In front of them, Travis reiterated, "From now on, in the prince's residence, you must call me by my name. I'm Travis—not Rod, not Troublemaker, and definitely not Shit Stick!"Violet shrugged. "You've been known as Rod for a long time. But if it makes you happy to be called Travis, then so be it. In our hearts, you'll always be just a rod."Carissa instructed someone to take Leah and Alana to freshen up, and then to buy a few sets of clothing. They would head to Gracehold Estate early the next morning.Since Rowan had asked Violet to deliver a prescription to Margaret at Ironridge Estate, they would need to pass by Valor Estate. As they passed Valor Estate, Violet peeked through the curtain but saw nothing unusual, so she ignored it.After delivering the prescription to the steward at Ironridge Estate, they didn't linger and quickly proceeded to Gracehold Estate.In the carriage, Carissa went over the important points with Leah and Alana about what to be aware of once they entere
Carissa recalled what Violet had said. Viola had been intent on competing with her over the dowry, and their previous encounter had ended poorly. So, Carissa simply nodded and said calmly, "Mrs. Warren."Viola's face was grim, and her tone was sharp, "Is the princess consort so idle that she comes early in the morning to witness the commotion at the Warren family's residence? Or did the princess consort forget the way back to her own residence, mistaking the Warren family's residence for her own?"Violet immediately started to get out of the carriage, but Carissa stopped her and then looked at Viola with a faint smile. "Sometimes," Carissa said, "it's necessary to pay a visit to one's past and see how the unscrupulous people in the Warren family are faring. It's only a gesture of goodwill."Viola's face turned ashen. "Who are you calling unscrupulous? Are you here to mock us for our misfortunes? If so, get out of the carriage and see for yourself! See it up close, smell it you
Carissa sighed in relief. She had been worried that if she mentioned wanting to hit Viola, Leah and Alana might start a fight if they encountered something displeasing at Gracehold Estate. She believed the two young women would understand the limits.Carissa found Viola's behavior quite baffling. To be honest, she hadn't wronged Viola much. So why the intense hatred?However, after a bit of thought, she realized it was probably because Rebecca had spoken ill of her in front of Viola. It seemed that Rebecca harbored a deep resentment toward her marriage into the royal family.Yet, Viola had once been a wife in the Farrell family. With such an open-minded and far-sighted man like her late husband, Thomas, why had she learned nothing from him?Upon arriving at Gracehold Estate, Abigail hurried to welcome them into the sitting room. She felt a bit anxious, especially since Samuel had caused a scene at Hell Monarch Estate a few days ago. She was worried someone from Rafael's household
Carissa looked at Leona's swollen, red eyes, which she was trying to hide behind a fan. With a sigh, Carissa said, "So, you knew I was here, but still didn't want to see me?"Leona replied with a nasal tone, "Cari, my eyes are in no condition to be seen."Carissa glanced at her. "You're right. They're swollen so badly.""Cari…" Leona's voice choked up again. "Because of that incident, he insults me every day. How can he be so cruel?"Carissa frowned. "If he insults you, why don't you insult him back?""I…" Leona's tears fell once more. "I don't know how."Carissa was at a loss. She turned to Alana. "Alana, do you know how to insult someone?""Oh, I'm very good at it," Alana replied."Good. From now on, if Mr. Langley comes and insults the duchess, you insult him back. Remember one principle: if he insults you, insult him back. If he gets physical, you get physical.""Got it," Alana said."Cari, who are these two?" Leona asked, wiping her tears away and looking at the newcom
Aurora's eyes narrowed, her entire body stiffening as a fierce intent flashed from her gaze. But she quickly composed herself, adopting a nonchalant demeanor. "So what? If she wants to watch the commotion, that's her business."Viola choked momentarily. "What?! Aurora, I'm begging you. Can you please go to Jadehill Estate and apologize again? Your actions have not only affected the Warren family, but also impacted my husband's career!""Your husband?" Aurora sneered coldly. "You call him that so easily.""What's wrong with how I address him? Isn't he my husband?"Aurora's voice grew colder, "Yes, he is your husband. So, if you want to plan his future, apologize, or contribute money, that's your responsibility.""What is that supposed to mean?"Aurora drew her sword slightly, her expression steely. "That means you should leave. Don't provoke me."Viola trembled with rage. She struggled to understand how, despite being a member of the family and the legitimate, primary wife, Aur
On the following morning, during the court assembly, Irvin and his deputy, accompanied by several senior inspectors of the Oversight Department, presented a series of reports.The reports accused Samuel of consorting with a courtesan while his legitimate wife was pregnant, favoring his concubine over his wife, and mistreating his wife. Furthermore, they condemned the Warren family for their disrespect towards the matriarch of the Marquis of Jadehill's family, leading to public outrage. The resulting anger had led to people throwing excrement at Valor Estate. The Warren family members had caught the culprit, dragged him inside, and broken his limbs. The culprit had now filed a complaint at the Royal Citadel, confessing to the act and demanding compensation.Barrett had not been allowed into the court and had to stand outside with lower-ranking officials. Although he was supposed to be out of earshot of the discussions, the loud arguments from the inspectors penetrated outside, and h
Salvador's roar echoed throughout the court, "Who do you think you are?! How dare you set up your own torture chambers and break the limbs of a civilian? If the Warren family can do that, why do we even need the Royal Citadel, the Ministry of Justice, or the Supreme Court?"Barrett had no knowledge of this matter. But given the Oversight Department's accusations, it was clear that someone had gone to the Royal Citadel to lodge a complaint.He had no other defense to offer, and could only plead repeatedly, "Your Majesty, forgive me. Please, Your Majesty, calm your anger.""Calm my anger?" Salvador's voice rose in fury. "I told you to take Aurora and apologize to the Marquis of Jadehill's family, but when the marquis refused you entry, you simply walked away. Is this your attitude towards giving someone an apology? Not only did you fail to earn forgiveness, you also had the audacity to vent your frustrations on the common people?! You deserve to be pelted with dung, and I almost want
Barrett advanced and grabbed Aurora's wrist. "Let's go. We're going to Jadehill Estate."Aurora pulled her hand away forcefully. "I'm not going!"Barrett's expression darkened as he stood in the courtyard. "If you don't come willingly, I'll drag you there! You can either walk, or I'll tie you up and make you carry thorn branches on your back."Carrying thorn branches on one's back was a traditional act of penance, where an individual who had committed a serious offense would bear thorny branches as a symbolic gesture of remorse and submission. The practice was a way to visibly demonstrate their sincere repentance and willingness to atone for their wrongs."You wouldn't dare!" Aurora's anger flared, her voice trembling with indignation. "All I did was say a few words—what crime have I committed that's so unforgivable I need to beg for forgiveness with thorn branches on my back?"Barrett gritted his teeth in frustration. "You know what you've done! Your crimes are so severe, carryin
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