he didn't eat it right away. His expression softened, and he smiled. "I still remember. When I was younger, my dad would punish me here in the royal study. Afterward, you would always give me a piece of candy and say a word of encouragement."Jeremiah glanced at Salvador. "Yes, I remember that as well. You used to tell me that you wished to be a wise ruler one day."Salvador's smile faltered, and he bit into the candy. His voice grew muffled as he spoke. "Have I disappointed you, Mr. Murray?"Jeremiah shook his head. "No, not at all. In my heart, you're a wise ruler, Your Majesty.""I am not," Salvador said, his eyes darkening with a hint of regret. "I still have many am
The weight of the situation was immense, and for a moment, Carissa's mind seemed incapable of processing it all.If Salvador were to pass, Connor's ascension to the throne would be nearly certain, and it wouldn't be long before he was declared Crown Prince. A young king would need regents, and not just one, which would lead to factions forming within the court. In that case, the balance of power would inevitably be thrown into turmoil.If regents weren't appointed, it was likely that either Victoria or Kylie would take charge and rule behind the scenes.Kylie was ambitious, and even in her confinement, she was plotting for Connor's future. The Quinton family, though suppressed by Salvador, held vast power. If Salvador were to die and Connor took the throne, their influence would soar. Who wouldn't want that kind of power?Jeremiah was aging, and though he had already entertained thoughts of stepping down, he was still willing to support the new king. But once the power struggle
After all the expected visitors have returned, Carissa could finally rest and focus on her recovery.Robert still made occasional visits, bringing medicines for healing and scar treatment. Jacob would always be by her side. He would thank Robert each time and ask him to pass on their gratitude.On this particular day, Robert arrived with Derek. Seeing an opportunity, Jacob decided to take Robert aside to discuss the treatment for the scars, giving Carissa the chance to speak privately with Derek.Carissa gestured to a seat across from her, inviting Derek to sit. "Was it His Majesty who sent you?"Derek settled down, and then cast a glance at the guards standing just outside the door. "It was His Majesty who sent me, though I had planned to come anyway. How is your injury, Your Grace? Have you been feeling better?"Carissa hesitated before meeting his gaze directly. "Do you think I'm healed, Mr. Walker?"He sighed. "Your Grace, you're quite perceptive. Your injury has improved, bu
Rosalind nodded and said, "Then, I won't keep you any longer. Farewell.""Safe travels!" Zoey smiled as she bid her goodbye.Once Rosalind left, Zoey glanced at Viola. She noticed the light had completely drained from her sister-in-law's eyes, leaving behind a shadow of regret. Zoey understood immediately—Viola was lamenting the past again."There's no use in dwelling on things that have already passed. Let's go inside."Viola had summoned all her courage to come and visit Carissa, to whom she owed an apology and a thank you. Though she said she was accompanying Zoey and Luna today, she was actually here to face the past.She had told herself she was ready, but all her resolve seemed to shatter when she saw Rosalind.It felt as if something had struck her hard in the chest. Her mind went blank, and that forced smile she had tried to wear now felt like a mask she was afraid would crack. She was terrified she might break down in front of them.As Viola followed her sisters-in-law