جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 1460

Inside Everspring Palace, the underfloor heating kept the room warm. Carissa had already been sitting for some time after removing her cloak. She had been waiting quietly after arriving, having been informed by the servants that Kylie had gone to change her clothes.-At that moment, Kylie was in her private chambers, eating royal jelly soup. When Lydia kept insisting that she hurry to see Carissa, the queen looked slightly impatient."What harm is there in letting her wait a bit longer?" she quipped."Your Majesty, you've always said we should avoid offending her. Now that she's come here, why not explain things clearly? We can resolve the misunderstandings and everything will be fine," Lydia replied.Kylie paused for a moment, her expression hardening."I used to think that too. But you heard what His Majesty just said—he told me that whether Carissa hits me or scolds me, I'm to bear it. He doesn't treat me like the queen. He only wants the person close to his heart to vent her

The festive atmosphere of the New Year was only truly felt upon returning to Hell Monarch Estate. Everyone there was playing games like ring toss and archery, as well as taking part in a daring contest with Flamepetals, all with prizes and special rewards for the winners.For the Flamepetal contest, each person had to hold a small pouch of red petals with a short fuse and throw it before it exploded. But it had to go off in the air—if it hit the ground first, they lost. Naturally, it was also acceptable to let it explode in hand. After all, if one's hands were burned, they deserved a prize for their efforts. Otherwise, Travis wouldn't stand for it.By the time Carissa returned, they had been playing for over an hour. Bits of charred and powdery red petals covered the ground in a thick layer, soft underfoot, leaving a red dusting on her shoes.She loved this kind of lively atmosphere and quickly joined in. She never let the Flamepetals explode in her hands, always throwing them at ju

Violet did not give an immediate answer.After spending the entire night reflecting, she informed Carissa that if the marriage proposal were indeed made and her family consented, she would be willing to marry Isaac. However, as for whether she truly wanted to, she could not say, for her feelings were uncertain.What she felt now was different from how she had once felt.Carissa reassured her, and later that day, she set off for Meadow Ridge with Lulu. Her reasons were threefold. First, she wished to speak directly with Isaac. Second, she had not spent the New Year there for some time, and missed her mentor and other guild members.Third, Winona had also returned to Meadow Ridge, and Carissa wanted to inquire whether any news from the Southern Frontier had reached her. She feared that Winona might have learned something troubling but didn't dare share it with her. If she asked her directly in person, she would be able to tell if her senior guild member was lying.Upon Carissa's ret

Isaac sighed. "The proposal was a bit impulsive. Looking back on it, it may have even been a bit opportunistic. She was in a low mood at the time, so though she agreed, I'm not sure she truly wants to marry me. Sage Everett scolded me when I got back to Meadow Ridge, and I've had time to calm down since then."Carissa stared at him, surprised. "You've already told Sage Everett?""Yes, the very day I got back. I was caught up in the heat of the moment.""Why did Sage Everett scold you? Was it because he disagreed?" asked Carissa, curious.Isaac shrugged. "It wasn't even about agreeing or disagreeing yet. He just scolded me first. The usual stuff, really.""How usual?"Isaac avoided her gaze. "He called me ugly and told me to take a good look at myself in the mirror."Carissa couldn't help but laugh. "Sage Everett was kind to you, it seems."She then relayed what Violet had said. Listening intently as the biting wind swirled around him, a smile tugged at Isaac's lips and his eyes

Patrick was taken aback by Carissa's calm response. For a brief moment, he stood there in stunned silence, then couldn't help but admire her. Even with her husband missing on the front lines, she managed to stay composed and offer such a level-headed analysis.Sending reinforcements now could mean sending Chester's forces, those from Victory Pass, or even the Capital Army under Thomas' command. However, all of these options were too far away to make a difference in time.The real issue wasn't the battle at the Southern Frontier, but the situation at the Atamore Mountain Range. The reinforcements would only serve to hold the Southern Frontier, not to change the course of the battle already unfolding.Salvador listened to everyone's opinions, his face unreadable. He didn't make a decision, merely saying that they would have to wait.It was clear—no reinforcements would be sent.Later that evening, Thomas and Rosalind paid a visit to Carissa. Thomas could sense that Carissa might sti