Rafael shot a glance at Kyle before striding in. "Sage Everett, why are you making Kyle hold a pot over his head again? With so much going on, I was hoping he could help me out more. If he's always busy being punished, he won't be able to."After hearing that, Everett said, "Then, he's excused from punishment."Outside, Kyle and Winona realized they had found their support.Winona stepped in to report, "Sage Everett, we've swapped out all of Harvey's gold and silver for fakes. Now, all the chests are filled with stones.""I see. Have they discovered it?""When they stopped to rest in a small grove, we knocked them out. When they wake up, they might inspect the chests and will likely figure it out," she answered. "Did you send anyone to keep following them?"Winona wanted to roll her eyes. Was that really a question? Of course she had sent someone. She wasn't a rookie. After all, she was the one who founded Skywing Spire!But since Kyle was still out there holding a pot over
After Rafael had eaten a little of the hot food, they began discussing the day's negotiations.Carissa sat beside him, clearly taking advantage of her position. At least when she spoke out of turn or disagreed with Everett, she wouldn't receive the cold shoulder since she was sitting right next to Rafael."Has the king heard their terms? What did he say about it?" Jacob asked. "Davis reported to him. When he returned to the Diplomatic Affairs Department, he relayed the king's stance. The borderline can't be compromised, but everything else is open for negotiation. We're not bound to the conditions they've proposed. We can offer alternative compensation. That's the king's directive."Everett thought for a moment before speaking, "Not yielding on the borderline means forcing Westhaven to acknowledge the treaty Aurora signed. If they deem the treaty invalid, the borderline should revert to the previous one. But the border dispute has been going on for years. Considering they took adv
Although it was already late February and the weather had warmed considerably, sitting by the entrance with no shelter still felt a bit chilly.The small guardhouse at the entrance of Concord Lodge was available for their use. Inside, there was a brazier for heating water. Seeing that Violet wasn't dressed warmly enough, Carissa led her into the guardhouse to sit and drink coffee."You don't need to stay with me tonight," Carissa said as she poured the coffee. "I'll be fine here."Violet blew on the dark liquid's surface. "It's no trouble. I'll stay with you. It's a good chance to let Claire and the others rest. I'll keep an eye on things."Claire and the others were watching the comings and goings of the Westhaven people, observing where they went and who they interacted with.Lisandra and the officials didn't leave Concord Lodge much, but there were plenty of others in the group. With all the information Barrett and Zoey had gathered, if there really was another hidden plan, Yuv
Rafael first shared the results of Zoey's investigation with Barrett, giving him a clear conclusion."It's pretty much confirmed that the people behind this used the Lester family to contact Aurora. They had a maid inform her and got her to show up at your mom's funeral. Afterward, Mrs. Lester went to offer her condolences, which gave her the opportunity to speak with Aurora privately. Once she did, both she and her husband were silenced."Barrett was stunned beyond words. "Is that truly the case?"Rafael didn't hesitate. "I'll be straightforward with you. While investigating Eleanor's treason case, the Supreme Court found links to the Lester family. However, we didn't have enough evidence, so we never moved against them. Mrs. Lester's involvement with Aurora indicates that the people behind her are the same as Eleanor's conspirators—the true masterminds behind the treason."Rafael's gaze grew heavier. "Aurora is involved in this case, and she will be taken to Westhaven. However, y
Barrett's eyes instinctively flickered toward the door. It wasn't something he did on purpose. He simply felt uneasy, as if everything he was doing was underhanded. Because of that, he couldn't help but act cautiously.This nervous, furtive behavior only lowered Aurora's guard even further. In front of her, this man was as transparent as glass—what was there to fear?"The thing you mentioned that day…" Barrett's voice was barely above a whisper. He avoided looking directly at her. "I've thought about it a lot since then. I can't help but feel the chances are slim. And you never said how you would ensure the Westhaven envoys will take General Sullivan. Without that certainty, I can't be sure the people of Hell Monarch Estate will intervene, and whether we'll get the right chance at all."His voice was very low, and his gaze towards Aurora was somewhat evasive. He still cared for her as his wife, and asking her questions like this felt like he was betraying her. He felt deeply trouble
Aurora pursed her lips. She did have some money saved up. No matter who managed the household, her portion was non-negotiable. As for the bride price, she had kept some of it for herself—there was no way she would have given it all to the Warrens! The small dowry she had been given wouldn't have been enough to live on, and she would never agree to the marriage without some savings of her own.However, the money she had saved was meant for the future. "You can take it if you need it, but you have to borrow what's necessary. After I escape, I'll be alone and without any support. I can't be left without money. You can't expect me to wander the streets and starve in the cold," she said. Barrett steered the conversation toward money as he knew it was better to discuss that first. Otherwise, pressing for too much information would make him seem too forceful and arouse Aurora's suspicions."How much do you have? I'll look at it, leave you some, and use the rest to hire people. If it's
Barrett still couldn't bring himself to believe it."Grand Princess Lisandra is against the war," he said. "If a female official around her is doing this, wouldn't it go completely against her stance? There's no way she'd agree to it."Aurora let out a cold laugh. "It seems she may not have a choice in the matter."Barrett was shocked. "What do you mean? Are they trying to undermine Grand Princess Lisandra?"Aurora's expression hardened. "How should I know? That's what Mrs. Lester told me, but she didn't go into detail. I don't even know the identity of the female official! I didn't believe her at first, which is why I asked so many questions. But she promised that if I cooperated, they'd help me escape when the time came. Because of you, I didn't press the issue with Dominic. They may not care about me anymore. However, no matter what I confess, I'm afraid their plan will go forward regardless. That means I still have a chance."After the initial shock, Barrett looked at her inte
Rafael quickly returned to Hell Monarch Estate and made his way to the council hall, where Everett was already sitting in the main seat, waiting for reports.Rafael instructed Jacob to gather information on the three female officials who had arrived this time. It was crucial to examine the details thoroughly.-At Concord Lodge, Violet had drunk a lot of coffee and was beginning to feel uncomfortable. She excused herself and told the Westhaven guards stationed there to wait as she went to the inner chamber. Carissa also stood up to accompany her.A maid who spoke Stellish was called over, and they were escorted toward the inner chamber. As they passed by the main courtyard of Concord Lodge, they noticed that the place was brightly lit. Sounds of an argument could be heard from within.Carissa took a quick look and saw that most of the envoys were present, as well as the female officials from Lisandra's side. There were easily a dozen or twenty people inside, arguing. Their voices
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