Chapter 392
During these fifteen days, the king would personally visit Skyward Sanctum, the sacred platform for ceremonies. Afterward, he would enjoy the festivities at the city gates with the common folk and watch the fireworks. The Capital Guard and the garrison unit needed to make early preparations, urging the Ministry of Housing to build high platforms outside the city walls so the king and court officials could watch the fireworks.
After visiting Avis, Carissa and Rafael talked in the small wooden cabin outside. Travis had used the cabin for a night, but the bedding was neatly arranged. Although the furniture was old, it had been thoroughly cleaned.
Carissa shared the situation regarding Avis with Rafael, who was equally shocked upon hearing about Yuvan’s reasons for the divorce.
“That’s absurd, isn’t it? Having no sons and jealousy—none of those accusations are convincing,” he said, frowning.
“There’s always something that can be used to convince others, like Aunt Avis’s grave illness,” Carissa replied, her frustration evident. She felt a weight in her chest that wouldn’t ease.
“And he plans to marry Violet? What is Uncle Yuvan thinking?” Rafael mused.
He frowned, his sharp mind quickly piecing things together. He and Carissa were on the same page. If Yuvan proceeded with this, his actions could very well lead to his own downfall.
The Spencer family was a prominent family from Ebonflow. Although they didn’t hold official positions in the capital, they had strong influence through numerous local officials across various regions. Their business ventures were also extensive. They weren’t wealthy enough to rival entire nations, but if someone were to claim they were the richest family in Starhaven, few would argue otherwise. However, Fiona’s family, the Judd family from Valken, was also quite wealthy.
Rafael wondered if Yuvan was seeking more than just wealth from the Spencer family. His insistence on marrying Violet made the situation far more complicated.
“I’ll keep an eye on it,” Rafael said.
After a pause, he remembered that he was also currently under Salvador’s suspicion. He softly added, “I can only observe in secret.”
Carissa understood his dilemma. Despite the tough battle at the Southern Frontier, Rafael had returned with only superficial glory. Behind the scenes, Salvador was wary of him and had taken away his military power. If Salvador discovered that Rafael was secretly investigating another prince, he might become even more suspicious.
“Perhaps it’s best to not get involved?” Carissa posited, worried about her husband.
Rafael smiled warmly, reaching out to touch her cheek. “If we ignore it and chaos erupts, won’t it be the men in our army who suffer? Won’t it be the common people who bear the brunt?”
Carissa sighed. “I understand. It was just a moment of frustration.”
Only soldiers truly understood the horrors of war, and only genuine military leaders felt the pain of the soldiers who charged into battle.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be careful,” Rafael said, gently stroking his wife’s cheek with his fingertips. “Given how serious your aunt’s condition is, I’m afraid you can’t leave yet. I’ll come back to fetch you before the New Year’s Eve palace banquet.”
“Okay,” Carissa nodded. “Be careful on your way back.”
Rafael kissed her forehead and reluctantly pulled away. Then, he and Dylan mounted their horses and left.
Carissa returned to the small courtyard, where Jasmine was preparing Avis’s medicine. Though Avis had usually been unable to keep even half of it down, today she managed to get it all down. Seeing her niece enter, Avis’s once-pallid face gained a hint of color. “Carissa, you’ve come.”
Carissa sat by the bed, taking the medicine bowl from Jasmine. “I’ll feed her.”
“Alright,” Jasmine stepped aside to watch.
Carissa was about to give her aunt the medicine when Avis reached out to stop her. “Carissa, remember this: if something happens to me, don’t go looking for trouble with anyone. Just focus on living your own life.”
“Why are you saying such things? You’re getting better and will continue to improve. Don’t talk like that.”
“Everyone has to die eventually,” Avis said with a smile, though her eyes were full of deep sadness. “Sometimes, living is torment and death is the only relief.”
“Aunt Avis!” Carissa’s expression hardened. “I don’t want to hear that.”