The shop assistants at Arcane Sanctum were familiar with Amelia, and Paul recounted what had happened yesterday."She must have pawned some jewelry to come here. When she arrived, she looked dazed and was clutching a pawn ticket. I took a quick glance, and it was from a pawnshop called Treasure Exchange."Right away, she asked to buy seven or eight Evergreen Pills. I suggested she only needed two—one for childbirth and one for postpartum recovery. There's really no need for more at other times," he said, based on his observations."You could tell she had been crying, right?""Absolutely. She hadn't even dried her tears when she walked in.""Thank you," Carissa said, not wanting to pry further.She then had the staff member lead her to Treasure Exchange.As she was dressed in official uniform, the shopkeeper produced the items that Amelia had pawned when asked about them. Carissa recognized them as gifts she had once given Amelia."She said she would redeem them, so they're not
Carissa's expression brightened. "You found Amelia? Where is she?"Michael bent over, hands on his knees, gasping for breath. "At... at the Parting Souls Bridge. Hurry, she's about to jump! We can't just rush in to save her! She's shouting that she'll only talk to you. But you need to hurry—it's too windy, and she can barely stand!""What?" Barrett exclaimed, shocked. "Why is she trying to jump off the bridge?"Carissa dashed out, yelling, "Get my horse!"The Parting Souls Bridge lay to the northwest of the capital, spanning over the turbulent Unity River. The river's flow intensified around the bridge because it was wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.It had a steep slope, which made the water churn violently. Anyone who fell from the bridge wouldn't likely survive. Although the bridge was originally called the Unity River's second bridge, locals had dubbed it the Parting Souls Bridge due to its perilous reputation.After a brief pause, Barrett asked Michael to send som
One of the capital guards immediately dashed off to find a torch.Violet noticed Amelia had closed her eyes. She looked utterly exhausted and freezing, her whole body shaking."Amelia, don't fall asleep! You wanted to see Cari, right? She's on her way! Please, stay awake!" Violet shouted.Amelia opened her eyes, gazing at the raging river below. She had always been timid, and fear gripped her now, but standing there felt somehow better than being at Valor Estate.All she had to do was jump, and it would all be over.She couldn't even remember why she had come here. Her mind felt numb, void of any sensation other than the cold. She still clutched the pawn ticket in her hand, which she intended to give to Carissa. She wanted to apologize and thank her.The apology was for the time when Barrett had wanted to divorce Carissa, and Amelia had been too much of a coward to say a word. Then, she wanted to thank Carissa for the genuine kindness she had shown her while she was still part of
Carissa's heart leaped into her throat.Barrett lunged forward, only to be kicked in the knee by Violet, who snapped, "Don't provoke her!"As Barrett dropped to one knee, Violet pressed his head down, then shouted at Amelia, "He's kneeling! He's begging for your forgiveness! If you have anything to say, just let it out—scream at him if you want!""It's useless!" Amelia wailed, tears streaming down her face as she continued her lament. "It's pointless. They'll still kick me out. I have nowhere to go, and I have no money left. All my dowry items and jewelry have been sold off. If they get my husband to divorce me, I'll starve to death. It's better to die now!""Don't be so foolish! Think of your children!" Carissa shot Violet a look, signaling for her to keep Barrett quiet. "You said they hit you—why did they do that? Tell me, and I'll help you!"As Carissa spoke, she subtly took a step forward. At the current pace, if she flew over, it wouldn't be faster than Amelia jumping down. I
Carissa turned and leaped to the opposite side of the bridge before running on the water's surface with her Lightfoot Skill, desperately searching for Amelia. However, the dark surface of the river offered no sign of the woman.The onlookers were stunned, especially the four members of the Warren family. They couldn't believe that Amelia had actually jumped. Benjamin, in particular, knew his wife's character all too well. She was incredibly timid—she wouldn't even dare to wet her feet, let alone leap into a river.When he arrived, he only focused on the crowd, how alarmed Carissa was, and how the Capital Guard was also present. He felt embarrassed, which was why he had shouted at Amelia. He had never considered the possibility that she would actually jump.He knew she was a timid woman—so, why was she brave now?All she had to do was care for Rebecca and manage the household. What made her think she was so unfortunate compared to other women?Despite being consumed by shock, Caris
After taking Amelia to Arcane Sanctum, Carissa requested the sanctum's staff to block the Warren family members from entering. Without Amelia's consent, they were not allowed to visit.The Warren family men had followed closely, but the guards at Arcane Sanctum turned them away. They stated that the physicians were in the middle of treating a patient and that no one was allowed to barge in at night, instructing the family to go back.However, Benjamin insisted on seeing his wife.When persuasion failed, the four guardians of Arcane Sanctum intervened, pushing and shoving the Warren family members away. Barrett dared not intervene, and the others didn't have the authority to act.As head of the family, Jonathan ordered, "Let's go back. She's safe inside Arcane Sanctum."Jonathan had always kept a low profile at home, often retreating during crises and never taking charge. But in this situation, he had to assert himself, and Benjamin had no choice but to comply, especially since the
At Valor Estate, nearly everyone from the main household gathered in Rebecca's room. The only exception was Charlotte's side of the family and Aurora.Rebecca trembled with fury. "She jumped into the river? And Carissa saved her? If she wanted to die, why couldn't she just go quietly? Why did she have to make such a fuss? Clearly, she knew someone would save her! What is she resentful about? When has our family ever mistreated her? "She has no skills, no ability to manage a household, and no family to rely on. All I asked was for her to care for me while I was ill, and she acts like she's suffered some great injustice! She even went out seeking death as if that would solve anything!"If this gets out, people will think I'm a cruel mother-in-law! This isn't a request for death—it's a desire to see me dead! Does someone truly wanting to die need to disturb so many people? If she were serious, she would've jumped long ago!"Benjamin still hadn't come to terms with what had happened
Barrett's shoulders slumped slightly. Here they went again!With all this bickering, peace was nowhere to be found in the household. For a brief moment, he truly understood how Amelia felt—he didn't want to stay here either.He looked up and saw that his father had quietly slipped out. It was always like this. Whenever there was a dispute Jonathan couldn't handle, he would sneak away.Barrett glanced at his older and younger brothers. Benjamin wore a helpless expression, clearly at a loss for what to do, while Bryan was just waiting for a chance to speak up for Rebecca."Enough!" Barrett shouted, his voice cutting through the tension. "Stop arguing! When Amelia returns, she will still be in charge of the household. My salary will go to the family fund, and how it gets spent will be up to her."Viola's face was resolute and icy. "I won't agree to that! There's no way I'll allow it! Why should you be the only one responsible for their expenses?"Barrett felt a surge of anger and
In the royal study, the braziers still hadn't been lit, and the cold crept in like a quiet intruder, spreading its chill across the room.The reports had been reviewed and signed long ago, yet Salvador lingered, his hand resting idly on the pile of documents. His gaze was fixed on the dim flickering of the lamp's flame, his mind adrift.He read the letter Rafael had written to Carissa, filled with endless longing and heartfelt emotions. It was as if they had just gotten married, and they were deeply in love and inseparable.This wasn't the first time Salvador had read their letters. While there had been expressions of longing in the past, none were as bold and reckless as this.Such words would feel awkward to say out loud, let alone write down. Salvador thought his younger brother's actions were inappropriate and too careless.There were far better ways to win a woman's affection—why resort to this?And yet, despite his disapproval, something within him stirred, like a stone t
Balin entered the city with just a dozen men. They were all strong and sturdy, with curved blades at their waists, looking fierce and intimidating.But when they sat down to eat and drink, their tanned faces broke into wide, radiant smiles.Balin was in his fifties, with skin as dark and shining as his men's, his eyes sharp and intelligent. He was a man of great wisdom and was meticulous in his thinking. In other words, he remained cautious and never fully trusted the Hell Monarch.His one demand was simple: this would be a one-time alliance. After driving back the Sandorians, the Southern Frontier Army was to withdraw from the grasslands swiftly. No one was to step foot in the heart of the grasslands again without permission.Rafael agreed, and the treaty was signed immediately.Once the agreement was made, they didn't linger any longer than necessary and left.The grassland tribes held little fondness for Starhaven, as the endless warfare often spilled over into their territori
After the lively wedding banquet, Carissa returned to Hell Monarch Estate, only to be struck by an unexpected chill in Orchid Hall. Her thoughts turned to Rafael, who was far away in the Southern Frontier. She hadn't counted the days since they had parted, but it felt like an eternity.She was about to head out to the Glimmering Tower as usual to see Adrian, but then she remembered that he had returned to Meadow Ridge.A pang of emptiness settled in her chest.She thought back to how Rosalind had seemed tonight. Carissa realized that when a woman got married, her heart was filled with so much joy, excitement, and bashfulness. The happiness just radiated from Rosalind.Carissa thought back to her own two weddings—both had been too calm and quiet.Lulu helped remove her makeup and was about to prepare a bath, but Carissa stopped her, pulling her down to sit beside her instead."Lulu, I've mentioned before that we need to talk about your marriage. Have you thought about anyone in
Thomas and Rosalind's wedding had been postponed time and time again, but finally, they found a favorable day to celebrate. The event wasn't extravagant, but as the granddaughter of the royal chancellor, it still carried the necessary dignity.Victoria led the way, and the other palace ladies followed suit, each offering generous gifts to Rosalind for her trousseau. The students of Gracewood Women's Academy also rallied to show their support, presenting Rosalind with handmade wedding gifts. Most of the girls at the academy came from humble backgrounds. Though their gifts weren't costly, the thought and effort they put into embroidering and crafting the items was the most meaningful part.Rosalind's wedding dress had been commissioned long in advance from Camila. The gown had previously been displayed in Skye Embroidery, where it had caught the eye of many young women. They all dreamed of wearing such a beautiful dress for their own weddings. Camila was already well-known, but now
Salvador summoned Eustace to the palace for an audience.Eustace had come prepared. Though he had led his bodyguards and the merchant convoys to quell the unrest, the connection between the Spencer family's collateral branch and Nicholas couldn't be easily dismissed. Even if Salvador publicly declared their merits balanced with their faults, it was not something that could be swept aside without consequence.However, Salvador's attitude towards Eustace was surprisingly warm. The former even praised him for his loyalty to the throne and his patriotic spirit, noting that he resembled his late father in his unwavering commitment. The previous head of the Spencer family had been generous to the court, contributing substantial funds during times of war.Eustace understood the underlying message and quickly offered, "With both the Southern Frontier and Victory Pass embroiled in battle, the Spencer family is willing to contribute in whatever small way we can. We will donate 300,000 silve
Adrian had been in the capital for some time now. In the past, he had been consumed with his studies on sacred firearms, leaving little room for anything else. But now, with some free time, he used the excuse of being unable to let go of the business in the city to extend his stay.The truth was, he was concerned for Carissa.His interest in sacred firearms had begun with his trip to Nerathia to study their methods. He had done it for the Southern Frontier, then Hector, and ultimately, for Rafael and Carissa.As a mentor, Adrian knew that they each had their own paths to walk. He couldn't prevent them from forging their own futures, but he could help them however he could and act as their support.Adrian often claimed he wasn't cut out to be a teacher. But the truth was, his apprentices were exceptional. Each one of them was a person of great character. None of them needed his constant concern—except for Carissa.She had always been wild and carefree. But even so, she had mast
As Nicholas was paraded through the streets, the weight of his downfall crushed him entirely. His sanity fractured and he screamed curses at the people, accusing them of ignorance and foolishness. He raged at the masses, claiming they had been deceived by the court, that they had mistaken a foolish king for a wise ruler. He claimed that only he was the true sovereign—the one destined to bring justice and prosperity.His hoarse cries were drowned out by the roar of the crowd. The people shouted for his death, calling for him to be torn apart. They said that the execution by Torso Cleaving was far too merciful. They demanded he be cut into pieces and slowly tortured to death, as punishment for his evil deeds.On the other hand, Yuvan stayed silent the whole time. Inside, he was filled with resentment and hatred for Nicholas. He believed that if Nicholas hadn't turned his people against him, he could have succeeded.Nicholas was like a poisonous snake, hiding in the shadows. When Yuv
Now that everyone had been gathered, the long-awaited reckoning could finally begin.After thorough investigations by the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Justice, in cooperation with the Capital Guard, it was confirmed that Yuvan, Nicholas, and his associates were indeed guilty of treason.The charges were indisputable. After such a long delay, it was time to list all their crimes for the world to see.Yuvan's entire family—except for Randall, who had provided valuable information—was sent to Astral Prison. However, Randall was also removed from the royal registry. He remained in his post at the Supreme Court, still serving as warden. Despite that, it was clear that any prospects for promotion were now out of reach for the next ten years.Matthew had ordered Randall to take a temporary leave, telling him to stay away from Astral Prison and reflect quietly at home while the matter was sorted.Matthew thought Randall was a bit slow, but at least the latter was honest and willing t
Clifford's eyes gleamed with a sharp light. "Very well. Let's hear some of your self-righteous words."Salvador, ever the suspicious soul, had always been wary of the Hell Monarch's household. Even if Carissa hadn't risen for women's rights, Salvador would still remain cautious of her.How could Carissa not know Clifford's intentions? From the moment he asked, she knew it was a trap.Before she could respond, Clifford sneered and added, "You can always start by flattering King Salvador. Praise him for how he treats women under his rule. As long as your conscience is clear, feel free to do so."Carissa was infuriated, but she wasn't willing to be baited. She met his mocking, challenging gaze. "Don't make assumptions. That's not the same thing at all. You think people are ignorant and narrow-minded as they can't understand your preferences, so you resort to extreme measures to gain their approval. But that's your personal problem. You can't speak for others like you, and you're not