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
As the sun set and cast a warm glow over the city, Caspian stepped out of the Ministry of Infrastructure, where a carriage was already waiting for him.Before he climbed aboard, he said, "Let's head to the end of Jubilant Street first. My wife mentioned a couple of days ago that she wanted to have Harold's ravioli. I want to buy some fresh ones to cook at home.""I'm afraid he won't be set up yet," the coachman, Charles, replied.Harold's ravioli stall only opened at night. The capital was thriving, and both Jubilant Street and Beacon Street buzzed with activity when night fell."It's almost time. We can wait a bit once we get there," Caspian said with a wave of his hand.Charles chuckled. "You really care for your wife, don't you, sir?"Caspian playfully tapped Charles on the head and smiled. "She's a good woman who married me and is raising our children. How could I not treat her well? And you'd best take care of Jenny too."Charles nodded and grinned. "I understand, sir."Ch
When the freshly-cooked ravioli was served, the aroma wafted through the air."Thank you for letting me go first, Mr. Prince. Next time you come to my shop for coffee beans, I'll be sure to give you a discount," Ava said with a smile.Caspian regarded her with curiosity. "How much of a discount?"Ava blinked playfully, her eyes sparkling. "How much of a discount would you like, Mr. Prince?"With her sweet appearance and a hint of innocent charm, she resembled a beautiful flower in full bloom. Even the most steadfast gentleman might feel his heart flutter at such a sight. However, Caspian seemed oblivious to her beauty and was instead focused on the matter at hand."You should give me the same as whatever you give Lord Snyder," he said.Ava giggled, her eyes twinkling. "That won't do! Since you were kind enough to let me have the ravioli first, I must repay you properly. How about this—if you come in person and buy a pound, I'll throw in half a pound for free?""It's a deal," Cas
Of course, Caspian had no idea that Ava was interested in him. If he had been that astute and clever, he would have held a position far beyond that of a mere junior official in the Ministry of Infrastructure.When he returned home, everyone was waiting for him to eat. He handed the ravioli to a servant, instructing them to boil it quickly so everyone could enjoy some."I was wondering why you were so late. Was it because you went to buy some ravioli? Look at you—you've got your wife on your mind and have forgotten all about your mom. You left her hungry and waiting for you," Zoey teased.Caspian quickly apologized, but feeling a bit defensive, he explained, "I could have been home earlier, but Harold was so slow. Plus, Ms. Weaver cut in line. She claimed she was starving and asked me to let her and her servant go first. That's why I was delayed.""Ms. Weaver?" Zoey repeated curiously, raising an eyebrow.She knew her brother-in-law well—he usually didn't associate with women. Who
Pigeons from Skywing Spire flew haphazardly across the land, exchanging messages relentlessly. After several days of flight, the birds arrived in the capital two evenings before the Emberfest Festival.Claire and the others sorted and compiled the messages into a letter, which was delivered to Hell Monarch Estate that night.Claire handed the letter to Violet, who didn't even bother to open it. Instead, she called everyone to the study and asked Jacob to read it first. Since it concerned Jaina, it was more appropriate for him to see it first.After Jacob finished reading, the veins on his forehead bulged. "This is absurd! It's clearly a conspiracy. That so-called rescue was all meticulously designed."Rafael read the letter, then briefly summarized it, explaining, "The troublemakers were local thugs hired to cause chaos. The ones pulling the strings were the people from the largest estate in Stonebridge County, which belongs to Aunt Eleanor. She always stays there whenever she visi
The Farrell family had remained silent for quite some time. After several reminders from Eleanor, Gemma had no choice but to visit the Farrell family's residence in person.Upon arriving, she learned that Thomas had gone to Stonebrook District to visit Wilfred, a member of the former Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team. Apparently, Wilfred had encountered a mishap, so Thomas had rushed there with Felix, the adopted son of the Quinton family.Alice expressed her apologies, "This should have been settled long ago, but that stubborn boy insisted on checking on his comrade before making any arrangements. I don't understand his thinking, but I'm very keen on Ms. Sanford. When I saw her the other day, my eyes lit up so brightly as I wished I could bring her home as a daughter-in-law right then and there."Alice's sincerity, coupled with her obvious affection for Lisette, convinced Gemma.She said, "Even though Thomas is not in the capital, you two did have a chance to talk. Didn't you ask
Given the circumstances, Henry was willing to cooperate. Their son would bear the Kingsley surname, and he would undoubtedly stand united with the Marquis of Grovehill's family in the future."I'll talk to them when I get back," Henry promised."The Emberfest Festival is approaching. Have you invited Reverend Zane?" Eleanor asked."I have. This time, we've invited eight high priests, including Reverend Zane. I'll go personally to escort them early on the day."Eleanor nodded and was extra gracious as she said, "Then, have your mother come as well, but you must tell her that it's an all-nighter. If she can't handle it, she shouldn't come.""She can handle it. She's been a devout believer for many years and has always wanted to participate," Henry quickly assured.Among the ladies attending the festival were Natalie, Mildred, and Hannah—all prominent matriarchs of distinguished families whose husbands or sons held significant positions at court.Also, these women were known for be
A carriage rolled out of the city, carrying Daniel on a trip to Serenvale. He was in a hurry as there had been a few issues at a factory there. Though it was nothing too serious, his dad had insisted he go personally to handle it.Daniel had been living in Serenvale for some time, but since his wife was pregnant, he had sent her back to the capital to prepare for childbirth. He figured he could hand off the factory's affairs to the shopkeeper and return to the capital to pursue some other business ventures.Having married at twenty, he was already a father with two sons, so he hoped they would have a daughter this time. In his family, taking a concubine was rare, and he had no plans to do so. He shared a deep bond with his wife, whom he had always brought along on business trips. Now, as their focus shifted back to the capital, their little family of four—soon to be five—would settle in the city.Daniel hadn't visited Carissa, but had gone to the academy to see Ryan. His teacher was
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