Chapter 176

In Evergreen Palace, an angry, sharp voice rang out.

“She wants to become your consort? Unless I’m dead, tell her not to harbor such delusions! Otherwise, I won’t spare her!”

Rafael remained calm as he watched the distraught Helen. Having grown up amidst such roaring voices, he was accustomed to them. However, it was unlikely Carissa would be.

Helen’s face turned ashen as she extended a finger; the long, claw ring almost poked Rafael’s nose.

“In a few days, I’ll be moving into your residence. If she dares to set foot on the estate, I will have her legs chopped off!” she screamed.

Rafael nodded. “Alright, chopping off her legs sounds good. I’ve seen her cut off the legs of enemies—she was as swift as lightning. With a single slash, she divided their bodies into three pieces. It’s quite a sight.”

Helen raised her hand, her voice cutting like a knife. “Whether she’s the legitimate daughter of a duke or a highly skilled warrior, she’s nothing but a discarded woman expelled from the Warren family to me! You are a prince! There are many pure and noble young women in the capital hoping to enter your family. Yet, you chose a woman of ill repute. Are you out of your mind?!”

Rafael’s eyes flashed sharply. “I won’t tolerate such words a second time. If you dislike her, you need not live on the estate. It is much better for you to stay here in the palace, where you can enjoy your status and comfort.”

Helen’s gaze turned cold. “What did you say? You want me to stay away from your estate for that… that once-married woman? Rafael, you’re being disrespectful to me!”

In Starhaven, ruling with kindness and respect was crucial. Just one instance of being called disrespectful could feel as overwhelming as having a mountain pressing down on you. Once, Rafael found it hard to breathe.

But, just like the story of the boy who cried wolf, hearing how disrespectful he was over and over again didn’t bother Rafael as much anymore. The first few times, it felt like a huge burden. After hearing it so many times, however, he knew his mother was just venting her anger—nothing more.

It was already remarkable that they maintained a semblance of harmony in their relationship.

When Helen said he was disrespectful, Rafael replied calmly, “I’m marrying Carissa. Whether you accept it or not is up to you to decide.”

Helen drew in a sharp breath. “Marriage is a matter decided by the parents and the matchmaker! If I oppose it, does that mean your parents’ wishes count for nothing? Are you so willing to defy all conventions just to marry that lowly woman? What kind of spell has she cast on you to make you so infatuated that you disregard even her unsavory past?”

Rafael stood up. “Thank you for your reminder, Mother. I’ll discuss my marriage with the Empress Dowager. After all, she’s my late father’s primary wife, so she’s in charge of the household. It is her right to make decisions about my marriage.”

Helen watched as he left without even bidding her a proper farewell, her tears falling freely. Anger and helplessness churned within her. Despite her efforts, she couldn’t control her son. No matter what she said, he always seemed to ignore her. He treated her concerns with indifference and a marked lack of respect. She was at a loss for what she had done wrong. Her son always seemed to be against her, no matter what.

Excluding Salvador, among the children of more than thirty concubines in the palace, Rafael was considered the most outstanding. Even the late king had spoken highly of him. Rafael had achieved his current status due to Helen’s meticulous planning and nurturing. Despite her tireless efforts, his attitude remained cold. Although she had maintained her dignity in front of the other concubines and gained their admiration, the pain in her heart was hers alone to bear.

That night, at the celebration feast, when the palace attendants had escorted Rafael to the Eternity Palace, she had been overjoyed. She ordered her servants to prepare soup and arranged a room with hot water and fresh clothes for him to bathe in. Yet, he had collapsed into a chair in the side hall and fallen asleep. The following day, when she excitedly arranged a feast, he had already disappeared without a word.