Chapter 558
Once the maid left, Carissa began, “Prince Rafael went to Simonton City to negotiate with Sandoria’s representatives about an informant named Septimus. Septimus, an informant who escaped after being captured by our enemies, continuously sent us intelligence during the Southern Frontier conflict. However, he was recently recaptured, and the Sandorians are attempting to exchange him for Simonton City.”
As Carissa spoke, everyone’s breath quickened, awaiting her continuation.
“So, the king dispatched Prince Rafael to Simonton City. Officially, it was for negotiations; in reality, Prince Rafael was to attempt a secret rescue. Septimus has been rescued and is now in Simonton City. It’s been confirmed that Septimus is Lawrence Ziegler, the Marquis of Elderglen’s second son.
“However, his injuries are severe. Prince Rafael’s message, sent by carrier pigeon, requests Sebastian and Lady Kayla’s presence. We must leave tonight; there’s no time to waste.”
“Oh, my God! Oh, heavens!” Agnes trembled. The news—that her son was not dead, but gravely injured—was almost unbearable. “I—I’ll go too!”
Julian supported his mother, helping her stand. “Mom, you shouldn’t go. I’ll go in your place. I’ll accompany my sister-in-law.” His voice was choked with emotion.
Edwin said, his voice trembling slightly, “I will also go.” His eyes, filled with tears, held a faint smile. “Our son is brave and remarkable. We will go and bring him home. We must.”
Edwin, a stoic man, a marquis and dignified second-rank official, had restrained his tears upon first hearing of his son’s supposed sacrifice. But now, even with the Hell Monarch’s princess consort present, he couldn’t contain his emotion.
Carissa said, “Lord Edwin, as Minister of Infrastructure, you can’t easily leave the capital. However, Lord Julian can accompany us.”
[BONUS +25]
Julian, a lower-ranking official in the Ministry of Justice, could take leave without difficulty. He immediately stood, saying, “I’ll pack my things now. Dad, please inform my workplace of a family emergency.”
Agnes, tears streaming, knelt. “Your Grace, you know Sebastian. I implore you, do everything in your power to ensure he accompanies you.” Knowing Sebastian rarely undertook such distant missions, she appealed to Carissa, believing their request alone might be insufficient.
Carissa quickly helped the older woman up. “Don’t worry, Sebastian will definitely agree. Lord Lawrence was gravely injured serving his country; Sebastian won’t stand idly by.”
After assisting Agnes, Carissa turned to Edwin. “We need to move quickly.”
“Urge them to hurry,” Edwin ordered.
Kayla, unaware of the full situation, only knew Carissa wanted her in Westglade. She knew the route—she’d memorized every county and state from the capital to the Southern Frontier countless times. Perhaps it was her marriage, but she felt an urgent intuition. Without hesitation, she ordered her belongings packed and rushed out.
She had run this swiftly only once before—when her husband joined the army, dashing through the streets, veiled, to catch a glimpse of him disappearing into the distance. Now, she ran again, knowing it was for her husband, who might still be alive.
In truth, she had never fully accepted Lawrence’s death, lacking confirmation of his body. Despite the years and silence, she’d clung to her belief, unable to voice it—such statements often brought only empty consolations or resigned sighs.
[BONUS +25]
She silently maintained her faith, even if it meant self-deception. Without it, how could she continue?
Entering the main hall, she saw Carissa and the others gazing at her with tearful eyes. Her heart sank; things were more complicated than she’d imagined.
Julian, ready, said, “Kayla’s here. Let’s leave immediately.”
Julian’s wife, Tessa, embraced Kayla, crying, “Be careful. Bring Lawrence home.”
Kayla’s lips trembled. “Tessa! He… he isn’t dead, right?”
Carissa took Kayla’s hand. “Let’s talk as we walk.”
“O-okay!” Kayla’s tears flowed, but her steps didn’t falter. She kept pace with Carissa.