Carissa turned her face away, a smile on her lips. It was only natural that she would have asked Sebastian to investigate. After all, men with self-respect weren’t exactly common in this world.Rafael gritted his teeth. "You actually think I'd have those kinds of diseases? I've been on the battlefield all this time! You didn't really suspect me, did you?"The soldiers swam back to shore as Carissa reached out to take Violet’s hand, completely ignoring her husband's question. Greta noticed Rafael's frustration and Carissa's haste to leave, as if the two were in the middle of a spat.The journey back to the capital was uneventful after that. By the time they returned, it was almost August.The Ministry of Protocol had long been aware of their arrival schedule, and news of their return had spread like wildfire across the capital. Filled with the purest of sentiments, the common people were naturally thrilled to see their heroes return. Crowds filled the streets, all eager for a glimps
Barrett was on duty today, tasked with helping the Capital Guard maintain order.As the eleven young soldiers rode past him one by one, he carefully studied each of their faces. When his gaze fell on Thomas, he noticed that the once-handsome, striking figure seemed less radiant than before. A mix of nostalgia and complex emotions stirred in his chest, along with a fleeting sense of inferiority.Heroes.Barrett had once been a hero too. When he returned from the Victory Pass battle, the citizens had cheered for him the same way.But now?Now, he had been reduced to a mere ninth-rank capital guard, stripped of the glory that once surrounded him. No longer the golden boy, no longer entrusted with important duties. Watching the eleven young soldiers, Barrett couldn't shake the sense of being worlds apart, like a speck of dirt beneath their feet.If he was ever going to rise again, it would have to be through his brother-in-law's support. Or perhaps, another war would break out, givin
Helen wiped away her tears as she listened to the servants report on the lively scene outside. She could only lament that she wasn't an ordinary commoner who was free to join in the festivities.The stories told by the storytellers over the past few days, which had been relayed to her by the servants, had moved her deeply. Yet, the tears she shed now weren't for the joyful festivities outside.No, they were because she heard that Carissa had locked herself in her room since returning and hadn't come out for a long time. Helen didn't have to guess why Carissa was upset. This grand reunion didn't include her, for her dad and brothers hadn't fallen in this same battle."Come here," Helen said, beckoning to her daughter-in-law, who had just bowed to greet her. "Come sit by my side."Carissa straightened up and walked over. But before she could properly sit down, Helen reached out and pulled the younger woman into her arms.As Helen was seated, that tug resulted in Carissa finding hers
Kiera's residence, Ivory Estate, was located in the palace district where the highest-ranking nobles resided. The common folk referred to it as Noble Street, and it was only about three or four miles from Royal Street.Ivory Estate was also conveniently close to Hell Monarch Estate, just a short distance away on foot. Of course, Helen had no intention of walking. They all traveled by carriage.Ivory Estate was already occupied by staff sent by the queen dowager, tasked with maintaining the property, cleaning, and tending the garden. A number of flower trees had already been planted, and potted plants adorned the grounds.Salvador had been quite generous to Kiera. The estate was vast, with a grand and imposing front courtyard, while the rear was filled with bright and spacious rooms.In the garden, a lake had been dug. It was surrounded by pavilions, towers, rockeries, and arched bridges, with water flowing gently throughout. The surroundings created a peaceful and serene atmosphere
After the excitement outside died down, the members of the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team all returned to their respective homes, except for the two from Stonebrook District, Scott and Wilfred. Jacob took them to stay at Northwatch Estate, where they would await the king's summons the next day.When Thomas stepped into the Farrell family's residence, Alice couldn't stop crying. She clung to her son, sobbing continuously until she nearly fainted from exhaustion. The other family members consoled her while shedding their own tears, and eventually managed to help Alice sit down, allowing everyone to finally speak calmly.In the Farrell family, there weren't many sons left. Several members of the third branch of the family had fallen in battle. Thomas' return was a great comfort to everyone.He knelt before each of his elders to greet them. The oldest member of the family, the patriarch of the third branch of the family, broke down in tears. Soon, everyone was wiping their eyes.Af
The next day, Carmen and Greta arrived at Hell Monarch Estate to return the horse. They also brought along gifts of gratitude. Luke met with them, but after waiting for a while without seeing Carissa, they decided to take their leave.As they were leaving, they happened to see Violet.She greeted Carmen warmly, saying, "Ms. Lester, you've come to return the horse? The people in the estate have been busy these past few days. Let's talk and discuss martial arts in a few days."Carmen curtsied politely. "Thank you for your kindness, Ms. Spencer. I will certainly come to seek your guidance after some time."With a smile, Violet waved her hand. "You should head back now. I have my own tasks to attend to."As Greta and Carmen climbed into a carriage, Greta muttered, "Why take the long way around? You didn't see the Hell Monarch's princess consort today, but Ms. Spencer was quite enthusiastic. I think you should start with her. If you can get in good with her, you'll have more freedom to
The eighth of August was Kiera's wedding day.Unlike typical noble ladies, Kiera and Helen returned to the palace the night before, with Carissa naturally accompanying them. Henrietta and Meredith stayed close, hoping to ease Kiera's nerves about her wedding and share some secrets about navigating life with a prince consort.Henrietta said, "The Quinton and Young families are among the most distinguished scholarly families in Starhaven. They have a reputation for being harmonious, though they do have their rules. But honestly, how could their rules compare to those of the royal palace?"Besides, you're a princess with your own estate. You don't need to worry about their opinions. Your mother-in-law and father-in-law are both kind-hearted people. Your father-in-law is almost childlike. If you ever want to visit the Quinton family for a bit, no one would dare give you trouble."Kiera was well aware of these details. Her father-in-law had suffered a head injury at a young age, and her
On the day of Kiera's grand wedding, the Quinton family's residence was abuzz with activity.The dowry had been delivered to Ivory Estate the day before, but the wedding ceremony and banquet were to take place at the Quinton family's residence. The threshold of their estate was nearly worn down from the countless guests who streamed in to celebrate.Before Eleanor arrived at the Quinton family's residence for the feast, she allowed Carmen a brief visit to Harmony Palace.Melanie Lester remained imprisoned in Harmony Palace's dungeon, a place reeking of decay. Each day, the door would open for just an hour to air out the stench, a supposed act of kindness from Eleanor, who claimed it was out of compassion.But it wasn't just Melanie who was imprisoned there. Several other concubines and servants who had erred shared her fate. Once someone entered the dungeon, there was little hope of escape. The foul odor was tinged with the scent of blood.As Carmen stepped into the dungeon, an ov