Seeing the serious expression on Rafael's face, everyone sensed he had discovered something significant in the western courtyard.Rafael sat down, and Carissa quickly poured him some water. "Here, drink something. I'll have someone bring you the food we've got warming on the stove."He must be starving after going without food or drink in the dungeon overnight.Rafael gulped down the water, his throat as dry as a desert.Once Carissa had given her orders, she hurried back to the study.Before anyone could ask, Rafael spoke up, "Carissa, your uncle and his family are all safe. Fortunately, they didn't suffer any harm or beatings. They were just frightened from being locked in the dungeon."Carissa's eyes widened. "So, my uncle was really captured?""Yes, and it was a good thing he was there. Otherwise, his wife and children would have been scared half to death."Rafael poured himself another cup of water and downed it before continuing, "Most of the people in the dungeon were
"This time, it's not just about rescuing people. We've uncovered something much bigger. We of the Hell Monarch household won't be able to take the credit. Whoever risks their life gets the honor. Let's drop the topic of Mr. Warren for now. Please eat, Your Highness," Jacob said.Jacob didn't want to keep talking about Barrett, as he didn't want to make Carissa uncomfortable. Thus, he urged Rafael to eat and then clean up. The scent of the dungeon still clung to the prince.However, Violet wasn't quite satisfied. "Barrett still played a role in our plan, and that bothers me. I'd rather Michael get the credit!"She could never forget how Barrett had harmed Carissa and tried to seize her dowry. Even though they had fought side by side on the battlefield, they were simply not cut from the same cloth. Violet would always look down on Barrett.Jacob smiled. "Lord Brown will definitely get some credit. It's not like Mr. Warren will get sole credit. He didn't go into the dungeon alone, a
Salvador had certainly not anticipated uncovering such treasonous material. He had thought it would only be some vile secrets from the inner palace, but this was far beyond that. He initially wanted to intervene, yet he hesitated to issue a direct order regarding the affairs of Harmony Palace. Thus, he had opted to subtly influence things during the Emberfest Festival.Salvador wasn't entirely sure anyone would take action against Eleanor that night, but the recent rumors had been rampant. Whispers claimed that Samuel's courtesan was the daughter of a concubine from Eleanor's household. After sending people to investigate, Salvador learned that Henry had dealings with the Lester family, a prominent merchant clan in the city. Coincidentally, one of the Lester family's daughters had visited Hell Monarch Estate several times.These fragmented pieces of information didn't paint a complete picture, but as in previous years, Eleanor had invited high priests to pray at Harmony Palace du
Rafael lifted his gaze to assess Salvador's expression. "Yes," he said. "After their disappearance, both my household and the Sinclair family dispatched many people to search for them, but to no avail. It was only later that we considered the possibility of Aunt Eleanor's involvement. "We asked Carmen to inquire among the servants at Harmony Palace. That was how we learned that on the night Daniel's wife and children went missing, the household soldiers at Harmony Palace brought two children and a pregnant woman into the dungeon. That's when we pinpointed Harmony Palace as the source of the incident."However, I couldn't just barge in openly. I remembered that Aunt Eleanor usually invited high priests during the Emberfest Festival, and that the Garrison Unit and Capital Guard would focus their efforts on that area that night. So, we decided to use assassins to lure the capital and garrison guards into Harmony Palace, hoping they would rescue the captives."Salvador asked, "Is the
Rafael pretended to be in deep thought before replying, "As for the military generals, I currently have no suspects."Though Salvador found that answer unsatisfactory, he didn't lose his temper."The Supreme Court will investigate this case. I will assign people to look into the other matters separately.""Yes, Your Majesty."Salvador began to roll the emerald ring on his thumb. "You mentioned before that you don't plan to have children anytime soon, right?""That's right. We have no plans at the moment.""I see," Salvador replied thoughtfully. "Carissa is the deputy commander of the Mystic Army. Since you've taken on the role of Chief Judge, I intend to promote her to the position of commander of the Mystic Army."Rafael was taken aback. "You mean, with actual power?""Exactly. She'll assume the position with immediate effect."Rafael hesitated before saying, "But while there are precedents for female generals in our court, there are no examples of women holding such official
After Rafael left, Derek entered the royal study and said, "There's only an hour left before court begins, Your Majesty. Allow me to assist you in changing your attire.""Alright. Let's do it here," Salvador replied, gesturing with his hand.Derek stepped outside and called out, "Bring the griffin cloak. The king will change now."Before long, palace attendants entered, carrying the griffin motive cloak and a golden-threaded attire.Derek dismissed everyone and personally helped the king change. Although Salvador's expression still held anger, it had softened considerably since receiving the news.Salvador looked at Derek and asked, "You don't understand why I appointed Carissa as the commander of the Mystic Army, do you?"As Derek adjusted the belt, he replied, "Your wisdom is unmatched, Your Majesty. You must have your reasons for making this decision."Salvador spread his arms to allow Derek to adjust the underarms of his attire, his tone cool as he said, "What could possibly
After leaving the palace, Rafael made a quick stop at the estate to update Jacob, who had just fallen asleep, instructing him to wait until Carissa woke up before telling her the news.As soon as Jacob heard the news, he was wide awake. He had planned to ask Carissa to take him to see his sister once she was up, but now, he found himself pondering the implications of the king's unexpected actions.Sleep was no longer an option.When Carissa finally got up and dressed, Jacob approached her directly. "His Highness returned just now and mentioned that the king plans to promote you to the commander of the Mystic Army. You'll oversee the Capital Guard, the Garrison Unit, the Royal Guard, and the Crown Guard. However, I haven't quite grasped the king's intention behind this move."Carissa could hardly believe it. "A real position with work and authority?""Yes!"She was genuinely shocked. "There's never been a precedent for a woman serving at court in our kingdom. Even when Aurora di
When Violet woke up, the first thing she heard was that Carissa was about to join court as an official. Carissa would actually become the commander of the Mystic Army and oversee the Capital Guard, the Garrison Unit, the Royal Guard, and the Crown Guard.Violet felt like she was in a dream. She gasped several times before rubbing her eyes and asking, "Are you really going to be a government dog?"Carissa chuckled. "Are you talking about being a corrupt government official? Why can't I be a good one?""Then, you must be a righteous official!" Violet propped herself up on her elbow, tapping her chin with her finger. "Alright, you can definitely be a righteous official."Carissa remembered the times they had ventured through the martial world together. Back then, like all martial artists, they looked down on local officials, especially those known for their corruption. Those officials were often referred to as "government dogs".Of course, they had also encountered righteous offici
Snow fell softly in the dead of winter, blanketing Victory Pass in white. At that moment, the world seemed to have been made pure again.For years, I wore nothing but a tattered priest's robe. I carried a broken bowl and wandered from place to place, asking for food. I stopped only briefly at temples along the way to rest for a night or two and kneel before the statues to beg for forgiveness.I could have stayed at the first monastery I was sent to. Life there wasn't easy, but it wasn't so hard either. I had warm meals and shelter from the cold. But I knew if I stayed in comfort, I would never wash away my sins.Only by suffering, by staying on the road and bearing the cold, the hunger, the pain, could I find peace in my heart.And so, I came to Victory Pass.My sandals had long since fallen apart. Thick calluses had grown on my feet; I could walk barefoot over rocks and barely feel a thing. Even with every piece of clothing I owned layered over me, the winter cold still cut throug
It was during the Verdant Hunt that Connor fell out of favor with Dad, who scolded him harshly before we left the hunting grounds. Once we returned to the palace, Connor fell ill. Ryan and I were both terribly worried, but Mom was delighted.She held me close that evening, her smile sharper than usual. "After this, your father is sure to be tired of your brother."She told me I must work harder than ever, and to listen closely to the royal chancellor and my uncle."Study better than anyone. Earn their praise. And most importantly, outshine your brother," she said.My heart felt torn. Mom often spoke of the rewards that came with being crown prince, and I won't lie, I was tempted. However, those were all distant things.At the time, I was close to Connor, Ryan, and even our youngest brother, Cecil. We all got along so well. How could I possibly hate my older brother?Those thoughts tangled inside me, day after day. I lost focus. My studies slipped. I made mistakes during riding pra
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