Her Majestic Battle Cry

He wanted to say more, but for some reason, the words wouldn’t come out.

The Mystic Army’s defensive measures turned the capital to a place of uncase and tension.

With a curfew in place, many businesses in the entertainment districts found their activities stifled. Coffeehouses and taverns closed their doors at sunset, and by night, the city seerned as lifeless as a tomb.

The strategy now was simple–if the enemy did not move, either would they.

The riverworks project continued without Interruption. As long as the work did not stop unnecessarily, the Mystic Army would remain on standby, prepared to mobilize at ang moment. Carissa knew that this was the only way to gain an advantage.

If the work remained uninterrupted, It would benefit both the court and the people.

Though no open battle had yet occurred, the air was thick with tension, the scent of war hanging over the city. The city gates were now under constant scrutiny. It was unlikely that the true mastermind behind the rebellion would stay away from the capital.

His life and wealth were at stake, so how could he command remotely?

Carissa suspected that the true mastermind might already have returned to the city. However, Violet, who was still living at Willowbrook Estate, had seen no signs of anything unusual.

The only people around Hayden were the two elderly servants, while the other household servants were busy with various tasks. The servants who left to buy the daily necessities were being closely watched by Bun and had no contact with the outside world.

least. Carissa needed to

not escape this fate. Exile

Zoey, Viola, and Evelyn, they weren’t in a position to purchase a large estate right now. Though Zoey had left money with Isaac, the

always held herself above such things. But the harsh reality of Astral Prison had a way of softening even the sharpest of edges. Viola had said nothing, silently accepting her

her at Hell Monarch Estate, where she could spend time with Roxana. Roxana was a martial arts prodigy, while Courtney was a sharp, intelligent girl. Though they were of different ages, Carissa felt they could easily become fast friends–one

could still return to Gracewood Women’s Academy. In fact, a commoner woman could easily attend the academy if she

Carissa had asked them what they wanted to do. They said they wished to remain at Skye Embroidery and learn embroidery

working with her hands was a skill that could ensure she never went

After all, they were literate, and Zoey had never treated them poorly. Even Oliver’s concubines had always respected a lady of the house who showed

main hall,

seemed much more at ease, her demeanor calme now that she knew her brother–in–law

the Southern Frontier. Though the journey would be arduous, she took comfort in the fact that there would be people to help them along the way and care for them once they arrived. There was still hope, even

wore a simple cloth gown, looking refreshed. Her energy was completely different from the

as she said, “If it weren’t for you, I fear we would still

a household. You’ll be invaluable at the

manage the workshop. If no one wants to go out and sell the embroidered goods, I can do it. I’m no longer afraid of stepping out