But Jaina had spent her childhood navigating the world alongside Lucas, and she had learned that human nature was far more complex. She had no familial ties with Eleanor, yet the latter had saved her and was supposedly looking for a husband for her. It all felt improbable.Jaina had been in the capital for a while, and Eleanor never mentioned anything about a marriage proposal. Jaina was 25 years old now, and if Eleanor genuinely intended to arrange a match for her, Eleanor would have brought it up by now.In truth, Jaina wasn't entirely sure how old she was. Lucas had said she was around seven or eight when he rescued her, so by that estimation, she must be in her mid-twenties now. Furthermore, Eleanor held many banquets held at her palace. If she had any desire to present Jaina, she would have done so by now. Yet every time, Jaina found herself locked away in the courtyard. She couldn't even step outside her room. The old maid explained that she hadn't learned the proper etiq
When Jaina returned to Grovehill Estate, Gemma immediately approached her, eager to know what had transpired. Gemma was a respected lady of a marquis' family, and she would normally never treat a troupe performer with such kindness. She only did it because it was a favor to Eleanor.However, Jaina's eyes were red, which was clearly a sign of losing her composure. Gemma couldn't help but ask sharply, "Have you been crying? Did you do it in front of them?"Jaina pressed her hand to her chest, looking as though she was still shaken. "Madam Gemma, you don't understand. We went to Glimmering Tower, and we had a private room on the top floor. It was supposed to be the highest floor in the building, but Ms. Spencer wanted to test my courage. She said that since Thomas comes from a military background, I must be brave if I was to be his wife. She took my hand and flew to the very top! It was terrifying! I didn't cry in front of her, but the wind up there was so strong it made my eyes wat
Violet returned to the palace, and called Carissa and Jacob to the study. Rafael was still not back at the time. Jacob was anxious to hear the news, so he didn't want to wait for Rafael to return.Violet's first words brought tears to Jacob's eyes. "Jacob, I'm sure she's your sister."Since Violet had left, he had been restless. He hadn't been able to sleep the night before, and dark circles hung under his eyes. When Violet returned, he had just gathered himself to ask her about it when she spoke up first.He was momentarily stunned—then, tears streamed down his face.Carissa and Violet were still present, and he trembled as he made his way to the desk. He sat down, and rested his forehead against the surface for what felt like an eternity. Finally, he looked up with red-rimmed eyes and asked, "Are you sure, Ms. Spencer? You must take responsibility for your words.""I'm sure of it. She even mentioned some past events, and shared many memories she remembered. There were some det
Carissa interrupted, "You mentioned that the performance troupe was repeatedly disrupted a few years ago. How exactly were they disrupted? Did she say anything about it?""Yes, some scoundrels smashed up their equipment. They bought replacements several times, only to have them destroyed again. It made Lucas so furious, he was nearly foaming at his mouth.""When did this happen?" Carissa pressed."She said it was five years ago, and it went on for about six months.""I see. Make a note that Eleanor might have visited Stonebridge County five years ago, or she could have sent someone there," Carissa instructed Jacob.Jacob nodded. "Thank you for reminding me, Your Grace. I was so focused on Ms. Spencer's story that I completely forgot we still need to investigate Grand Princess Eleanor's so-called rescue."Jacob had never been so careless before. He realized he was too excited this time.Violet continued, "After the performance troupe disbanded, everyone scattered for a few months
The pressing issue at hand was how Thomas intended to delay the engagement.The Marquis of Grovehill's family would undoubtedly push hard for a resolution, and it would depend on how Thomas handled the situation by dragging things out.According to their speculation, Jaina would become a pawn for Eleanor if Thomas refused. There were two options—either Jaina would be married off as a concubine to Henry, or wed to an elderly man as a secondary wife or a concubine in his household.As for asking Thomas to agree to the engagement first, that wouldn't work either. Thomas clearly had no interest. Alice might have liked the idea at first, but once she realized it was a setup, she certainly wouldn't agree.Even if the two families ultimately saw eye to eye and genuinely wanted to arrange a marriage, Jaina's representative for her family should be Jacob, not someone from the Marquis of Grovehill's family. Jacob would never allow his sister to be mistreated again.After the emotional rol
Henry emerged from the dungeon of Harmony Palace, dragging his heavy feet toward the side hall where Eleanor awaited him.After meeting Carissa and learning about their plans, he shared them with Eleanor, which gave him the opportunity to visit the dungeon. He managed to bring some food and clothing for Melanie Lester, and even took her on a stroll in the courtyard outside the dungeon. However, informing Eleanor of Carissa's plan meant he had already abandoned Carmen.Henry had no choice but to proceed this way. Initially, he had been forced into the situation, but now, he was in too deep to turn back. The Marquis of Grovehill's family and Eleanor's household were tightly intertwined, leaving Henry with no option but to obey Eleanor's orders.As he entered the side hall, Eleanor dismissed those around her with a wave of her hand and said coolly, "Have a seat."Henry sat down. "Thank you, Your Highness."Eleanor sipped her coffee, and said nothing. Henry didn't say anything, eith
Eleanor waved her hand, and dismissed Henry.Did he think she couldn't see the disdain in his eyes? The more he loathed her, the more she wanted him to remember that he and Grovehill Estate would forever be her subordinates.Once Henry left, Eleanor summoned Florence. "Henry is coming tonight. Light the lamps early, and don't forget to burn the incense. Also, make sure he drinks the herbal tonic before he enters the room.""I understand, Your Highness," Florence replied.Eleanor closed her eyes, her expression uncertain. Florence hesitated before speaking again, "Your Highness, you've never been fond of getting intimate with the prince consort. Why force yourself?"Still keeping her eyes shut, Eleanor let out a barely audible sigh. "I just suddenly thought of someone.""Lord Henry is who he is, and that other person is simply that. Every time you share a bed with the prince consort, you never seem happy," Florence pointed out. Having been her wet nurse, Florence held a high posit
Eleanor smiled at Florence. "Why are you so worried? I haven't captured him yet. I've only gathered some information. On the thirtieth of September, he plans to leave for Serenvale with a coachman and servant. I'll have all of them brought back to Harmony Palace and locked up in the dungeon. Who will notice that they've gone missing? Once the Emberfest Festival is over, there'll be plenty of time for me to make my move on him."Florence felt her heart tighten. "Your Highness, General Sinclair was ungrateful and cruel to you. Why do you want to bear a child from the Sinclair family? Though Lord Henry is cowardly, he's still your rightful husband."A bitter taste rose in Eleanor's mouth, stemming from the depth of her heart.She pressed her fist against her temple and closed her eyes, hissing her next words through clenched teeth, "He was unfeeling and wanted nothing to do with me. I won't give him the satisfaction. I'll bear a child from the Sinclair family, so he'll never know peace
Before I took the vows and entered the monastery, my name was Caden.From the time I was young, I often heard the same praise whispered around me: "This child is sharp beyond his years—clever, quick-witted, the finest of the three princes."I heard it so often that I came to believe it myself. At times, I even felt proud. But whenever I let that pride rise too high, Mom would bring me back to earth.She would look at me, her eyes soft but filled with something I couldn't quite name—pity, perhaps. And then, she would sigh and say, "What a pity you were born of my womb. If not, you might have risen above that foolish one. But fate favored him, not you."That "foolish one"—I knew well enough who she meant. I had heard her say it so many times in private, though never once in public.It puzzled me greatly as a child. Mom clearly disliked my eldest brother, Connor, more than anyone. Yet, whenever he came near, she would smile warmly and speak kindly. She would even flatter him, calling
Two childhood friends were now each giving their all on very different paths.Clarence had started with herbs, then medicine, and in time, healing became his entire world at Eldermere Keep. At first, it was merely something to pour his heart into, because he knew he would never be allowed to leave the mountain and open a medical hall of his own.But then Ryan came, and afterward, sent Clarence a letter.That letter changed everything.For the first time, Clarence began to hope that maybe, just maybe, he could go down the mountain after all. And once that hope took root, he threw himself into his studies with more energy than ever before. He barely slept, rarely left the apothecary, and sometimes forgot to eat.Because of the pain he had once endured, he focused his efforts on curing injuries and chronic pain. Of course, a good physician had to know more than one thing, so he studied every field without neglecting any.There was a fire inside him now. A quiet flame that had not bur
"Elise, must your mouth run on without end?" Carissa frowned at her daughter, who had been chattering away beside Ryan from the moment he stepped through the door.The little girl's face was flushed from the sun, her hair tangled into a messy nest that made it clear she had only just returned from playing outdoors. She hadn't stopped talking since Ryan came back from his travels, pestering him with questions about what he had seen and done.Elise turned to Carissa with wide eyes, looking up with a face so innocent it could soften stone. She truly had inherited the best features from both her parents."Mom, I haven't seen Ryan in such a long time. Every moment without him felt like an eternity. We've been apart for so long, so of course I have a lot to say to him."Carissa's frown deepened. "And who taught you to speak in such a ridiculous manner? An eternity—where did that come from?""Sage Isaac said it to Aunt Violet. He went back to Meadow Ridge for a few days and said it to her
Though Ryan had told Cecil he was going on a journey, he didn't stay long at Eldermere Keep. After just seven days, he left and made his way to the Pathfinders Guild.He had initially planned to return to the capital to seek out Claire, but soon reconsidered. Instead of troubling her, he thought it best to directly ask Winona to teach him the art of disguise.It was not difficult to learn, but to do it well—to the point where no one could tell—was another matter. Such skill could not be acquired in just a few months.The simpler form of disguise involved merely altering one's features with makeup and slight adjustments to the face. This was fine for ordinary situations, but could easily be seen through in more challenging circumstances, like on a rainy day for instance.Therefore, Ryan knew he couldn't settle for such a basic method.The more advanced form of disguise involved creating a mask as a false face. However, these masks had their own set of problems. They were thick, unco
That evening, Ryan and Clarence sat by candlelight and spoke quietly. They avoided discussing court politics as Clarence had no interest in such matters. As long as the kingdom was peaceful, that was enough for him.He was no longer the eldest prince of Starhaven, and only had himself to look after now. Everything else had faded into the past.It was better not to speak of politics; it was too sensitive a topic. In his younger years, Clarence hadn't understood why his "death" was so tied to such matters. But over the years, Sebastian had explained everything to him, bit by bit, including the risks and consequences.The bond between Clarence and Cecil was not without affection. However, to gamble with one's life and future for the sake of family might not be the wisest choice for any of them.Clarence had come to terms with it. Life had to go on; it was better to live it well today than to wonder about tomorrow."Aunt Carissa said you're no longer able to stand, but you were walking
The azaleas of Eldermere Keep bloomed in a riot of color, spreading across the hills in a blaze of purple and red. The sight was enough to dazzle anyone who set eyes upon it, especially those who had never visited this secluded place. It was the kind of beauty that made one long to stay forever.Yet, there was one exception.A young man rode his horse to the base of the mountain, dismounted, and secured his steed. Without a glance at the dazzling scene around him, he began to walk the path up the mountain, his gaze fixed firmly on the road ahead.The vivid azaleas stretched out along either side of the path, reaching out as if to claim him, but he merely brushed them aside with a casual swipe of his hand.His pace was swift, and he occasionally used his Lightfoot Skill. Eldermere Keep was not high up, but its location was well-hidden, with many winding paths leading in. However, he had studied the map countless times before embarking on this journey, so the route to the keep was et
Rafael glanced at the robe. "Isn't that mine? Are you saying I've gotten fat? I'm not fat.""Oh, is it yours? It's too long, then. I'll have someone alter it for me," Carissa replied casually.Rafael shook his head. "If you want something loose, just have someone make it for you. Why bother altering my old clothes? It's not even comfortable.""I'm going to Meadow Ridge for a year. Wearing your clothes will make it feel like you're still with me," Carissa said with a bright smile, as if the idea of being apart for a year was no more serious than being apart for a day."A year?" Rafael looked shocked. "You're going back for a whole year? Why?""Well, of course, my mentor misses me, and I miss him too," Carissa replied, placing her hands on her hips as she handed the robe to Lulu, who was standing by with a hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh."But I won't leave right away. Since Ryan is about to inherit the duke's title, I'll wait until that's settled before I go back to Meado
On the 13th day of winter, Salvador suddenly woke up feeling clearer than before. Saying he was hungry, he specifically asked for beef stew and milk pastries.Derek hurried to make the necessary arrangements. When the food arrived, Octavia sat by the bed as she had done many times before, ready to feed him. But Salvador insisted he wanted to sit up to eat himself.Derek gently helped the king sit up, placing a soft cushion behind him to support his back. Salvador had grown so thin that he seemed to be nothing but skin and bones. His body slouched as he sat, so Derek had to kneel beside the bed, holding his waist to keep him steady.Salvador finished an entire bowl of stew, eating it all without leaving a single bit behind. Then, he picked up a small milk pastry. But after a bite, he felt a little nauseous, so he didn't eat any more.Sebastian sent word to Victoria. After a brief conversation, her face turned pale and tears started to fall almost immediately. Though she had tried to
Once back at the palace, Salvador was unable to rise from his bed. Sebastian spoke briefly with him, hinting that he didn't have much time left. If there was anyone he wished to see, it should be done as soon as possible.The first person Salvador wanted to see was, of course, Victoria."That child… When he saw me, he couldn't stop asking about you. You didn't love him in vain, Mom," Salvador murmured, his voice weak.Victoria sighed deeply. "How cruel... his life must be lived hidden away in the mountains, never able to leave. Is there truly no hope for his legs?""I believe there is no hope," Salvador replied softly, his lips pale and drained of color. "But as I was leaving, he said, 'Dad, once I've learned enough medicine, I'll cure you. I'll make you better.'"Victoria's heart ached. "What a good child."Salvador's gaze drifted to the ceiling, his voice barely a whisper as he repeated, "Yes, he is a good child."After speaking with Victoria, Salvador asked Rafael to bring in