In response to Aurora's taunting question, Carissa simply smiled and calmly replied, "It was a trivial matter that wasn't worth mentioning."Timothy was puzzled. "Divorce? Why would you get divorced?""After we won at Victory Pass, His Majesty issued a marriage edict for me to be Barrett’s second wife. Lady Sinclair couldn't tolerate it and requested an edict for divorce," Aurora explained.Although Aurora's statement was true, it wasn't the whole truth. She had deliberately omitted the fact that she and Barrett had used their military achievements as leverage to ask for the marriage edict. Her words made it seem like a jealous Carissa couldn't accept the royal edict, hence requesting the divorce.After all, even though Carissa was the legitimate daughter of a duke, she was nobody on the Southern Frontier battlefield.Meeting Aurora’s gaze, Carissa said, "You both achieved great merit at Victory Pass and used it to request a marriage edict from His Majesty. The first thing Barrett
Everyone present, including Rafael, was stunned by Aurora's words. Rafael quickly looked at Carissa, whose eyes were slightly red. She met his gaze and nodded faintly.Timothy, Owen, and other veterans of Hector's old army were equally shocked by the terrible news."How could this have happened?"Carissa softly replied, "Eight months ago, Westhaven spies infiltrated the capital. Everyone in my household... except those who accompanied me to Valor Estate, was killed.""Oh my god!"The generals could hardly believe this devastating news. Hector and his six sons had died on the battlefield, and now they learned that even his family had been wiped out. It was a tragedy beyond words!But why would the Westhaven spies do such a thing?"Lady Sinclair, you even hid this from them? What are you trying to do?" Aurora continued to provoke."Enough!" Rafael scolded sternly. "How many troops did you bring?""I brought one hundred thousand Capital Army soldiers, ten thousand Sacred Fire Reg
Barrett pulled on Aurora's hand as he addressed Rafael, "Marshal, please calm down. General Yates was just momentarily impulsive. She didn't mean to challenge your authority.""If you cannot accept military orders, leave the Southern Frontier immediately. I need generals who are absolutely obedient," Rafael replied coldly.Though Aurora was still unwilling to accept it, she dared not speak further and resigned herself to merely giving Carissa a cold glare.As a noble lady from a prestigious family, Carissa was naturally held in high regard. Her inherent wealth and status were far beyond that of a humble general's daughter. Yet, Aurora had earned her position through sheer effort and sacrifice, unlike Carissa, who seemed to have her achievements handed to her.As Aurora reluctantly followed Barrett, she said, "My military rank is low and my background is humble, so I have no right to argue. I will, of course, obey your orders, Marshal."Her statement was clearly a jab at Carissa.
No wonder Carissa knew that soldiers from Westhaven had disguised themselves as Sandorian soldiers and gone to the Southern Frontier battlefield. That was also why she had traveled alone for a thousand miles to bring Rafael the news."Take your time to calm down, then talk to me," Rafael said as he sat down beside her, his tall figure acting like a protective barrier shielding her from the world."What else do you want to know, Marshal?" asked Carissa, who had calmed down considerably.Rafael's eyes were like a dark sea churning beneath the surface. "Everything. Why you suddenly got married, what happened after you got married, and everything surrounding the Westhaven spies massacring your entire household."Carissa didn't know why he wanted to know about her marriage, but she answered truthfully, trying to keep her emotions steady and her recounting as straightforward as possible."When I returned from the Pathfinders Guild, I learned of my father and brothers' sacrifice. I told
Carissa continued, "That wasn't the worst of it. The worst came later."She recounted how the Warren family tried to seize her dowry—even going so far as to accuse her of being disrespectful and jealous, and used that as grounds for divorce."That was the real outrage. But I didn't expect the king to posthumously grant my father the title of duke and allow me to divorce Barrett. Because of that, I could take all my dowry with me."Rafael's eyes burned with anger. "They dared to treat you like that and wrong you?""I don't feel wronged," Carissa said, placing her hands on her knees and turning to look at Rafael. The beauty mark beneath her eye stood out vividly."If I had feelings for him, it would have been different, but I didn't. Leaving the Warren family was a relief for me. Their schemes failed, and you saw how angry Aurora was at me, Marshal. She was upset that I didn't care about the man she coveted."Aurora wanted to humiliate her, but Carissa had left the Warren family wi
The Mystic Army comprised thirty thousand strong troops, all personally trained by Rafael to protect the city. They were elite soldiers who were prepared to defend against any rebellion or attack on the capital. The Mystic Army rarely went to battlefields unless absolutely necessary.Now, reclaiming the Southern Frontier had become a necessity.Mobilizing troops from Riverhold Garrison could provoke the other enemy kingdom, Vesperia, into aggression. So, the troops from Riverhold Garrison couldn't be moved, which was why the Mystic Army had been dispatched.Though the Mystic Army seldom saw battle, it didn't mean they hadn't been on a battlefield. On the contrary, all thirty thousand members were selected from war-hardened soldiers and rigorously trained further.Ten thousand of them were Obsidian Guards. They were responsible for the king's safety and maintaining order in the capital.Another ten thousand handled criminal arrests. They were able to detain suspects, including roya
Barrett chased after her. "You've never been willing to tell me. Back in Fawnrun City, when I was in charge of burning the supply depot, how did you manage to get Westhaven's marshal, Liam, to sign the peace treaty?"Aurora's expression was a mix of irritation and wariness. "Didn't I already tell you? I went around Fawnrun City loudly proclaiming that the Hell Monarch had already achieved victory in the Southern Frontier and was about to head to Victory Pass. Coupled with the supply depot being burned, they panicked and chose to surrender."Indeed, Aurora had given the same explanation many times before.Barrett hadn't thought anything was wrong with it at first—until recently, when Aurora summoned over a hundred soldiers to their wedding.Owen had reprimanded her for it, pointing out that she hadn't asked for permission in advance but had instead arbitrarily got over a hundred soldiers to leave their posts. But Aurora had boldly lied to Barrett's face without so much as blinking,
Within three days, all one hundred and twenty thousand reinforcement troops were all angrily discussing one thing: Carissa had been granted the title of fifth-rank Valor General without any notable achievements, solely relying on the prestige of her father and brothers.Under Aurora's encouragement, the soldiers were incited to keep complaining to each other."If she wanted to ride on the military achievements of her father and brothers, she should stay in the capital and enjoy her life of luxury. Why does she need to come to the battlefield and steal our military merits?""We risk our lives to protect the country, all for the sake of honor and achievements. She did nothing and still got promoted to Valor General. How unfair is that?""It's well known that the marshal is strict in his military discipline. He rewards and punishes without any bias. Who knew that even he could show favoritism, giving such a big promotion to Lady Sinclair for nothing? What's the point of us fighting an
Carissa paid a visit to Jeanette.Though the concubine did not explicitly say that Sylvia was responsible for the loss of her child, she did remark, "Those who commit wicked deeds will always face retribution. No one can escape it."The words seemed not only directed at Sylvia, but also at Kylie.As Carissa prepared to leave after questioning her, Jeanette suddenly spoke up, asking, "Your Grace, was it truly impossible to save Prince Connor?"Carissa assumed Jeanette's words were born of sympathy for Connor. But when she glanced at the concubine, she saw no trace of sorrow in her eyes, only a subtle glint of something resembling satisfaction.It was an emotion she clearly tried to conceal but could not, as though Jeanette had achieved a long-sought revenge. Carissa chose not to respond, instead turning on her heel to leave.Kylie had caused Jeanette's loss, so it was no surprise that she wouldn't wish for Connor's recovery.Carissa couldn't fault Jeanette for her feelings. How c
Kylie had always looked down on Grace.The latter's family lacked distinction, and her beauty could scarcely be considered remarkable. Her rise to the position of higher-ranked concubine seemed nothing more than the result of fortunate circumstances, particularly her giving birth to Caden.Kylie guessed that Grace also must be aware of her limited connections and support, which was why she had long exercised caution and humility. However, there were times when she could not resist harboring a few selfish thoughts. Yet, she dared not plot too aggressively.Such had been the case when Grace had sheltered Jeanette—likely in an attempt to solidify her position and strengthen her influence in the harem by using the other woman as a pawn. Despite Grace's attentions, Jeanette had remained ungrateful, resenting the way she constantly placed Caden in Salvador's presence.Grace always had a habit of making things harder for herself, which was why Kylie had never held her in much regard.Now
Sitting in front of her vanity table, Sylvia suddenly recalled that the dress she had once asked her mother to order from Camila had been delivered. She had intended to wear it at the New Year's Eve banquet.The dress was a rich shade of sunset yellow, embroidered with delicate camellia flower blossoms. Charming and vivid, the hem of the skirt flowed in graceful waves, the brightness of its color giving it an air of both beauty and refinement.Sylvia asked Heidi to bring the dress over and help her into it. She gazed into the mirror, entranced by her own reflection. While doing so, she noted that although she looked a little haggard, she remained as stunning as ever. Her skin was still pale and smooth, free from the slightest sign of age or fatigue.Her slender, pale fingers traced the intricate embroidery as she murmured softly to herself, "Ms. Moore's needlework is indeed extraordinary. This dress surpasses even the finest dress I own. How truly exquisite."Heidi knelt at her sid
The next morning, Rafael announced Connor’s death, leaving the entire court in shock and mourning."His Majesty is overcome with grief and has fallen ill. For the next few days, matters regarding the kingdom will be handled by myself and Mr. Murray. The arrangements for Prince Connor's funeral will be overseen by the Royal Management Department and the Protocol Department," Rafael said solemnly.Malcolm staggered, barely keeping his balance. His eyes were bloodshot from a sleepless night. Even though he had mentally prepared himself, the news still hit him hard.The news reached the inner palace at the same time. Since returning last night, Kylie had been wailing inconsolably, demanding to see Connor. Upon hearing the dreadful news, she fainted once more. Thankfully, a royal physician had been stationed at Everspring Palace and was able to revive her.Once the queen was conscious again, her screams echoed throughout the entire area.At Iridescent Palace, Grace felt a mix of relief
Salvador announced his decision before asking Rafael about the investigation.The king knew the colt wouldn't go wild for no reason. He had asked about the horses before—some had a bit of a temper, but the children had already tamed them.Rafael didn't hide anything and handed over the caltrop. "Someone placed this under the saddle. When the saddle was empty, the thorn caused only a mild discomfort to the horse. But once Prince Connor got on, the sharp spikes stabbed into the horse's flesh, causing it to go berserk from the pain."Salvador's gaze grew cold as he looked at Carissa. "Did no one inspect the saddles beforehand?"Carissa hurriedly responded, "Your Majesty, we checked thoroughly. The horses were under constant guard, and aside from the three princes and Ryan, no one was allowed near them. They led their own horses; no one else handled them during the journey."Victoria's expression was equally grim. "I gave strict orders to the guards. The horses, the three princes, and
Salvador's question hung heavy in the air, and for a long moment, Sebastian remained silent. His brow furrowed as he pondered, considering every possibility, weighing the odds.The only sounds that filled the room were strained, shallow breaths and the pounding of hearts, creating a silence so profound it was suffocating and seemed to echo with despair.At last, Sebastian slowly said, "There isn't really a solution. At best, there's a desperate gamble. But the chances of success… are very, very low.""Tell us. Just say it," Victoria urged, even more anxious than Salvador.Sebastian let out a deep sigh. "Even this gamble depends on him surviving the next three days. If he makes it through, I'll take him to Eldermere Keep. There, we will soak him in a brew made from the Everbind Herb, which grows only on those grounds. It might save his life. But the chances are slim. He may not last long enough to even get there.""Can't we gather the Everbind Herb and bring it here? How would we m
Connor was transferred to a smaller palace within the royal gardens. It was impossible to return him to the main palace at the moment, with the only choice being to treat him nearby.As for his condition, everyone could guess by looking at Sebastian's face. It seemed like it wasn't looking good.Rafael had the room cleared of any unnecessary witnesses, though he did not yet report the findings of the investigation. There were still questions to be answered, and the search for answers continued.All the concubines, as well as Kylie, returned to the main palace. The queen had initially refused to leave her son's side, adamant in her decision to stay with him. But upon seeing Connor's condition, she fainted once more. It was then that Salvador gave the order to have her escorted away.Ryan had also resisted leaving. He wouldn't abandon his friend, no matter the circumstances, and insisted on remaining at his side. Seeing the boy's resolve, Rafael allowed him to stay.Salvador remaine
The guards were unable to restrain Kylie, who rushed past the partition screens. One glance at her blood-soaked son was enough to make her release a piercing scream of horror before collapsing in a faint.Thankfully, royal physicians were also present. The servants quickly ushered the queen out, allowing a royal physician to attend to her. Once revived, Kylie's sobs were unrestrained, her cries echoing with raw anguish.Leading some men, Rafael took swift action to restore order. He intercepted the frenzied horse and set the wheels of investigation in motion, determined to uncover what had caused such madness.Inside the makeshift room, Salvador knelt beside Connor. As his trembling hands gently brushed the bloodied face of his son, his palms became stained with crimson.Telling the king to move aside, Sebastian quickly administered needle treatment, meant to simply keep Connor alive for a little longer. The priority now was to stop the bleeding in the eldest prince's head.The bo
Carissa ended up with a mouthful of dust. The sandy ground was nothing like the grassy fields. It had no beauty at all, just clouds of dust flying everywhere. Even standing inside the racetrack, she could hardly see who was in the lead.It looked like Joseph's youngest son, Ingram Carter.As the horses cleared the hurdles, it became clear that it was indeed Ingram. His horse had pulled ahead by a full length, and he continued to extend his lead with impressive speed.While lively, the race was not a formal contest. It was merely a display to flatter the royal princes, so the position of first place held little significance.None of the riders were willing to push themselves too hard, lest they raise the princes' anxiety by excelling too greatly. Thus, the others refrained from catching up. However, the pace was swift, even if it was not their peak performance.By the time the current riders reached the third lap, Ryan and the three princes were preparing to mount their horses. Onc