Chapter 1136

“Violet, when did you become so pessimistic?” Isaac’s voice, sudden and unexpected, came from behind them. He stood there, looking dashing.

“Many are far worse off, yet they persevere with optimism. You possess wealth, talent, and beauty—everything a woman could desire. And yet, you sulk over a single setback. Do you truly honor the gods who blessed you so?”

Looking up, Violet faced him. His imposing figure seemed to dwarf her delicate features, his air still reckless and carefree. In the dim lamplight of the corridor, his sun-kissed skin gleamed faintly. His dark, almost pitch-black eyes were inscrutable—was he lecturing or teasing?

“Come, let me show you something,” Isaac said, taking her wrist. With a swift leap, he soared into the air, gliding effortlessly. Stunned, Violet stared. Was his Lightfoot Skill truly so amazing? She’d always considered him half-hearted.

Carissa watched them go, tilting her head. Had Isaac not noticed her? He hadn't even glanced her way.

Isaac took Violet to the top of Glimmering Tower, where they hung suspended in midair, gazing at the sprawling city below, its lights twinkling like distant stars. Before ascending, he’d fetched two bottles of wine—one for each of them.

The night air was cool and refreshing. Shrouded in darkness, their features were indistinct. The obscurity felt intimate, so Isaac produced a Night Pearl. With a soft click, the tower top illuminated, as bright as the moon.

“Look at the lights from thousands of households,” Isaac said. “Each light represents a home, a family, a multitude of troubles. Whether born royal or common, everyone faces struggles. Yours? Insignificant.”

Violet pursed her lips. “I didn’t ask for sympathy. No need to bring me here to comfort me with wine.” She didn't need comforting. She was fine.

Isaac’s gaze deepened as he turned to her.

“Who said I was here to comfort you? I brought you here to comfort myself, and for company,” he said, his voice low and wistful.

Remembering her debt to him for saving her life, Violet didn't get angry. Instead, she asked, “What needs comforting?”

Isaac swung his legs, taking a swig of wine. “Do you know my name?”

“Of course. Isaac Prince.”

“That wasn’t always my name.” His voice softened, his expression darkening slightly under the Night Pearl’s glow.

“Then what were you called?” Violet asked, intrigued.

Isaac was silent for a moment before murmuring, “Seraphina Prince.”

Violet almost lost her balance. Seraphina? Isaac, known for his charm and smooth talking, had a name suggesting pampered cuteness?

“Don’t you dare laugh!” Isaac glared. “If you laugh, I’ll push you off this tower.”

Violet recalled her capture by Yuvan’s men, then slapped herself to stifle her laughter.

“What’s so funny? It’s a nice name.” Though she held back her laughter, she remained puzzled. Why tell her this? Didn't he fear she'd spread the word to Meadow Ridge?

Seeing she wasn’t laughing, Isaac relaxed. “Do you know why I was called that?”

Violet pondered. Perhaps his father had a grudge. But she hesitated to say so.

“Maybe… your father had a… conflict with you? Bad luck, a taboo?”

“Quite the opposite.” He paused, adding bitterly, “When I was born, my father inherited the family title, earned military honors, and royal reward. It was because of me.”

Violet’s eyes widened. “Inherited the title? From such a prestigious family? Which one?”

Isaac met her gaze. “Is it so hard to guess?”

Violet hesitated. It felt intrusive, but she asked, “Your father passed away, and your brother inherited, didn’t he?”

Isaac nodded, his expression flat.

Violet covered her mouth, staring at him for a long time before asking, “Then… who’s your mother? Is she still alive?”