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
In the royal study, Salvador took a sip of his coffee and looked up at Rafael."I wasn't aware the Supreme Court was investigating this case along with the Ministry of Justice. Did I issue such an order? Or is it that after your investigation into Eleanor's rebellion went nowhere, you're now trying to help the Ministry of Justice with their case out of the kindness of your heart?"Salvador's words carried a note of questioning, tinged with displeasure.With the usual "understanding" between them, Rafael would normally be expected to confess to a fault, kneel, and then withdraw to maintain the appearance of harmony between the king and his brother.So, Salvador resumed drinking his coffee slowly after he spoke, waiting for Rafael to kneel and make an apology. Deep down, he was accustomed to his brother's silent endurance and deferential nature.But this time, Rafael didn't kneel to apologize. Instead, he stood tall and replied, "Your Majesty, Commander Warren was the commanding gen
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