Chapter 928

When Carissa returned to Hell Monarch Estate, Violet and Lulu had already brought Ryan back and were chatting with Cindy. Carissa instructed her servants to prepare the carriage and load it with the items she had ordered a few days earlier: fine quilts, clothing, money, charcoal, and medicinal herbs. Lily had also prepared a variety of pastries—those usually served when Dominic returned from Victory Pass—filling a three-tiered container.

Having received Victoria's special approval, Cindy accompanied Carissa. Their carriages arrived almost simultaneously at Sullivan Estate. Keith directed the Griffinblade Unit to help carry the goods inside, including some of his personal clothing, as he planned to stay for a few days. He was tactful enough to avoid intruding on the family, but had a ready explanation for his presence should the king inquire. After all, as a trusted figure under Victoria, who would question him?

Dominic was overjoyed to see Ryan. After the boy greeted his great-grandfather, Dominic lifted him into his arms, laughing, "You're as heavy as a little piglet! You've clearly been eating well."

"I've been eating a lot and growing taller, too," Ryan replied cheerfully. Carissa had encouraged him to be happy and smile to reassure his great-grandfather.

"Have you practiced martial arts yet?" Dominic asked, smiling and gently lowering Ryan. As he supported himself with a hand on his waist, Carissa noticed how much weaker he had become.

"I haven't started yet. Sebastian says my legs aren't fully healed. He wants me to wait until the bones are properly healed before beginning training," Ryan answered.

A flicker of concern crossed Dominic's eyes. "That's fine. For now, focus on your studies. Once your legs are healed, you'll need to start practicing martial arts to strengthen your body. We must study and train well—learn to read and understand, keep your mind sharp, and build a strong body. That way, you'll be able to carry the weight of the duke's estate. Do you understand?"

"I will follow your teachings, Great-Grandpa," Ryan said obediently.

Dominic ruffled Ryan's head and smiled at Carissa. "You've done a good job with him."

Carissa modestly replied, "I can't take all the credit. The academy teachers and Lord Klein have done much as well."

Cindy privately informed Dominic about Heather, causing him to frown. "I heard she came the other day, but didn't ask to see me," he said. "She's callous and weak; she doesn't resemble a Sullivan."

"I planned to visit Hartstone Estate today, but with everything happening, it wouldn't be appropriate to scold her. She's a grown woman; she must face the consequences. I won't interfere," Cindy said.

Dominic nodded. "You don't need to seek her out, but if she comes to you, say what needs to be said."

"Yes, Father," Cindy replied.

The three remained at Sullivan Estate, sharing a meal with Dominic before departing.

+25 BONUS

Rafael had spent most of the day at the Ministry of Justice. Aurora had been tortured, but stubbornly continued blaming Dominic. Zeke and others testified that Dominic hadn't ordered the village massacre; Aurora had discovered Westhaven soldiers hiding in a nearby village and ordered the massacre impulsively to find them. Still, she refused to recant.

Rafael, though he hadn't personally interrogated her, tore up her confession after reviewing it and ordered, "Continue the interrogation."

The Minister of Justice, Patrick, who owed Sebastian a debt, was cooperating with Rafael. But after days of unchanged testimony, he believed further interrogation would be fruitless.

"Your Highness," Patrick said, troubled, "I must report to His Majesty. Days of interrogation have yielded nothing. It's becoming difficult to continue without results."