Tears instantly welled up in Carissa's eyes. “You can’t blame her. Now, I’m the only one left in my family.”That was something she hadn’t shared with her friends. It was her deepest pain, something she couldn’t talk about without trembling with grief.Travis and Bun abruptly threw back the curtain, their faces showing shock and horror in the darkness. They exchanged a stunned glance with Cynthia and Violet, and said in unison, “What?!”Carissa buried her head in her knees, hot tears streaming down her face. “They were killed by Westhaven spies lurking in the capital. All the spies from Westhaven were mobilized, and my entire family was wiped out. At that time, I was still Barrett’s wife and living at the Valor Estate, so I avoided that massacre. But if I hadn’t married, they might still be alive.”Her friends were horrified.The destruction of an entire family was a devastating blow.The four of them moved closer, embracing Carissa and sharing her grief. “Carissa, don’t cr
In the command tent outside Tower City, Rafael leaned forward over the desk, his tall figure tense with excitement. His eyes shone brightly, like stars in the night sky.“Send the order: we will launch a major attack at dawn. Once we capture Ilyrian, we’ll have plenty of food, meat, warm clothes, blankets, and all the supplies we need. The Westhaven forces are rich, and have brought tons of supplies to the Southern Frontier.”At the mention of meat, everyone’s eyes lit up. Rafael's forces had been enduring hunger for too long; they were eager to devour anything they could get their hands on!Unfurling a map, Rafael pointed to a small circle on Ilyrian, and called Carissa forward. He indicated the circle with a slender, dark finger. “Commander Sinclair. After we breach the city, you will take three thousand troops straight to Serene District. The supplies will be stockpiled there. Sandoria and Westhaven have many wounded, so they will prioritize moving them first once the city fall
Rafael acted decisively, immediately ordering the troops to prepare. By midnight, the war drums began to beat, and the attack horns sounded.Today was only the first day of the siege, and the Westhaven-Sandoria coalition inside Ilyrian would never expect a second assault in the early morning hours.The crossbow machines were activated, and archers took their positions. Though bonfires lighted the city walls, Starhaven's attacking forces remained hidden.It was like they were out in the open under the light, while the Hell Monarch's army pushed forward from the shadows.Carissa and her team moved swiftly toward the city gate on horseback. As they neared the city, they used their momentum to leap into the air, charging up to the city towers. Carissa’s Rose Spear pierced through the soldiers controlling the crossbow machines, and then she shattered the machines with a single blow.The archers aimed at her, but Rafael quickly soared up, his golden armor gleaming in the firelight. So
Sweat mixed with blood streamed down from Carissa's face, and in the freezing weather, it quickly turned into ice. The heat hadn't even faded before the cold had seeped into her bones.“Carissa…” Bun panted heavily, frost clinging to his eyelashes. “Shouldn’t we help them? Aren’t we just going to stay here and guard the supply depot?”“Orders are orders. We’ve been told to guard the supply depot, so we guard it,” Carissa replied, leaning against the wall. Though she was wearing golden armor, she had been stabbed in her arm twice. There was no bleeding or pain, but it left her feeling cold and uncomfortable.She glanced at her companions, all of whom were injured and their armor in tatters. It had been a ruthless battle.“Is everyone okay?” she asked, concerned.Violet waved her hand weakly, too exhausted to speak.The sight of the fallen around them—some enemy, some comrades—was deeply distressing.The enemy forces continued their assault. Carissa sprang to her feet, and shout
“Carissa, take a bath and change into clean clothes. I’ll take you somewhere,” Rafael said.Carissa looked up, and asked, “Where are we going?”“You’ll find out when we get there. Everyone else, please leave. I need to bathe and change clothes as well,” Rafael said. Carissa and the generals complied, and exited the tent.In such cold weather, taking a bath required a lot of hot water. Fortunately, Ilyrian had an ample supply of firewood. It had been challenging to get a hot drink, even in the camp outside Tower City. Taking a bath was a luxury.Since Carissa held an official position now, Rafael had sent a criminal slave to attend to her. The criminal slave, who was about forty years old and smelled terrible, was called Thirteen. She used to run a small business in Heartshire City. Due to a business dispute, she smashed a vase on a competitor's head. The competitor didn't die, but ended up becoming mentally challenged. She was sentenced to be exiled to the military camp as a
Carissa and Rafael arrived at a small hill. The leaves had long fallen, and the hill had little vegetation. The paths were numerous, leading to higher terrain. The wind howled, sounding like a chorus of mournful ghosts.Rafael stood on the hilltop with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing at a path to the left. Beside the path stood a blank monument.“The people of Ilyrian erected that blank monument for your father. He stood alone on that path, despite being struck by numerous arrows, and still held his ground with his sword,” he said.Carissa’s eyes filled with tears. Even though she knew Rafael had brought her to the place where her father had died and had mentally prepared herself, the pain in her heart was still overwhelming.“He was leading the troops here at that time, cutting off Sandoria's supply chain to Ilyrian. He wanted to fight with all his might, but after enduring continuous sieges, his troops were exhausted. At that time, the king had just ascended the throne
Since Salvador received the first military report, his blood had been boiling with excitement."Carissa Sinclair, Hector Sinclair's daughter, the legitimate heiress of the Duke of Northwatch—who knew she would be so outstanding? She's even surpassed Aurora Yates!"When Salvador got the news that Ilyrian had been captured, he slapped the table and laughed with wild joy. "Excellent! A general's daughter is never weak!"He immediately summoned Jeremiah and Davis to show them the victory report. Jeremiah was so moved, tears welled up in his eyes. "We've reclaimed Ilyrian! Carissa Sinclair has done a tremendous job. She captured and held the support depot, allowing us to cut down on the cost of supplies. Just think of how much food and money this will save Starhaven! Hector, can you see this from the heavens? Your daughter is truly remarkable. She's living up to the Sinclair family's reputation!"Davis was covered in goosebumps from excitement, and added, "Starhaven had Hector in
Salvador first promoted Carissa to fifth-rank Valor General, then promised a future second promotion to fourth-rank Illustrious General. His actions showed just how much he expected from her.Recognizing that Carissa indeed possessed such capabilities, the prime minister had no objections."The deadline General Yates promised has already passed, yet the reinforcements still haven't arrived," Jeremiah pointed out.Salvador was a bit displeased but made an excuse, "Traveling through snow is truly difficult."Davis chimed in, "Your Majesty, Lady Sinclair has been promoted to a fifth-rank Valor General, while General Warren and General Yates are only fourth-rank Tactical Generals, which is a rank lower than General Sinclair."Barrett and Aurora had accomplished great deeds by negotiating the peace treaty with Westhaven, effectively stopping the fighting and establishing firm borders. By rights, their contributions should be considered as greater than Carissa's, who had merely assisted
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
Salvador had temporarily settled at Eldermere Keep. The place was filled with every kind of medicine, yet his illness had reached a point where no remedy could ease his suffering.Still, staying there brought him peace. It was as if he had finally set down a heavy burden and could now live as an ordinary father. He spent each day with his son, sharing simple moments together.Carissa was allowed to visit and spend some time with Connor. He asked her about Ryan, specifically inquiring whether he had made any new friends."Ryan has no other friends but you. He always thinks about you," she reassured with a smile, thinking the eldest prince might be jealous.Connor was quiet for a long while, his expression tinged with guilt. Finally, with a deep sadness in his eyes, he softly said, "I have friends now, like Otto. Ryan should have his own friends too. I always think about him, but... I don't think I'll ever see him again."Carissa gently patted his head and smiled. "The future is lon
After the sun set behind the mountains, the temperature began to drop. Salvador had been carried up the mountain, but now, he was carrying Connor on his back as they made their way back into the estate.Connor had his arms tightly wrapped around Salvador's thin shoulders, and he couldn't stop the tears from falling. This was a scene he had never even dared to dream of. Not only had he never imagined being carried by his father, but even something as simple as having his father gently pat his head had always seemed like an impossible wish.But his father was so thin; there was no flesh on his back at all. How had he become so frail?Carissa and the others waited outside the gates. Not even Galen had been allowed in. Only Salvador's most loyal attendants, those who had carried the litter, were permitted to enter. The others, of course, were kept away from Connor. They all believed that Salvador had come to Eldermere Keep solely to recover from his illness.The estate itself was full
Salvador didn't fare well along the long and tiring journey, his condition worsening with each passing day. Sebastian did what he could—applying needle treatment and using medicine—but all he could offer was temporary relief. As they pressed on, the king's condition only seemed to deteriorate further.Fortunately, Salvador was a man of remarkable willpower. Despite his suffering, he gritted his teeth and carried on, unwilling to give in. He could not afford to back down—not now.Eldermere Keep lay in the southern province of Mendoria, where the climate was mild and temperate, perfect for someone needing rest and recovery. Even though it was now winter, the air was neither cold nor biting, more akin to the gentler days of autumn.The locals knew little of Eldermere Keep, though they often spoke of a physician's office that was the largest in Mendoria, as big as the one in the capital, also called Arcane Sanctum. There were other keeps, but this one was renowned for its abundance of r
Before Salvador left the capital, Rafael had already become regent and taken on the required duties. With his great military achievements, he had earned respect from both civil and military officials. At first, no one questioned his authority, and many even held him in high regard.However, with Salvador now ill and traveling incognito, rumors began to spread within the palace, warning people to be wary of the regent. The fear was that, as Cecil was still so young, Rafael might take advantage of the situation and eventually replace him.As often the case, such suspicion and rumors spread like wildfire, fueled by the mouths of many. Consequently, a number of officials lost their previous respect for Rafael. They even began to disregard his orders, paying them little heed and carrying out his commands half-heartedly.Noticing this troubling shift, Davis felt a sense of urgency. He decided to speak with Patrick, the Minister of Justice, who was also Cecil's grandfather and the father o