Chapter 334 (+25 Bonus)
Hell Monarch Estate bustled with activity. Most officials and military officers of the fourth rank and above were present; those absent were at Silverstone Estate or Valor Estate. However, the main topic of conversation wasn't Carissa, the new princess consort, but the group of martial artists led by Adrian. His presence alone sparked whispers and speculation.
Who was Adrian Russell?
The Russell family had once been a powerful family in the capital, but they withdrew from the circles of power to establish their own guild. Some claimed that, although there was no formal leader of the martial arts world, Adrian's position was essentially equivalent to that of a leader.
Why? Because Adrian was both wealthy and highly skilled. His combat skills were exceptional—his honed abilities hinted at extraordinary experiences. His wealth was immeasurable. Accumulated over generations, the Russell family's land and property holdings were so extensive that even Adrian might struggle to keep track of them all.
Consider Meadow Ridge: not a single piece of land, but an expanse stretching hundreds of miles, encompassing countless estates and fields. Adrian also owned numerous other properties, including shops in the capital.
The martial artists he brought were unlike the typical rough, unruly types. Instead, they displayed refinement and propriety, shattering common preconceptions about martial artists as mere brutes unworthy of consideration. Many guild apprentices served merely as bodyguards or protectors, hardly meriting high regard.
The second most discussed topic was the dowry the Pathfinders Guild had provided. Displayed for all to see were numerous chests filled with gold bars and ingots of unquestionable purity, familiar to those accustomed to handling such treasures. As for the rare and exotic treasures, some were unlike anything previously seen. The Mystic Pearls, for example—if someone owned even one, it would be the talk of the town for a considerable time. Yet here were four or five jars full of them.
This wasn't just a dowry; it was enough to support the Hell Monarch's princess consort for ten lifetimes. Even if Rafael took many concubines and wives, filling his home with children, Carissa's status as primary princess consort would remain unshaken.
Even Helen was astonished. Overwhelmed, her hands trembled as she examined the dowry, muttering, "Oh, Heavenly Lord."
However, when Rafael led his bride out for the ceremonial toasts, Carissa immediately became the center of attention. It's said that angered men go to great lengths for a beautiful woman, and many agreed that Carissa was the woman in that saying. Today, she shone with an almost otherworldly beauty, a dazzling gem. Wherever she went, all eyes were irresistibly drawn to her, especially when she blushed and smiled shyly.
Many royal relatives and officials had seen Carissa before, at the celebration feast after the soldiers' victorious return from the Southern Frontier. At that time, "messy" wouldn't have begun to describe her appearance. People had kept their distance. Her skin had been tan, dry, and peeling. It had been better not to look.
Who could have imagined she would become so stunning—a breathtaking beauty capable of captivating a nation? Everyone was puzzled, having seen Aurora, and wondered how Barrett could abandon such an exquisite wife.
Carissa's flushed cheeks weren't due to makeup, but to someone holding her hand. "So, this is what holding hands feels like," she thought.
When Rafael had escorted her from Northwatch Estate, he had held her hand, but she'd been overwhelmed with emotion. Now, as they moved from table to table, their fingers remained intertwined.
Rafael, having drunk considerably, had a flushed face. From her angle, Carissa could see his profile and jawline. She warned herself not to look too long, lest her heart stray.