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
"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
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