Chapter 557

Rafael requested the military physician's accompaniment, and Oliver readily agreed; they had more than one available. Oliver's official report sent, his scheming and calculations were over. He looked at the eleven men with deep respect. Hearing of Lawrence's critical condition, his concern deepened.

Regardless of what happened, Oliver remained a soldier at heart. Though he'd once considered abandoning Septimus, the eleven men's return stirred something within him. No one admires heroes who threaten their position, but the eleven men's safe return was due partly to Rafael's efforts and partly to Oliver's—he had sent Louis and Timothy.

Oliver also wanted to save Lawrence, partly out of self-interest. Lawrence was the Marquis of Elderglen's second son, and Oliver, still unstable in his military position, needed the support of influential families. More surprising was that Thomas was also a Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team member.

Viola's marriage to another left Oliver uncertain how to face Thomas. Perhaps pretending not to know him, given their severed familial ties, was best.

At Hell Monarch Estate, Carissa was in bed when Travis pounded urgently on the door, shouting, "Cari, there's an emergency!" Travis, usually adhering to high-society etiquette, avoided addressing her by name publicly, reserving it for private moments. His nighttime visit and forceful knocking indicated something serious.

Carissa threw on a robe as Lulu opened the door. Travis, holding a clearly read note, said urgently, "You need to get Sebastian and Lady Kayla immediately! There's no time to lose!"

The note read: "The rendezvous was concerning, but Lawrence is gravely injured. Bring Sebastian and Lawrence's wife, the second Madam of the Ziegler family, to Westglade immediately."

Was Septimus actually Lawrence, and not Thomas?

"Rod, prepare horses and provisions. I'm leaving the city tonight," Carissa instructed Travis. She then told Pearl, "Choose a few practical outfits for me and find my deputy commander's emblem."

Violet, speaking with Helen, overheard the commotion. "What happened? What's going on?"

Carissa replied, "Vivi, you're just in time. Go to Arcane Sanctum and find Sebastian. Tell him a hero is gravely injured, and I need him to accompany me to Westglade. I'll go to Elderglen Estate to fetch Lady Kayla." She handed Violet the note and went to change. Violet gasped and then looked serious after reading it. "I'll get Sebastian right away."

After changing, Carissa and Lulu hurried to Elderglen Estate. "Lulu, what time is it?" "Around nine," Lulu replied, her voice anxious and excited. Easily moved to tears, Lulu blinked back tears and asked, "My lady, will General Ziegler be alright?"

"He will be!" Carissa affirmed. "As long as we move quickly enough." This urgency explained her nighttime departure; every minute wasted endangered Lawrence.

The Marquis of Elderglen's family was known for strict values. By nine, everyone was settling down. The Hell Monarch's princess consort's arrival startled them.

Agnes, the Marquis's wife, knew Carissa had helped her daughter-in-law and had sent a gift in gratitude. But why this late-night visit?

"Quickly, get changed. No time for idle chatter," the Marquis, Edwin Ziegler, instructed. He was already dressed; a visit from the Hell Monarch's princess consort deserved respect. A tall, imposing figure, he was the Minister of Infrastructure, a second-rank official.

Elderglen Estate's main gate opened to welcome Carissa. Everyone bowed, and Agnes offered refreshments, but Carissa waved them off. Not seeing Kayla, she said, "I have urgent business with Lady Kayla. Please have her pack a bag and come with me to Westglade."

Everyone was surprised. Westglade?

Julian Ziegler, the Marquis's heir, spoke up, "Lady Carissa, my sister-in-law rarely leaves since becoming a widow. Is there something urgent requiring her to go to Westglade? If not absolutely necessary, might I go instead?"

Carissa interrupted, "Send someone to fetch her immediately and have her pack. Once that's done, I'll explain."

Seeing her serious expression, Edwin dispatched a maid to help Kayla pack.