Once the boy had fallen into a deep sleep, Carissa went to find Rafael and showed him the note Ryan had written.The prince's expression was complex as he read the note. Did he resemble those thugs who had beaten Ryan? Perhaps so. After years on the battlefield, he had developed a certain harshness.Rafael sighed deeply. "We'll take it slow. I'll try to be more gentle and smile at him more often."Ryan needed healing, both physically and emotionally."You've worked hard throughout this journey," Carissa said.Her gratitude towards Rafael was beyond mere words. However, there was something she needed to clarify.She removed a hairpin from her hair and used it to adjust the wick of a lantern. The small flame flickered, casting a warm light over her gaunt face and pale lips.She spoke softly, "Given Ryan's condition, he'll need me for at least two or three more years. If our marriage is to proceed, I'll need to bring him to your estate with me. I can't leave him alone at Northwatch
That night, when they stopped at an inn, Rafael helped Carissa out of the carriage.Summoning his courage, Ryan climbed out after them, trembling all over. He positioned himself between them, his tiny arms outstretched as he tried to shield Carissa from Rafael, glaring at him with hostility.Fear gripped the child—his skinny legs shook uncontrollably, his lips quivered, and he made soft whimpering noises as he tried to drive Rafael away.Both Rafael and Carissa exchanged bewildered glances.What was going on? Was their approach having the opposite effect?"Oh!" Carissa slapped her forehead, realizing the reason.Ryan didn't know she was no longer Barrett's wife, and was unaware of her upcoming marriage to Rafael.That night, aunt and nephew sat by candlelight and had a deep conversation.Carissa knew she could no longer treat Ryan as a mere child. After two years of living on the streets and begging for food, he would understand more than she might expect if she explained thing
The next day, Rafael appeared refreshed, though there were dark circles under his eyes.Carissa found it strange how he managed to look so lively despite obviously not having slept well. Aside from the dark circles, his face and eyes actually had a radiant quality.After talking with Ryan the night before, Ryan was now less fearful and wary of Rafael. Occasionally, he would lift the curtain to sneak a look at Rafael’s back.Was Rafael like his grandfather, Hector? If so, he must be really impressive—he only fought enemies and never harmed ordinary people.So there was no need to be afraid of him.Ryan kept reassuring himself this way, all the way through their journey. Gradually, Rafael became as familiar and trusted in Ryan’s eyes as his grandfather or father. Moreover, Rafael would soon become his future uncle by marriage, a close relative.By the time they arrived in Greenbrook County, Ryan had even started signaling Rafael and was bold enough to let Rafael hold his hand while
Jeremiah wiped away his tears. "It’s good that he's alive. That's the most important part."Then, he stood and bowed deeply. "I've lost my composure, Your Majesty. Please excuse me.""I was also close to losing my composure, Jeremiah. Who wouldn't be moved by such news?" Salvador said with a broad smile.He then recalled something, and quickly ordered, "Derek, go to the Klein family's residence or look for the Marquis of Highcrest at the Royal Citadel. Inform him of this matter so he and his family can share in the joy."Derek, who had been dabbing at his eyes, immediately replied, "Understood, Your Majesty. I’ll go right away."With a heart full of genuine happiness, Derek left. The survival of the Duke of Northwatch's family brought him true joy. Melanie had treated him with kindness, and he was more eager than anyone to see her family prosper.As Jeremiah watched Derek leave, he was filled with a myriad of thoughts. Despite having a pile of official duties awaiting him, he was
Jeremiah felt a multitude of emotions as he took on the task of searching for a wife for Barrett.He remembered how Barrett and Aurora's marriage was once celebrated with great fanfare, full of glory and anticipation. Many in the court had high hopes for them. Even the common people sang praises of their love, feeling sympathy and admiration for Aurora, who, despite her remarkable achievements, was willing to accept the status of a secondary wife.Barrett was also praised. Even though he was deeply in love with Aurora, he didn't forget his rightful wife and managed to secure Aurora's position as a secondary wife. The victory at Victory Pass had clouded everyone’s judgment, leading to wild celebrations and a loss of reason.However, as the excitement faded, people began to see the dirt hidden beneath the beautiful facade of their stories. It eventually came to light that Barrett's primary wife was even more outstanding than Aurora. People started to recall the Duke of Northwatch's fa
The members of the Klein family were puzzled. What good news could the Hell Monarch possibly have to share with the Klein family?Seeing the confusion in their eyes, Derek continued, "Prince Rafael discovered a child beggar in Greenbrook County, who bears a striking resemblance to the late General Sinclair's second son. His Highness called him by name, and to his surprise, the child beggar responded—"Anthony found this absurd, and interrupted Derek, "Mr. Walker, so His Highness saw someone who resembles Ryan and reported it to His Majesty. What is the significance of this? Just because someone looks like Ryan doesn’t mean it’s him. What’s the point of reporting this to His Majesty?"Anthony was not only perplexed, but also angry. The loss of Yvette and Ryan was a deep wound for the Klein family, especially for the Klein family matriarch, who could not bear to hear such news.What kind of good news was it to report seeing someone who merely resembled Ryan? It caused everyone in t
But how could it be true?They were destined to be disappointed.Everyone in the Klein family felt a deep sadness, but also sympathized with Carissa. If she had set out with high hopes, she would surely be heartbroken upon arrival.Wait, Derek had mentioned that they would be arriving in the capital soon. Could it be that she really brought that child beggar back, thinking him to be Ryan?What kind of mistake was this? Just when Anthony thought her to be prudent, she had done something so reckless?!Carissa had left the capital on Starlight Harvest Festival. By the time she reached the capital, it was already the seventh of September.The crisp autumn air made for a pleasant day.The city guards were astonished to see that the carriage was being driven by the Hell Monarch himself. The prince was acting as a coachman? Who was inside the carriage?As a prince’s carriage entering the capital didn’t require inspection, it was allowed through immediately and went straight to North
Frederick didn’t place Ryan in his previous residence. Although the place had been redecorated, Frederick was concerned that it might remind Ryan of his painful past. Instead, Frederick arranged for Ryan and Carissa to stay in Amethyst Hall. The place was spacious enough for the two of them, and they had plenty of room to settle in comfortably.Frederick was mindful of the hardships Ryan had endured, and knew that Carissa would need to look after him closely. Since Ryan had not yet turned seven, it was appropriate for him to stay with his aunt. They would go with the arrangements like this for now, and after Carissa’s marriage, they could consider other arrangements.Once Ryan was settled, Carissa gathered everyone in the side hall and instructed Frederick to send word to Theodore and the Klein family. She mentioned that once Ryan’s emotions were more stable in a few days, she would take him to visit everyone.“If the Klein family members wish to see Ryan sooner, they can come to
Back to me—Violet—again, and I had to complain a little.About my husband, Isaac Prince, of course.Heavens help me, but that man truly had a talent for being infuriating!Before our marriage, we had come to an agreement. In the future, whatever I chose to do, he would not interfere, would not advise, and most certainly would not involve himself.Well, it had only been a year since our wedding, and that agreement had already gone out the window. Now, he insisted on doing everything with me.But could he even be part of the work I did? Of course not.The Pathfinders Guild had strict rules, and there was even a rather fearsome man—Sage Everett—keeping watch. If they ever discovered I had taken Isaac with me to personally punish people in my own way... Wouldn't they grind my bones to dust?Yet, Isaac claimed he was a man of the martial arts world, and that in such a world, one settled debts of gratitude and grudges alike. And yes, that included other people's grudges too. He argued
At times, I taught my students to face life with courage and own up to their mistakes. Yet, I had not done so myself.All these years, I had hardly seen Thomas. If there was an event where he might be present, I would quietly avoid it.Back when I was still stubborn, Zoey had scolded me, saying I owed Thomas an apology. At the time, I didn't quite agree. In fact, I felt rather aggrieved.But thinking back now—what was I so aggrieved about? Who truly owed me anything? Had the heavens not already treated me kindly enough? Everything I lost, I brought upon myself.More than once, I had unfolded a sheet of parchment, intending to write him a sincere apology from the heart. Yet, each time I put a quill to paper, the ink would fall, but not a single word would follow.I feared the letter would seem sudden and out of place, that it might stir suspicion in his wife's heart, or in Barrett's. Even though Barrett and I were husband and wife in name only, I still didn't wish to disturb the pe
It had been a month since I arrived at Victory Pass, and I began to wonder what I ought to do with myself.Though I was Barrett's wife in name, in truth, we had very little to do with each other. He spent most of his time at the camp, only returning now and then. As such, I had plenty of time on my hands and thought I might start a little trade.Victory Pass was not quite as I had imagined. I thought a border town like this would surely be cold and short on supplies. But to my surprise, one could buy almost anything here—save for things like the finest jewels and luxurious brocade.That was not to say they couldn't be found at all. When merchant caravans brought such treasures, they were quickly stored away and sent on to Orivenia, where they would be sold to nobles and the wealthy.The common folk in Victory Pass bought ornaments for their prettiness rather than their worth, and no one really cared whether they were costly or not.I had been thinking about what sort of business I
I heard Franklin endured quite a few rejections from Isaac. In the end, Franklin had no choice but to release Merrick and send him to plead on their behalf—only then was Gabriel rescued.With the matter settled, they were deeply grateful to Isaac, though they all knew it had been a calculated move. What else could they do? After all, their son had behaved badly and been caught in the act.When Merrick learned of his mother's mistreatment of Courtney, he kept quiet for a time. However, once they were married, he made it clear that he wished to live separately. He didn't want to cause a rift in the family, but in Starhaven's official evaluations, being dutiful towards family mattered more than talent. A single accusation of being disloyal could end a person's career.Merrick's reason for wanting to live separately was perfectly reasonable—he said he needed peace and quiet to prepare for his upcoming exams. His family was too large, so the distractions would make it difficult to focus.
I finally understood Cari's plan.Maya had made a scene at the Prince family's residence, and would naturally have to go there and apologize. But the real plan was to use the scandal around Gabriel's disgrace to put pressure on the Saunders family. From now on, even if Courtney married into their family, they would be too scared to mistreat her.With both leverage and a secret weapon in hand, it was a solid move.But for me, today was about getting some justice, especially with Maya. I wasn't going to leave without making my point.Once Michael and the others left, I turned to Maya. "I heard you say that your family is one of high standing and noble reputation. Truly, that's a laugh. What kind of noble family would kidnap a woman and make a scene by beating up someone at another person's residence?"I was ready to tear your whole house apart and expose your hypocrisy to the city today, but you're lucky. Since Merrick genuinely cares for Courtney, I don't want to make things too ug
The reactions of the Saunders family were telling. They stood frozen, as if they couldn't believe what they were hearing. It was clear that no one in the capital had warned them, and they hadn't heard anything about it.Seizing the opportunity, I spoke again, my voice icy, "Who doesn't know that my husband, the third son of the Prince family, dotes on Courtney more than anyone? She's been wronged so severely, and he's beside himself with worry."I had to talk him out of rushing to the grand queen dowager to complain about this. But since I'm here, whoever it was that raised their hand against Courtney should step forward and accept the consequences."Isaac, while holding many positions in the capital, was most known as my husband, an apprentice of the Pathfinders Guild, the armory's overseer in the Ministry of Defense, and the owner of several enterprises in the capital. His connection to the Prince family was downplayed, but it still proved useful in situations like this.Among hi
Let me tell you about the day the Saunders family crossed a line even I, Violet Spencer, couldn't ignore.It was beyond outrageous!The Saunders family held nothing more than a minor earl's title, yet Maya dared act so arrogantly! In all my years alive, I had encountered plenty of ill-mannered women, but never had I encountered one among the powerful and influential.When I heard that they had dragged Courtney out and slapped her, calling her shameless for having feelings for a young man, I wanted to storm into Averton Estate, break down their door, and give them a taste of their own medicine.Cari was angry too, but she reminded me that we couldn't just go rushing in without thinking. The most important thing was to check on Courtney and Viola—who knew if they might do something rash?I had to admit, Cari had been in court long enough to know how to handle these things. She could stay calm when it mattered most.I rushed straight to the Prince family's residence. As I feared, I
When did I truly realize how wrong I was?It wasn't when Thomas returned, nor was it after my divorce from Barrett, nor even when the Prince family fell into misfortune.No, it was when talks were going on to arrange the marriage of my niece, Courtney.During the Prince family's fall from grace, I was imprisoned and narrowly escaped death. As I reflected on the past, I knew I had made mistakes and was willing to change. But I wasn't fully aware of just how deep my mistakes went.At the time, I thought it was all my own problem. No matter how much I suffered, it was my burden alone. No one else had the right to speak on it.I knew that my sister-in-law, Zoey, had suffered because of my stubbornness. She had worked tirelessly, running here and there, trying to help me, and perhaps I had grown accustomed to her always doing that for me. Because of that, I felt both gratitude and respect for her.Still, I wasn't ready to face the full weight of my past. I didn't want to dwell on it—i
Carissa stopped and turned back to me. "Her family treats her well. It's just that things didn't go smoothly when they were arranging for her niece's marriage. Thankfully, that niece is now married to a good man."I think Viola worries that, being unmarried at her age—twice wed, no less—she might invite gossip. She doesn't want to burden her nephews and nieces or trouble her sister-in-law."I nodded, thinking of Zoey—the fierce woman who was also kind-hearted. She had one son and one daughter, as well as more children from her late husband's concubines. She had likely faced many challenges while arranging marriages for all her children. I imagined the amount of gossip and judgment she must have endured.I truly cared for Zoey like a sister-in-law, and I felt for all she had gone through."Think it over," Carissa said.I nodded, then glanced outside, where there wasn't a soul in sight.I couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you afraid that Prince Rafael might grow jealous, you being her