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
Meanwhile, the wedding banquet at the Quinton family's residence was buzzing with excitement.To make an effort to uphold the third branch's reputation, the head of the Quinton family, Malcolm Quinton, who was also the current Civil Minister and the father of the queen, invited all the influential officials and nobles of the capital.This included the Warren family.Although the Warren family was now on the decline among the powerful, their ancestors had indeed produced a great general. Otherwise, how would they have Valor Estate? As a key official in court and the king's father-in-law, Malcolm was naturally expected to treat everyone fairly.The Farrell family members were also among the guests.On the third day after the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team returned, a royal edict was delivered to every member. Thomas was promoted to third-rank major general, while Felix was elevated to fourth-rank general. As for Lawrence, he was granted the title of Earl of Dunewind, and his wi
"Madam Viola!" Zoey's maid, Jane, called out as she hurried over. "What are you doing here?"Viola turned away, her face pale as she murmured, "I heard he's now a third-rank major general.""Who are you talking about, Madam Viola? It's best not to gossip about others," Jane replied.She had spent many years by Zoey's side and knew exactly who Viola was referring to. She sought to remind Viola to tread carefully.But Viola seemed oblivious to Jane's warning, saying, "The king only made my brother a major general before he left for the Southern Frontier. A major general is the main commander responsible for defending a region. Which region would he be stationed at?"Jane's tone turned serious, "Madam Viola, you should be more concerned about your husband. He's here today too."Her heart filled with bitterness, Viola appeared not to hear Jane's words, continuing, "What merit did he achieve to earn such a reward? Lady Kayla's husband was granted an earldom, and now she has a noble ti
The next day, Viola dressed with care. She pinned a peony blossom in her hair before heading out with Poppy. She had a specific destination in mind. If she found him there, it would confirm that Thomas still held her in his heart.At the base of Richspire Peak, there was a stream. About halfway up, the stream flowed down a steep slope, forming a small waterfall. Whenever Thomas felt upset, couldn't figure something out, or struggled to make a decision, he would come here to practice his swordsmanship. He had brought her to this spot once before.As they climbed, Poppy supported her. However, Poppy grew increasingly uneasy as they ventured further from civilization. "Madam Viola, where are we going? It's still so hot. Do you think you can handle it?""We're almost there." Viola felt exhausted, but it wasn't like she could ride a carriage up this mountain. It had been years since she had walked such a rugged path. She paused to catch her breath, casting a cold glance at Poppy. "