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
As the carriage rolled along, the strong wind and intense sun made the heat almost unbearable. Despite the sweltering conditions, the maid showed no sign of discomfort. She seemed quite resilient.Typically, a maid attending closely to her mistress would be delicate and avoid heavy labor. However, this one was different.Wasn't this little act of hers a bit disrespectful?Thomas sighed and chose not to dwell on it further. They were accustomed to living on the edge, and such tricks were beneath their notice.-Inside the carriage, Carmen had removed her veil, revealing a face strikingly similar to Celeste's—beautiful yet distinctly cool.With the maid outside, she spoke softly, "Lady Carissa, please save my mother."Carissa responded gently, "But clearly, that wasn't your only reason for stopping us.""You're right." Carmen shook her head, a hint of shame on her otherwise composed face. "My mother ordered me to ruin your relationship with the Hell Monarch."She half-knelt an
Carissa pretended to discuss the matter quietly with Rafael. They spoke in hushed tones, inaudible to others. As the maid and the guard couldn't hear anything despite straining to listen, their anxiety was palpable.After a considerable pause, Rafael finally nodded."Alright then, we'll head to the capital together," said Carissa.The maid sighed in relief. "Thank you, Lady Sinclair. You are truly a saint.""What's your name?" Carissa asked.The maid bowed. "My name is Greta."Carissa turned to the guard. "And you?""My name is Dustin," the guard replied in a slightly gruff voice.Though he was sturdy and appeared honest, a person's appearance didn't always reflect their true nature.Carissa asked a few more questions but didn't get much more information. It was clear she wasn't expecting to learn anything significant from them.At supper time, a pinch of Sebastian's colorless, tasteless powder rendered Dustin, Greta, and the driver unconscious. Once that was done, Carmen kne
Violet and Carissa shuddered at the thought. To throw a newborn baby to its death was an act of unimaginable cruelty.Carmen managed a bitter smile. "Such things... who knows how many cruel and vicious secrets are hidden in the grand princess' inner palace? I once had a younger brother. When my mom was pregnant, she was sure it was a boy."She knew my dad couldn't protect her and that the grand princess wouldn't allow a boy to live. Boys were doomed from the start. So, my mom wanted to escape, but the grand princess had people watching her. Once you enter the grand princess' inner palace, the only way out is as a corpse."Carmen wiped her tears and continued, "My dad promised to help her escape. My mom believed him and waited for a chance. When the time finally came, it was almost too late, but she finally had a chance—the grand princess was out for a banquet and wouldn't return until late.""Did she manage to escape?" Violet asked, both angry and anxious."She did escape, but was
"When we were in Harmony Palace, we weren't allowed to leave our own courtyards. Whether it was practicing martial arts or receiving instruction from the courtesans as my sister did, it all took place within our own courtyards."I've never been to the western courtyard before. However, according to the servants, it's used for religious worship. Grand Princess Eleanor goes there to pray on the first and fifteenth days of each month," Carmen replied.Carissa frowned. "So, there's a temple there?"It couldn't be as simple as a temple. If it were, why would Eleanor be so anxious? It seemed Carissa would need to find an opportunity to investigate further."You mentioned you have some skill in martial arts?" Carissa asked."Greta is my teacher. I've trained for several years. We sisters all have similar skills. Since the grand princess raised us, she needed us to be useful. She wouldn't want to waste her efforts," Carmen answered.Carissa nodded. That was true.Eleanor was not merely
The next day, Greta and Dustin realized they had been drugged the previous night. There were clear signs that their belongings had been searched. Though their bundles had been repacked, their cautious nature meant they could tell immediately if anything had been tampered with."It's a good thing," Greta said, her eyes flashing with a cold gleam. "They must be planning to take us back to the capital, which is why they searched us. Once that's done, the rest will be easier."She turned to Carmen. "During the rest stops, try to spend time alone with the Hell Monarch and make it clear, subtly, that you're skilled in martial arts. He favors women who are proficient in combat."Carmen nodded and pressed her hand to her forehead. "I feel a bit dizzy.""It's normal," Greta said dismissively. "We were all drugged. You'll feel better soon."Looking at Carmen, Greta continued, "Remember, seize any opportunity to get close to the Hell Monarch. It was a miscalculation that his princess consort
One day, they stopped to rest in a small grove by the main road. About a mile away, there was a clear, shallow stream. The weather was hot, so everyone rushed toward the water.Carmen washed her hands in the stream, but she couldn’t jump in and soak like the men. However, seeing them play so happily, she picked up a stick and started to dance by the water's edge. Although her movements lacked any deadly force, they were graceful and captivating. She danced on tiptoe, leaping and spinning, blending dance with martial arts in a visually pleasing manner.Caught up in the moment, everyone jumped out of the water and began to show off their own martial arts skills.Greta observed Rafael, noticing that his gaze lingered on Carmen with what seemed to be admiration. She exchanged a satisfied glance with Dustin. As expected, the Hell Monarch was indeed particularly attentive to women skilled in martial arts.After a long while, Rafael finally withdrew his gaze. He looked somewhat guilty as