Chapter 879

After leaving the palace, Carissa and Rafael discussed the matter in their carriage. Rafael recalled a report from Jacob, whose informants monitored both Edgeview and Hartstone Estates. Since the rebellion, Hartstone Estate had been unusually quiet, and Harvey rarely ventured out. He had left only two or three times, each for a drink. After a couple of outings, he stopped entirely.

“There’s a possibility Harvey isn’t ill, but has left the capital,” Rafael said, furrowing his brow. “Even with close surveillance of Hartstone Estate, there's bound to be lapses. If Harvey altered his appearance or disguised himself, he might go unnoticed.”

“Where would he go?” Carissa asked.

“Let’s return to the estate first,” Rafael replied, formulating a hypothesis.

That night, Hell Monarch Estate buzzed with activity, as staff from Northwatch Estate joined them for New Year’s Eve dinner. However, the Klein family hadn't returned Ryan. Knowing he would have stayed at Hell Monarch Estate anyway, they allowed him to celebrate with them.

After returning to Hell Monarch Estate, a vibrant atmosphere prevailed as everyone collected their New Year’s gifts. Carissa's generosity delighted everyone.

Later, Rafael, Jacob, and Kyle retired to the study, leaving Carissa behind; her presence wasn't needed.

The activities at Hell Monarch Estate far surpassed those at the palace. Travis showcased martial arts and swordplay, earning twenty silver coins. Luke, singing a song, had everyone laughing and covering their ears.

“That was awful! I demand compensation!” someone shouted.

Luke thrived on such teasing. He didn't mind criticism—he believed his singing was good. Even if he had to pay, he would sing. Originally planning one song, he performed three, each more off-key than the last, leaving Violet and Carissa in tears of laughter.

The servants displayed their talents: archery, darts, tree-climbing, paper-cutting, even demonstrating exceptional cleaning speed.

Violet laughed, rubbing her cheeks. “I can't take it anymore! For a few coins, they're really going all out.”

Puffing out his chest, Travis declared, “I can do something even more difficult!” High-difficulty acts earned ten silver coins, standard ones, one.

“What will you do?” Violet asked, her laughter hoarse.

His eyes sparkling, Travis replied, “Eat a basin of noodles for ten silver coins, or drink a whole jar of wine!”

“Dream on!” Carissa and Violet laughed, shaking their heads.

“Five silver coins!” He held up five fingers. “Five silver coins for eating noodles and drinking. What do you say?”

Violet threw a candy at him. “Do you want to die from overeating or drunkenness? Jacob gave you a decent amount of money. Are you really that greedy?”

Travis caught the candy. “You can never have too much money! Besides, it’s easy money!”

The idea of eating and drinking while earning money was too tempting to resist.

Realizing he wouldn't win them over, he sat. “In a few days, I need to visit my mentor in Meadow Ridge. I’ll take some money back.”

“Sure,” Carissa replied.

“Vivi, want to come? We could go together,” Travis suggested.

Violet considered it. “If I go back to the Inferno Guild, I’ll visit my family. Otherwise, neither. I have to be fair.”

“You can visit both. You don't have much else going on.”

Violet crossed her arms. “What do you mean? I have three apprentices! They're visiting for New Year’s!”

Travis grumbled. Then his eyes lit up. “They come from good families—lots of gifts! You wouldn't want them, so give them to me for my mentor.”

“You’re as greedy as ever,” Violet replied, rolling her eyes.

(Chapter continues)