Chapter 253 (+25 Bonus)

As Carissa saw Sebastian out, he sighed and said, "Being captured by human traffickers is undeniably unfortunate, but escaping the massacre of your entire family is a great stroke of luck amidst the misfortune."

Carissa didn't share his view. Had Ryan delivered the candied apples to Valor Estate as planned, she would have personally ensured his safe return, though it likely would have meant staying a night at Northwatch Estate. If she had been there when the Westhaven spies attacked, she might have been able to save some of them, and the massacre might not have been so complete.

Therefore, her hatred for the traffickers was deep and all-consuming. She hoped to see them utterly eradicated, not a single one spared.

After sending Sebastian away, Carissa requested a carriage. She intended to take Ryan to the palace to meet the king and the queen dowager, followed by a visit to the Klein family.

New clothes had been made for Ryan, as only a few of his old garments remained at the estate. Many of his clothes were buried with his family during the funeral, leaving only a few keepsakes.

Although Ryan's new clothes didn't fit perfectly, they were only slightly short. His facial injuries had healed, leaving only faint scars. After careful grooming, Ryan was dressed in his old finery, making it seem as though no time had passed and nothing had changed.

But in reality, it was only an illusion.

Holding Ryan's hand, Carissa walked slowly outside. Ryan's injured leg made it difficult for him to walk quickly—he had to hop awkwardly to avoid falling.

Frederick watched them leave with tears in his eyes. He deeply understood the pain of broken bones; his own mobility was limited, though still much better than Ryan's.

Salvador received the aunt and nephew at Victoria's palace.

Victoria couldn't hold back her tears as she beckoned Ryan over. He hopped awkwardly on one leg, the pain from his broken limb worsening after the long journey through the palace. Seeing his struggle, Victoria's tears flowed anew. She took his hand and guided him to sit beside her, gently stroking his cheek. "Oh, you're so thin… You've suffered so much."

Ryan looked at Victoria, shaking his head and waving his hand reassuringly.

Upon seeing this, Salvador felt a pang of compassion. He offered words of encouragement and bestowed some gifts. His gaze held both consolation and sorrow as he looked at Carissa.

"No matter what, at least the Duke of Northwatch's family has a trace of its bloodline left. Once his health improves, raise him well. With time, he will surely grow into a man like his father, strong and upright."

"Of course, Your Majesty. Thank you!" Carissa replied.

Salvador's eyes lingered on her as he said, "You've lost weight yourself. Please take good care of yourself."

Carissa averted her gaze and murmured, "I will."

Salvador turned his gaze away and asked, "Derek mentioned that the Klein family is skeptical. Have you visited them yet?"

Carissa answered, "Not yet. Once we leave the palace, I'll take him there. Once they see him, they'll believe."

Salvador replied, "Shouldn't the Klein family have someone come to see for themselves, rather than dismissing the matter with mere disbelief?"

Carissa suppressed the pain in her eyes. "Your Majesty, I understand their skepticism. They have seen the child's body before. Therefore, they might believe that I am simply presenting a look-alike to substitute for the Duke's heir."

Victoria added, "It is not surprising they think this way. The Klein family's former patriarch passed away after what happened with your family. Then, their matriarch has been bedridden for years and, according to reports, is on the brink of death. They fear that if it turns out to be false hope and she can't endure it, the Klein family's descendants would be blamed for negligence toward their parents."

Victoria was reminded of Melanie as she held Ryan's hand, and her tears flowed freely. The Klein family weren't the only ones. Even she couldn't help but weep when she recalled that horrific… (The passage ends abruptly here.)