Helen randomly picked up a hairpin. There was a gemstone set into its head, and she recognized the handicraft of the product all too well. It was from The Gilded Tower, which sold imitations of The Golden Tower's merchandise.She picked up a bracelet and examined its craftsmanship, which was of similar quality. There were dozens of such items. Combined with the banknotes and ingots, the items on the table roughly totaled a thousand silver coins.At first, Helen thought Janice might have stolen them. However, who in Hell Monarch Estate would buy and use jewelry from The Gilded Tower? After all, Helen had already sold off any such items she owned to distance herself from them."Lily, take everyone else out for now. I'll interrogate her with my mother-in-law," Carissa ordered."Understood." Lily waved her hand and led everyone else out, including Mindy and Sonia. Both looked equally shocked. They had shared a room with Janice and had no idea she possessed such wealth.Violet entered
Helen's question revealed that she had guessed Janice had accepted a bribe and betrayed the Hell Monarch's family. She just didn't know who had bought Janice off."Grand Princess Eleanor," Carissa said softly.Helen's anger flared. "What does she want? When did it start?""It's likely Janice was already under Grand Princess Eleanor's thumb while you were still in the palace. Wasn't Grand Princess Eleanor doing business with you back then? Janice must have sung her praises to you repeatedly," Carissa explained.Helen narrowed her eyes. She recalled the past and became increasingly furious. "She didn't just say nice things. She practically bragged about her! She claimed Grand Princess Eleanor's reputation for virtue was widespread, and that she was highly respected among the noble families in the capital. She also claimed Grand Princess Eleanor was so skilled at handling things that everyone praised her, making her sound more capable than even my sister. It almost made me respect h
Meanwhile, Rafael had already infiltrated Harmony Palace but had yet to reach the dungeon.Harmony Palace's dungeon had four entrances. The craftsmen who originally built it were long dead, silenced after the fact. However, Jacob had managed to find the son of the foreman. The foreman's son possessed a set of blueprints from that time, which was how they obtained the dungeon's layout.The dungeon was roughly half the size of Harmony Palace, dug deep into the ground. Bricks were used during construction, dividing the space into four separate cell blocks—north, south, east, and west.Each entrance corresponded to one of the cell blocks, with the eastern cell block accessible through the western courtyard. The purpose of what lay within remained a mystery, but it was clear that the southern and eastern blocks weren't meant for imprisonment. Based on the blueprints, they were simply two large underground chambers.In contrast, the northern and western cell blocks were designed for hold
"Sir, may I inquire where this place is?" Daniel asked urgently. "Why have you taken our family captive? Have I offended you or your family? If I have, I offer my apologies here. But my wife and children are innocent. Please let them go. If you have a grudge, take it out on me. Do what you will, whether to kill or torture me.""When the time to kill you comes, I fear you'll just hide behind your wife and children. You're a worthless coward. Just shut up," Henry replied coldly.The drug in Daniel's system was nearly gone. He leaned against the small window, peering outside. "I won't hide. Just let my wife and children go. I don't care how I die.""I loathe your kind—the ones who pretend to be brave. It's as if you look down on a prince consort like me," Henry retorted. Then, he turned away icily and stepped into one of the cells.Eleanor had forbidden Henry from visiting during the Emberfest Festival, so he decided to hide in the dungeon to accompany Melanie Lester. He had bribed th
However, Jack and Curtis continued to tremble all over. One moment, they were safe at home. The next, a group of rough men had dragged them here and imprisoned them. The oldest of the two children had yet to reach eight. How could they not be afraid?Thalia was equally terrified, but as a mother, she steeled herself. Pushing aside her fear and worry, she joined her husband in comforting their two sons.But when the couple exchanged glances, their eyes were filled with despair and helplessness.Rafael listened to Daniel and Thalia's words in the cell next door. He couldn't help but feel a swell of admiration. His father-in-law's spirit truly radiated through every son of the Sinclair family, especially considering that Daniel had little interaction with Hector. Daniel was just a businessman, but he still possessed such unwavering resolve. Theodore had taught them well.What did it mean to be a true noble family? They embodied it. Even without many officials in the court, the
Under Theodore's guidance, the Sinclair family maintained their composure. He dispatched people to the Capital Guard and the Garrison Unit barracks, then awaited the Royal Citadel's opening time to file a report. The Sinclair family followed all proper protocols.Theodore trusted that Rafael and Carissa knew the situation and wouldn't look the other way. They had their way of handling things. Since the Sinclair family primarily consisted of businesspeople and ordinary citizens, they would tackle this as ordinary folk would.The Royal Citadel officials quickly initiated an investigation. Thalia and her two children had vanished late at night without passing through the main or side entrances of the residences, which meant they had been abducted. As part of the routine procedure, the Royal Citadel officials needed to inquire if the family had offended anyone upon their return to the capital.As the officials searched for the missing family members and took statements, the matter caugh
Salvador's expression was a mixture of anger and confusion. However, Derek knew him well and understood that Salvador was furious with the Royal Management Department for their incompetence.No one believed Heather could be behind this. Even if it were her, there was no way she would have bribed Janice with all that jewelry and money just to speak favorably of herself. There was more to this than met the eye. If Rafael thought there was nothing suspicious, he wouldn't have sent the maid back to the palace. He must have discovered something but chose not to investigate further, opting to send her back to the Royal Management Department instead. This attitude made it clear he wanted to avoid getting too entangled in the mess.Yet, the Royal Management Department hadn't obtained any useful information after the maid was sent to them. How could Salvador not be furious?With a grim expression, Salvador said, "Get the royal physician to keep her alive. Even if she's hanging on by a
Derek lowered his head, his expression shifting slightly. However, he respectfully replied, "I've heard of it, but I didn't think much of it. The Hell Monarch received your sacred order to head to the Southern Frontier battlefield. He lived up to your expectations and successfully reclaimed the Southern Frontier."He does deserve credit, and you have acknowledged his merits before the kingdom's people. I believe the Hell Monarch has accomplished this as a loyal subject. But rulers will always come first when it comes to great achievements recorded throughout history."Salvador chuckled. "You're always playing little tricks when talking to me, Derek. I'm not that petty, and I'm not afraid of someone with too much merit. I'm just puzzled about one thing. If the people want to build a shrine to honor the Hell Monarch, why didn't they propose it when he first returned to the capital after reclaiming the Southern Frontier? That was when their emotions were at their peak."He picked up
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