Chapter 871

News of the embroidery workshop, whether praised or criticized, spread quickly. Its official opening after the New Year was due to Jacob's diligent oversight and Luke's efficient handling of procurement and paperwork.

Violet tossed a bundle of banknotes in the air, declaring confidently, "If it's not enough, just ask me for more!"

Luke, accompanied by the Defense Minister's wife, Hannah, purchased everything needed: furniture, bedding, cookware, looms, threads, needles, and even chamber pots. Hannah's years of household management complemented Luke's experience overseeing the Hell Monarch Estate, allowing them to acquire all essential supplies within days. Custom items were to be delivered after the New Year.

The workshop was named Skye Embroidery. Kyle hand-wrote the name, which was then carved onto a plaque above the entrance. The townsfolk were puzzled by the name, wondering why a workshop intended to shelter women wasn't named something like "Compassion Embroidery." However, someone soon discovered that "Skye" was Amelia, the late Lady Warren's middle name. This revelation prompted many to cease their criticism, remarking instead on Carissa's apparent care for her past relationships.

Everyone knew Amelia had drowned and that Carissa had saved her once, but not a second time. This, it was understood, was why Carissa established the workshop as a refuge for abandoned women. The poignant backstory fostered community empathy; criticism of Carissa and the Hell Monarch ceased, replaced by praise for their loyalty and generosity. Rafael's broad-mindedness, particularly in light of the societal taboo against remarried women maintaining contact with former in-laws, earned him considerable respect.

However, this praise was met with its own criticisms, with some scolding Rafael for foolishness and a lack of awareness of his status.

On New Year's Eve, Ryan returned home from the academy. After a day at the Hell Monarch Estate, the Klein family collected him. Though reluctant, Carissa agreed to his departure, understanding its importance to the family.

Helen, however, was furious. Ryan had only just returned, and now he was being whisked away to celebrate the New Year with the Kleins. Her anger wasn't rooted in deep affection; she liked Ryan, but not intensely. She'd prepared whimsical stories, intending to have him read them aloud—his talent for mimicking voices made them particularly entertaining—and had ordered winter outfits for him to try on the following day. The Kleins' arrival thwarted her plans.

Knowing Helen's disappointment, Carissa suggested a visit to the palace to keep Victoria company. Helen welcomed the idea, especially given Violet's recent absence, supposedly occupied with martial arts instruction. Being alone with Gillian had grown tiresome, making a visit to the palace, with the opportunity to bicker with Dakota and Josephine, more appealing.

Chapter 173

Rebecca could finally endure no longer. Barrett knelt before the Arcane Sanctum for several hours, initially ignored. He persevered for eight hours, until around five in the evening, when Sebastian typically had coffee and pastries. Sebastian, noticing him, had him brought inside.

Barrett, believing his chance had arrived, dropped to his knees before Sebastian, saying, "Whatever the price for the Snowdrop Pills, name it. I'll pay it without haggling."

Rebecca had sold jewelry, raising 3,000 silver coins, promising to sell more if needed.

Sebastian looked at him, but didn't mention the Snowdrop Pills. "I once had high hopes for you," he said. "Who would have thought I misjudged you? You have truly disappointed me."