In truth, Rafael had always found the Adrian that Carissa spoke of to be somewhat unfamiliar. In the prince's eyes, Adrian's actions were measured, neither overly serious nor overly indulgent, but with a certain degree of protection toward his apprentices.And when Carissa described Everett, he was a man of erratic moods, quick to punish without warning, and seemingly feared by everyone.Dominic watched them with a curious expression. "So, is he interesting? Or not?"Carissa groaned. "Raf is Sage Everett's direct apprentice, so of course Sage Everett is good to him. It's no surprise he thinks his mentor is interesting. But Sage Everett is only kind to him. With the rest of us? We get nothing but harsh punishments. Even my senior apprentice, who's calm and steady, he sees as too frivolous."Dominic gasped in surprise. "Wait, so you two are fellow apprentices?"Carissa corrected quickly. "He joined later than I did, so he's my junior apprentice.""So, how does this junior apprentic
Carissa tapped the rim of the bowl, her nails clinking against the glass. A soft, clear sound rang out."Sometimes, not crying and not making a scene is actually more painful than the tears and noise," she murmured."I figured that out later," Violet said, rising to her feet and wrapping her arms around her friend. "That's why I'll always be by your side, until you give me back that arrogant Carissa from Blue Stone Spring."Carissa pushed her away gently, quickly wiping away tears that had fallen.She smiled and asked, "Does it have to be the Carissa from Blue Stone Spring? What about the one who beat you under the apple tree? Or the one who beat you outside the Inferno Guild? Or the one who defeated you on the mountaintop..."Violet ground her teeth in frustration. "Shut up already! It looks like you haven't had enough of my life's bitter, sour, sweet, and salty. How about I bring you a whole pot of it and see if I can numb your tongue?"She put her hands on Carissa's shoulders.
The next evening, Cindy arrived in the capital. She didn't go anywhere else first, but made her way straight to Hell Monarch Estate.Carissa had known her third aunt was coming back, but hadn't expected it to be so soon. Dominic had said it would be several days before they could meet. When she heard Violet cheerfully bounce over to inform her of Cindy's arrival, she had just taken off half of her official uniform. She quickly put it back on and dashed out.It was still light out, and the sunset was beautiful. The evening glow painted the sky with layers of soft red and orange, casting a warm light over Cindy, who was directing the servants as they carried her things inside."Aunt Cindy!"At the sound of her name, Cindy quickly turned around. Before she could even get a clear look, a figure rushed toward her and enveloped her in a tight hug.With Carissa in her arms, it finally felt real. Tears immediately welled up but were quickly held back, leaving only a sharp pang in her nose
After Carissa sent someone to call Rafael over, Cindy said, "I've heard that Lady Helen is staying here. Please take me to her so I can greet her."Reminded of this, Carissa quickly agreed, "Alright, we'll go now."Helen had already heard from Gillian when Cindy entered the estate. Knowing that Carissa and her aunt hadn't seen each other in such a long time, Helen figured they would have plenty to talk about. She decided to stay in for the evening meal so they could have some time to catch up.Not long after, Carissa and Violet brought Cindy in to pay their respects. Helen was quite pleased; she could tell that Cindy was well-raised and followed proper etiquette. After Cindy performed the formalities, Helen motioned for her to sit down, eager to chat."It must have been a long journey. Were you exhausted?" she asked.Cindy glanced at Carissa with affectionate eyes. "My heart was set on returning home, so it didn't feel tiring at all."Seeing the loving expression on Cindy's face,
The gifts had already been delivered to Orchid Hall, where Rafael was carefully arranging them one by one. He had already bathed and was waiting for Carissa to return.Earlier, he had gone to the Ministry of Justice to review Aurora's testimony. He had planned to skip having dinner at home to stay and observe their evening re-interrogation of Aurora, but Matthew had sent someone to inform him that Carissa had requested his return as she had family arriving in the capital. When he heard that, he immediately mounted his horse and returned home.Cindy's return to the capital pleased him greatly. Once the negotiations began, he intended to involve himself regardless of whether Salvador allowed him to participate. When the time came, he might not be able to take care of Carissa. With Violet and Cindy by Carissa's side, he felt he could relax, knowing she would be looked after.In the past, he believed Carissa could endure anything. But this time, the negotiations involved the Sinclair fa
After her bath, Carissa dismissed everyone and draped herself over Rafael's shoulder like a lazy, weak cat."I heard you went to the Ministry of Justice today.""Yeah. They were interrogating Aurora. I reviewed the testimony, but it's the same old story. They'll continue questioning her tonight.""Has she confessed to everything?""From what we know, yes, but there's something in her confession that implicates Grandfather. She insists it was his orders that led to the massacre of the villages."Carissa's eyes went cold. "So, now it's about making her change her statement, not getting a confession."Rafael nodded. "That's what I requested, and the Ministry of Justice is cooperating.""She's blaming my grandpa by claiming she was just following orders and that she wasn't the mastermind," Carissa hissed.Rafael's expression hardened. "She thinks as long as she's not the mastermind, she can escape death. But don't worry, I won't let her get away with it. Her testimony alone isn't e
When Carissa returned to Hell Monarch Estate, Violet and Lulu had already brought Ryan back and were chatting with Cindy.Carissa instructed her servants to prepare the carriage and have the items she had ordered a few days ago—fine quilts, clothing, money, charcoal, and medicinal herbs for healing—loaded into it.Lily had also made a variety of pastries that used to be served every time Dominic returned from Victory Pass. She had made plenty, filling up a three-tiered food container.Having received Victoria's special approval, Cindy also accompanied Carissa.Keith and Carissa's carriages arrived almost simultaneously at Sullivan Estate. Keith directed the Griffinblade Unit to assist in carrying the goods inside. Among the items were some of his personal clothing, as he intended to stay for a few days.He was tactful enough not to intrude on the family's time together, but he had an explanation for his presence here if the king asked. After all, Keith was a trusted figure under V
"What's the point of presenting a false or incomplete confession to His Majesty?" Rafael shot back. "He'll just tear it up himself."Patrick sighed. "But we've already interrogated her for so many days. We've used torture, yet she hasn't budged. We can't use any harsher methods for fear of harming her. I believe another round of questioning will yield the same result."Rafael's gaze turned cold. "Then, continue the interrogation. You know as well as I do, Mr. Lloyd. She must change her testimony. General Sullivan is not the one truly responsible—she is. If she refuses to cooperate, then we'll have to bring in Commander Warren and interrogate him."Patrick's eyes widened in shock. "Your Highness, His Majesty has not authorized the interrogation of Commander Warren. He has no intention of involving him in this matter."Rafael scoffed. "If General Sullivan is already implicated, then why not Commander Warren? Has His Majesty issued an order forbidding you from questioning him?"Patri
Jeanette's pregnancy had been stable at first, with Dorian assuring her there were no major concerns. But for some unknown reason, after the beginning of winter, things started to falter. She had even experienced spotting twice.Dorian did everything he could to stabilize the pregnancy and managed to keep it steady, but Jeanette was ordered to stay in bed and not get up.The sudden change in her condition had drawn the full attention of the royal physicians. After checking her diet and everything the palace provided, nothing unusual was found. The best guess was that the king's prolonged use of medication was affecting the stability of the pregnancy.Salvador was deeply anxious about the baby. Ever since Jeanette was confined to her bed, he had visited her almost every other day, sometimes staying to share a meal. Because of this, he hadn't been able to visit Sylvia or call Cecil to the royal study.As Grace was in charge of the harem, she also made time to visit Jeanette, often br
Many in the harem were speculating about Salvador's health. Even though Jeanette was pregnant, Sebastian's continued presence in the palace suggested the king needed more than rest and care.Because of this, Salvador's clear favoritism was starting to unsettle some people.Kylie, in particular, was uneasy. She knew some details about the king's condition, and though Sebastian was now in the palace, she wasn't sure how effective the treatment would be. But she couldn't shake the feeling that Salvador was nearing his limits.Jeanette's pregnancy didn't concern her much. The baby's gender remained unknown, and even if it was a son, the queen knew it wouldn't change her own standing.However, Salvador's obvious favoritism toward Cecil left Kylie feeling threatened.When he offered her a choice previously, she had chosen to keep her position as queen for the sake of survival. But after some time, she realized that Salvador wouldn't give up on Connor so easily, especially given how dili
With Salvador having summoned the court officials to the royal study, the discussions continued late into the night. It was only when Sebastian stepped in to interrupt, informing them that the hour had grown late, that the session came to a close."Has it really gotten this late? Let's call it a night, then. The palace gates will be locked soon," said Salvador, stretching his arms with a smile.Despite the late hour, the king appeared to be in high spirits, especially with the color back in his face. He hardly resembled a man suffering from illness.Carissa waited for Rafael to finish his meeting before leaving the palace with him. Exhausted, she leaned against his shoulder and drifted into a deep, drowsy sleep.When the carriage arrived at the estate, Rafael lifted her into his arms. Carissa, half-conscious, recognized the motion but was too tired to protest. She simply let him carry her inside, finding comfort in his strong embrace.Over the past three months, she had only been
On the fifteenth of October, the envoy delegation finally returned to the capital.The Mystic Army dispersed on the spot, while Davis, Alden, and the other officials made their way to the palace to report to the king. Kendrick, who had been weak and unable to stand on his own, seemed to find strength now. He insisted that he accompany them to the palace as well.As for Carissa, Rafael had been waiting at the city gates for her. Every day, he had someone stationed there. Sometimes, during his midday breaks, he would go himself. Today, he finally caught sight of her.While Davis and the others were reporting at the palace, Carissa went to see Helen with Rafael. Seeing her daughter-in-law's fatigue, Helen urged her to hurry and bathe and change. With that, the couple returned to Orchid Hall.When Carissa emerged in fresh clothes after her bath, her lips were oddly swollen. Joy stared at her, surprised. Without thinking, she glanced at Rafael. It seemed that when Carissa was bathing, R
After resting at Victory Pass for five days, Kendrick finally recovered. Now that he was well, it was time to set off for the capital.Though Carissa was reluctant to part with her family, she could only say a tearful farewell. She bowed deeply to Dominic, nearly causing tears to spill from his own eyes.Davis, who held the utmost respect for Dominic, was the most emotional. While Carissa silently wept, Davis openly wept. He knew this was likely the last time he would ever see the venerable old general, who had served Starhaven in Victory Pass for decades.Dominic was already in the twilight years of his life, and he looked much frailer than the last time they had met. Even though Salvador had granted him leave to return to the capital, the long, grueling journey would likely be too much for him to bear, and the Sullivan family might not permit him to make the trip.Dominic spoke with Davis for a while, and the latter's sobs grew louder.Cindy had never asked about the details of
The journey home began in early September. The heat of summer had passed, replaced by a cool breeze.Liam personally escorted the delegation, accompanying them all the way to Fawnrun City.The return journey was uneventful—no more attempts on their lives, and everything proceeded smoothly. Once they crossed the rolling mountains, they entered Starhaven's territory.They hadn't notified Dominic in advance, so Carissa didn't expect anyone to be there to greet them. But as soon as they crossed into Starhaven, they saw Barrett leading the Sullivan Army, waiting for them.Relief was clear on Barrett's face when he saw they had returned safely. He rode forward, then dismounted and greeted Kendrick, Davis, and the others."Your Highness, Mr. Lloyd, esteemed lords, Grand General Sullivan sent me to wait here. I will escort you back to Victory Pass."Davis raised an eyebrow. "How did Grand General Sullivan know we were returning today?""He didn't know, but he ordered us to wait here eve
"This journey was not only for the sake of Orivenia and Starhaven, but also for Nerathia. No need for thanks; relations between kingdoms are always driven by mutual interests. It is only through personal friendship that true sincerity arises," Faelan replied.Carissa nodded thoughtfully, but curiosity got the better of her. "Might I ask if you know my mentor, Adrian Russell?"Faelan chuckled. "I do. He has been to Nerathia and even stayed at my training grounds for a time. My guard commander, Shadow, is quite close with your mentor. They would often drink together.""Ah, I see," Carissa mused, thinking back to the shadowy figures she had seen.She wondered which of them was the esteemed Shadow. It would be a great pity if she couldn't meet him.As if reading her mind, Faelan chuckled. "In three or five years, we'll visit Starhaven. When the time comes, I'll introduce you to Shadow."Carissa was about to express her thanks, but Violet interjected, "Why wait three or five years? Co
After two days of touring, Liam finally spoke to Carissa."Your country has a Miracle Healer named Sebastian Dalton, right? He's been making a medicine called Snowdrop Pills. Snow Blossom is a key ingredient, but your kingdom has only a limited supply. It grows at the Southern Frontier, but only high atop the snowy mountains. It's difficult to gather and incredibly scarce."However, in our kingdom, Snow Blossoms are not so rare. It's found on many high peaks. The Snow Blossom that Healer Dalton uses now is bought secretly from Orivenia's herbal merchants at a steep price. It's so expensive that every Snowdrop Pill he sells is at a loss."Carissa knew that Snowdrop Pills were rare because some of the ingredients were hard to find, but Sebastian had never specifically mentioned which ones.However, if he was buying an ingredient from Orivenia, it made sense why he needed to keep it a secret. Previously, there was no trade between Orivenia and Starhaven, especially when it came to med
The position Faelan took at the table represented Nerathia's stance in the negotiations.They were neutral!Carissa couldn't help but marvel once more at the power of a strong kingdom.The initial stages of the talks were tedious, with the same points being repeated over and over. The translators were busy, their voices echoing with historical debates. This was inevitable, as conceding too early would only lead to further compromises.As such, the first round of negotiations yielded no agreement. It was simply a test of boundaries.The second round began the following day. Again, they emphasized the same points.But after the second repetition, Faelan spoke up, saying, "There is no point in prolonging this. The dispute over the border has lasted for decades. It will not be resolved in a day. Let us set the border issue aside for now. What I wish to know is whether both sides are committed to establishing peace and mutual non-aggression between your kingdoms."The answer was unan