The weather grew hotter, and the people in Hell Monarch Estate had already begun using ice on a daily basis to keep the place cool.Rafael still hadn't sent any letters back, and Carissa was growing worried. Although he had gone with her martial uncle, the mission to rescue the hostages in the Sandoria border city was extremely dangerous, especially with Sandorian soldiers stationed there.According to the information Claire had gathered, there were plainclothes guards stationed around Valor Estate. They changed shifts day and night. It seemed the king was aware that someone intended to harm Aurora.The situation in Westhaven remained unclear. However, the special investigator, Patrick, had returned to report on the case in Brightmoor District. The massacre of Lola's family had been clarified—someone had used a Soulgrip Threadworm on Lola, causing her to lose her sanity and murder her entire family. The culprit was a local small merchant named Mason.The murderer had already confes
When Carissa indicated that something was wrong, Violet naturally sought confirmation. Violet approached Claire, asking her to assign someone to keep an eye on Harvey. Violet also instructed Claire repeatedly to avoid leaving any traces, and to ensure that no one discovered she was monitoring the people in Hartstone Estate.When assassins had infiltrated Valor Estate, Carissa had stepped in to help and had been summoned to the palace to explain the situation. Salvador had grown suspicious of Rafael, so everything must be done carefully.On the day Serena was to enter the Marquis of Ironridge's family, a sudden downpour arrived unexpectedly.Through the heavy rain, a small carriage entered through the side gate of Ironridge Estate. Serena had brought no noteworthy dowry, and cast a resentful glance at Barrett before stepping into the carriage.Once inside the estate, Serena greeted Jessica respectfully and served her a glass of wine, as was customary. However, Serena didn't even g
Violet and Travis both understood the implication of Carissa's words.The situation in Westhaven was bound to change drastically. Once the current crown prince, Edmund, ascends the throne, the first order of business would be a thorough investigation of Fawnrun City. There were three reasons for that—revenge, consolidating his own political power, and redrawing the borderlines.If Barrett still had any sympathy for Viola, he should let her return to her family.But if he kept Viola with him to force Oliver to stand up for the Warrens, then he and Aurora were essentially the same—utterly selfish.Feeling playful, Violet said, "Let's make a bet. Will Barrett give Viola a divorce letter? I think he won't."Though he held Barrett in low regard, Travis still remembered the man's bravery on the battlefield and was willing to give him a small measure of support. "He might. At least he showed responsibility on the battlefield."The two looked at Carissa. "What will you bet on?"Carissa
On June 19th, Oliver dispatched Timothy and Louis with three thousand soldiers to the mountains outside Simonton City. They were there to wait for the Hell Monarch and Septimus.While Oliver chose not to concern himself with the rescue operation's details, it was crucial that the pickup went smoothly. To secure his position as marshal, everything had to be executed flawlessly. If the Hell Monarch’s rescue attempt failed and they fell into the hands of the Sandoria forces, it would spell disaster for Oliver. He couldn’t afford to send troops to the Sandoria border city.Louis and Timothy reached the highest mountain outside Simonton City, and left a thousand men behind to stand by. They led the remaining two thousand further, hoping to intercept Rafael as soon as possible. However, after crossing another mountain, they ceased advancing. Beyond lay the nomad grassland tribes, where bringing two thousand soldiers would likely result in a battle.In truth, once Rafael reached the gras
In the end, Louis and Timothy decided to go together. After all, their troops were stationed here and hadn't crossed the border nor entered the grassland tribes' territory. Only a hundred soldiers in teams of ten would be going in.As expected, passing the grassland in small groups didn't draw the attention of the grassland sentries. They reached the top of Crow Mountain, and waited there. Although Crow Mountain was vast, they occupied the high ground and could see any movement from afar.They couldn't just rush down blindly, as Crow Mountain was divided between Sandoria and the grasslands, and a misstep could lead to conflict.They knew this, so they left some people behind to keep watch and call for help if needed. Then, Louis and Timothy continued on with a dozen or so people.-Meanwhile, Rafael and his group had already reached the base of Crow Mountain. Once they crossed it, they would be on the grassland. They were only a small group of people entering the grassland, whic
There was no time to hesitate—their pursuers were close behind.Everett and Rafael exchanged a glance. Even if it was stupid and risky, there was only one method they could use—flying while carrying their burdens.Dylan and Jacob could fly on their own, but the other eleven men needed to be carried. That meant Everett and Rafael needed to do at least five or six trips back and forth.Under extreme fatigue and with their internal force severely depleted, it was a life-threatening task."Sir, I'm truly sorry for the trouble," Rafael said, his eyes full of remorse.Everett sighed. "You're my only apprentice, and you've married the most troublesome girl in all of Meadow Ridge. If I don't feel for you, who will?"Rafael wanted to say he was happy, but under his master's compassionate gaze, he swallowed his words. They would just have to carry their burdens. He knew that his master had a stubborn streak—if Everett disagreed with Rafael, the former would have made it clear. There was
Everyone covered their mouths, watching in terror as the scene unfolded. Oh god, it looked like Rafael and Lawrence would fall any minute!At this critical juncture, Everett and Dylan rushed forward, each grabbing one of Rafael's hands. Their other hands held onto the small trees. However, the distance between them was too great for them to pull Rafael up.Additionally, the two small trees were bearing the weight of four people, which was extremely perilous.At that moment, Thomas quickly lowered a grappling hook and rope, just long enough to reach Rafael's right hand.Dylan exchanged a look with Rafael. As they nodded to each other, Dylan let go. Rafael quickly grasped the rope with his right hand. Then, Everett released his grip, allowing Rafael to grasp the rope with his left hand as well.With both hands holding onto the rope, it meant the people above could only pull up Rafael and Lawrence.The rope wasn't long enough to secure to a tree above. Thomas had lowered it with o
Louis abruptly pushed Felix away, and scrutinized him closely. He looked different from before, but Louis recognized him.Tears mixed with laughter on Louis' face. "You've aged, and you look so ugly now. How did you become like this?""Don't just focus on your reunion. Check on our other brethren," Rafael gasped, his hands trembling uncontrollably. Lawrence had been laid on the ground after being taken off Rafael's back, but he still hadn't woken up despite their attempts.Louis and Timothy looked at the eleven surviving men, tears welling up in their eyes. It was such a relief to see so many of them alive.But Lawrence's condition was critical, and no one present had medical expertise. The only option was to continue crushing and administering the medicinal pills.Everett was at a loss. Although he was skilled in bloodletting and purging, Lawrence's problem wasn't internal injuries. His condition was due to pus-filled wounds causing a high fever, which was very dangerous.Sudden