Helen had just left when Salvador arrived. After paying his respects to the queen dowager, Victoria handed him the carrier pigeon note. "Carissa left the city last night and specifically instructed your aunt to deliver this note to the palace for you."Salvador glanced at it and smiled. "If she left in the middle of the night, it must be something important. There's no need to inform me of every detail."Victoria replied, "She's a woman carrying a deputy commander's emblem. That she left the capital in the middle of the night, it is only right that she informs you."Salvador nodded, his face showing subtle concern. "I hope Lawrence will return safely."It was a surprise to discover that Septimus was Lawrence. The Marquis of Elderglen's family was indeed a family of military nobility. Even though many of the younger generations had turned to civilian roles in recent years, there were always a few who carried on the family's legacy of honor and resilience.Victoria watched him, wa
Although puzzled, Richard respectfully led Jeremiah to the inner hall and had coffee served.Jeremiah was smiling brightly, which eased some of Richard's concerns. "May I ask what private matter you've come to discuss with me?""Congratulations." Jeremiah put down his cup, looking at him with a beaming smile. Although this matter needed to be revealed quickly, the joy was so great that he feared Richard might not be able to handle the shock of such news. Thus, he preferred to take it slow."Congratulations?" Richard was even more puzzled. As the Minister of Protocol, there seemed to be no further promotion in sight. "May I ask what it is for?"Jeremiah replied, "What was once lost has now been found."Richard's confusion deepened. "Something lost has now been found? I haven't lost anything recently.""His Majesty has decreed that the Ministry of Protocol should prepare to welcome the heroes of the Southern Frontier campaign. Among them are two heroes from your family."Ric
At this time, the Earl of Silverstone's family received a letter from Oliver.The letter was addressed to Zoey, his wife. After reading it, she took the letter to find Evelyn, Caspian, and his wife.Caspian Prince was Oliver's younger brother, and served as a junior official in the Ministry of Infrastructure. It was a comfortable position, but he had remained in this role for four years without any promotion. His wife, Luna, was the daughter of a merchant, so she had married up. Viola never liked her much, and often complained about how Luna seemed to be all about money.Evelyn's face changed upon reading the letter. "My son-in-law is still alive? And has achieved merit? That's…"Zoey gently reminded her, "Mother, you can't call him your son-in-law anymore."Evelyn sighed. "It was a slip of the tongue. Who would have expected him to still be alive?"Caspian also read the letter, and said, "Mom, Zoey, this is good news. We should be happy. After all, the fact that he's alive is
The light rain had been falling for several days. As Viola stepped down from the carriage, her thoughts seemed distant, and she accidentally stepped into a puddle, soaking her shoes."Madam Viola!" Viola's new maid was named Poppy. She was clumsy, and lacked manners. "I'm so sorry I didn't help you properly."Viola shook off her hand and snapped, "Just follow me."Poppy followed meekly behind her. She was curious about everything since she had only recently been bought, and had yet to learn proper manners. Upon entering Silverstone Estate, she was amazed at its grandeur compared to the Valor Estate, and she couldn't help but glance around.Viola was disdainful of Poppy's ignorance. "Just stay close to me and stop looking around."An old maid who was always by Evelyn's side came out to greet them. The old maid smiled as she said, "Ms. Viola, why get upset with a maid who doesn't know any better? It's better to teach her slowly and not lose your temper over it."Viola adjusted he
Zoey listened to Evelyn and Viola for a while before speaking up. "The reason we called you back isn't to discuss those matters. When Thomas died, the Farrell family gave you a divorce letter. It's understandable that you returned to our family, especially since you had no children and the Farrell family didn't want to tie you to them for life. "Do you remember how you cried before returning to our family, vowing never to remarry? That's why the Farrell family gave you Thomas' pension and the two shops. Now that you've remarried, I think it's only fair to return the pension to them. As for the two shops, we should convert their value into silver coins and return them. What do you think?"Viola's mind was still numb from shock. Upon hearing Zoey's words, she instinctively shook her head. "No! Why should I return them? I haven't done anything wrong. If he didn't die, why didn't he tell me? Even though I returned to my family, I remained loyal for several years before remarrying."
At Grace Mansion, the lanterns in the corridors cast intricate shadows on the window frames, resembling beasts looming on the walls.Carissa Sinclair sat on a chair with her hands folded in her lap, her slender body hidden beneath plain clothes. She looked at the man before her—her husband whom she had spent a year waiting for.Barrett Warren was still wearing his slightly-worn battle armor. Standing under the dim light, he looked commanding and handsome. His face showed a mix of determination and a touch of regret."Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for this marriage. Aurora will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett.Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has said that General Yates is a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?"Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife and equal to you.""Calling her that doesn't change an
Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? There was a royal edict for this marriage. Even when Aurora moves in, you’ll be in separate wings. She won’t compete with you for control of the household. She doesn’t care about those things.”“Do you really think I’m attached to managing this household?” Carissa countered.Running this mansion was no easy task. Just the monthly medicine for Barrett’s mother cost dozens of silver coins. Then, there was food, clothing, and social obligations—all these things required money.This household was practically a hollow shell. Over the past year, Carissa had used much of her dowry to keep things running.And this was her reward.“Enough, I won’t argue with you. I just needed to inform you. Whether you agree or not changes nothing,” said Barrett, his patience wearing thin.As Carissa watched him leave in a huff, she felt even more bitter.“My lady, my lord was too much!” said Lulu, Carissa’s maid, wiping her tears away.“Do
Lulu brought over the dowry list and explained, "This year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins to support the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest."Carissa glanced at the list. "Alright."Just looking at the list put her in a melancholy mood. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she would suffer hardships in her husband's home."My lady, where can we go? Are we returning to Northwatch Estate? Or should we go back to Meadow Ridge?" Lulu asked, looking distressed.Images of the bloodstained estate and the tragic deaths of her family members flashed through Carissa’s mind, causing a sudden pang of pain in her heart."Anywhere is better than staying here.""If you leave, you’ll be giving them exactly what they want.""So be it. If I stay, I’ll spend my whole life suffering as I watch those two be affect