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."
Evelyn, Zoey, and Luna completely agreed on that matter.Seeing that she didn't need to use her own money since her family would cover it, Viola reluctantly agreed after a brief hesitation.Zoey didn't require Viola to appear in person, given that she was now a member of the Warren family. Instead, she only asked Viola to write a letter to Alice, signing it as "Mrs. Warren". The name indicated her status as a member of the Warren family, which was why she returned the pension and value of the two shops in money.After writing the letter, Viola handed it to Zoey and said grudgingly, "Was it really necessary to go through all this? It makes it seem like my remarriage was inappropriate."Zoey replied, "When you married Barrett, you did so as the third lady of the Earl of Silverstone's family. No one criticized your remarriage. I'll be straightforward with you—this is to cut off any other thoughts you might have."Viola laughed, though her anger was palpable. "What do you think I want
Zoey wasn't concerned about Evelyn's thoughts. Her concern was to resolve the matter promptly.Since Thomas hadn't died, the Farrell family would naturally return the pension to the court. The king might grant it again under a different reason, but that was another matter. It was improper and unseemly to keep a death pension for someone who was still alive, and it wouldn't reflect well on anyone.Without wasting any more time, Zoey took Luna with her to visit the Farrell family.Upon arriving, they found Alice in a state of delirious joy. The news of Thomas' survival had overwhelmed her so much that she fainted from excitement. Now, she was lying in bed, recovering.When Zoey explained that they were there to return the pension and the money from the shops, the Farrell family was momentarily stunned. After all, they hadn't expected to reclaim them from Viola.Zoey smiled and said, "We're all very pleased to hear that Thomas is still alive. Since he didn't die, the pension naturall
The news that Thomas was still alive had reached Barrett, including the fact that Viola had returned Thomas' pension and the income from the shops. However, he didn't know that it was Viola's family who had helped Viola repay everything.Since the assassination attempt and Viola's questioning of his feelings for her, there had been very little conversation between them. After hearing about Thomas' survival, Barrett hesitated for a long time before finally stepping into Grace Mansion.Viola was sitting on the couch, lost in thought. When she saw him enter with the light behind him, she froze for a moment. She almost called out the name of the person who had been on her mind constantly. When she realized it was Barrett, her face darkened."I thought you'd forgotten where the entrance to Grace Mansion was. It's rare to see you here," she said coldly.Barrett dismissed the maids before sitting down. "I heard about Thomas."Viola's voice remained icy. "And what of it?"Barrett con
That night, Barrett did not leave Grace Mansion. For several nights in a row, he stayed at Viola's place. Aurora began decorating her courtyard, using her own money since the family's public funds were unavailable to her.She chose the sturdiest wood for the doors and windows. Ironwood was hard to come by, and she asked the lumber merchants to find it, promising to pay a high price if they succeeded. She renamed the courtyard "Blessed Haven".Having left the army and without any battle armor, she secretly commissioned a protective heart shield. She wore it day and night to guard against any potential assassins. As for Barrett and Viola's affection towards each other, she couldn't care less. She held no respect for a man who had changed his heart.She had once said she wouldn't be caught up in domestic squabbles, and she would never become the kind of person she most despised. Moreover, did Barrett truly have feelings for Viola? She didn't believe it—not even a little. Barr
Carissa knew Violet was favored, but she also felt there was more to it. The Spencer family was a prominent and powerful clan in Ebonflow, known as royal merchants with many other businesses. In Starhaven, everyone knew about the Spencer family. They were the wealthiest merchants in the kingdom, and their riches were said to rival a country's wealth. Yet, with great wealth came great risks, particularly since they supplied the court with warhorses, armor, and weapons. The Ministry of Defense had its eyes on them, and at least half of the king's attention was also focused on the Spencer family.Currently, the head of the Spencer family was Violet's grandfather. However, the real power lay with her father, given her grandfather's advanced age and inability to handle so many affairs."What about your marriage? Have you given it any thought?" Carissa asked.Violet replied lazily, "No, I haven't thought about it. The people they suggest are either too high or too low in status for
However, there were so many people who wanted Rafael's attention. Whenever something happened, they would seek him out, leaving him with little time alone with Carissa.Even the nights were no better, because Carissa was sharing a room with Violet while he was stuck with Dylan. Rafael had grown weary of it. Dylan's snoring was impossible to muffle. In the middle of the night, Rafael would kick his bed. However, Dylan would only turn over and continue snoring loudly.Rafael was eager to return to the capital as soon as possible.When the group was approaching Eastridge, they saw a carriage on the main road. It was overturned, and blocking most of the path. While riders could pass, Lawrence's carriage couldn't get through.Dylan rode forward and saw two people trying to lift the overturned carriage. The horse lay nearby, seemingly having suffered from heatstroke.The woman wore a hood that covered her face, so it was hard to see what she looked like. She was dressed in a pink dres
Carmen Kingsley?Carissa recalled Ruby, who was also Eleanor's illegitimate daughter, and her real name was Celeste.Carissa glanced quickly and noticed that the maid seemed to show little respect, instead giving off a practiced martial air. The guard and driver frequently glanced at Carmen, giving the impression that they were keeping a close watch on her.Looking at Carmen again, Carissa saw her looking nervous and clutching a handkerchief tightly. Sweat dripped from beneath her veil, and she used the handkerchief to wipe it away.Suddenly, Carmen's body stiffened, and she seemed to be in pain. Carissa then noticed that the maid's hand appeared to be moving at her lower back. But since it was concealed from her sight, it was difficult to see clearly.Both Carissa and Violet wore veiled hats, which obscured their faces from view but allowed them to see outside. Although it seemed like they were looking at the carriage, they were actually observing Carmen and her maid.From the
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