Chapter 518

Violet looked at Carissa and asked, "If they're not targeting Aurora, could they be targeting you and the marshal's household?"

"I don't know," Carissa admitted. She hadn't yet been able to analyze the situation. She only knew that several individuals with a heavy aura of bloodlust had entered the capital; there was no other information.

"I need Rod to strengthen the estate's defenses," Carissa said. "Tomorrow, I'll take Ryan to the academy, and Rod will station guards outside for a few days until those individuals leave."

Caution was paramount. With Rafael and Jacob away, extra precautions were necessary.

That day, Travis began setting up defenses. Five hundred soldiers stationed at Hell Monarch Estate, under the king's very nose, might give Salvador pause. Their presence was a significant deterrent.

Setting up the defenses was straightforward. Three-hour shifts ensured ample coverage.

Since the capital had no curfew, Travis personally supervised the night shift, as nighttime was when most crimes occurred. The likelihood of an attack in broad daylight was low.

Early the next morning, after the carriage was ready, Carissa and Violet took Ryan to the academy for his first day. Though he claimed not to be nervous, his anxiety was evident.

Ryan wore a blue outfit, his hair neatly styled and secured with a blue silk ribbon; he looked clean and scholarly. Frederick had chosen his study partner: Evan, the grandson of Frederick's cousin, born on New Year's Eve and Ryan's age.

Evan carried a book bag containing ink, brushes, and paper.

Ryan's gait was slightly awkward, but he wasn't worried about being mocked. His time as a beggar had made him emotionally resilient.

Violet glanced at the overcast sky. "It looks like it's going to rain," she said. "We need to hurry, or we'll be stuck in a traffic jam."

Carissa, still scanning the surroundings from beside the carriage, saw nothing unusual. She lifted her skirt to enter. "Do we have an umbrella?"

"Yes, I have everything," Violet said, checking her belongings. "A packed lunch and a storybook, too. We can read while we wait for him to finish class."

Carissa told the coachman, "Alright, let's go!"

The carriage was spacious and comfortable. However, as they neared the academy, it began to rain—a light shower that caused minimal delay.

Having left early, they arrived at the academy without encountering traffic. Only a few carriages were lined up at the large entrance.

Carissa opened her umbrella and stepped out first, carefully helping Ryan down. Evan jumped out on his own; he was full of energy and excitement.

As the rain intensified, Violet tossed another umbrella down. "Don't get wet! We didn't bring extra clothes."

"Got it, Aunt Violet!" Ryan called.

"Good boy, Ryan!" Violet smiled, waving. "Go on. We'll wait here for you."

Evan, holding the umbrella, took Ryan's hand, and they dashed into the academy. Carissa called out, "Don't run too fast! Be careful, and don't slip!"

As she finished speaking, there was a loud "thud," as if someone had fallen.

Carissa turned to see a woman in plain white clothes lying on the ground, having fallen from a nearby carriage. A maid rushed to help, but while holding an umbrella and trying to support the woman, she slipped and fell on top of her. The woman cried out in pain.

The coachman ran over, but as a man, helping them wasn't appropriate. He offered his coat to help the maid lift the woman, but with the woman's legs trapped, the maid struggled, only pressing her down further.

Carissa ran over, steadied the maid, and then helped the woman to her feet.

(Note: The "Today's Bonus Offer" is not part of the narrative and has been omitted.)