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“And with his younger brothers?” Salvador queried.
Rafael’s lips curled into a subtle smile. “He’s learning to care for his younger brothers now. Today, Prince Cecil fell from his horse and Prince Connor rushed over to catch him.”
Salvador exhaled softly, a small relief in his chest. “As brothers from the royal family, they must support and care for each other, at least in their younger years. If they don’t, the bond will fade as they grow older, and there will be little left to hold onto.”
The king had also learned a thing or two about that, especially after Sebastian entered the palace. Constantly being treated as a patient, Salvador’s heart softened. Sometimes, when he thought about the past, he even found his own actions absurd.
How could he have ever thought that way? This younger brother of his had always been his shadow since childhood.
“I remember you used to love honeyed cake when you were little. Every time brought it to you, you’d be so happy that you’d smile for hours, Salvador mused, remin like an elderly patient, recalling random fragments of the past as they came to mind.
Rafael chuckled softly. “In truth, I didn’t actually like honeyed cake that much back then. I found the scent too strong. I only started to enjoy it after eating it a few times.”
Salvador raised an eyebrow in surprise. “You didn’t like it? But when you ate it, your cheeks puffed up and you chewed it so eagerly. How could it not be delicious?”
“That’s because it was from you, Your Majesty,” Rafael replied steadily. “I thought, if it’s something you enjoy, then it must be good. So, I slowly learned to like it— and eventually, I did.”
Salvador let out a quiet, amused like laugh. “So, that’s how it was. But I’ll tell you a secret. I actually didn’t it either, which was why I alway gave it to you. But when I saw how much you enjoyed it, I started to try it myself, and in the end, I grew to like it too.”
Salvador sighed, reflecting on how an unremarkable beginning had eventually turned into something beautiful.
At Hell Monarch Estate, Sophie and Cynthia were busy teaching Roxana and Courtney martial arts. Mostly, it was Cynthia who took charge of Roxana’s lessons, while Sophie kept company with Courtney, observing but not actively participating.
Work at the Capital Guard headquarters was actually quite busy, but time seemed to slow down, bringing a sense of calm to everyone’s hearts. No matter how long this period without suspicion would last, they decided to cherish each day as it came.
But there was one thing that weighed heavily on Sophie’s mind-Rafael’s health.
Although he was gradually recovering, his vitality had been severely damaged. Working tirelessly every day, leaving early and returning late, with irregular meals and inconsistent medication, he wasn’t able to rest properly, which was always a worry.
Bun came down the corridor and approached Sophie, saying, “Vivi says she won’t be home tonight.”
Sophie nodded, her expression unchanged. She didn’t need to ask. She knew exactly what Violet was doing-returning to her old ways.
This matter was not something they would discuss in private. However, they had once said that since their hands were already stained with blood, they might as well let the blood of the wicked nourish their souls to an even deeper crimson.
So, whether Violet was helping the authorities find evidence or directly taking down evildoers who couldn’t be convicted due to insufficient proof, Sophie didn’t interfere.
They no longer talked about upholding justice as openly as they did in their childhood, even though it had always been their ideal. Now, as they grew older, Sophie no longer defined her actions in terms of righteousness.
The world was not as simple as black and white; it was full of gray. But the end result remained the same-seeing the guilty get their just punishment was all that mattered.
Bun sat beside her, watching Cynthia teach Roxana.
“Roxana is really something. Strong and full of energy, just like Cynthia was at her age. But honestly, Roxana has even more talent. She might just turn out to be the second you,” he said.
Sophie looked over and saw Roxana moving with incredible speed. Her fists were a blur, yet each strike carried a palpable weight. Bun had given her the nickname Powerful Cyclone for her fierce strength.
Sophie smiled faintly, imagining Roxana’s future. Would she become a female general, or a wandering hero, fighting for justice?
It was at that moment that Rafael returned. He sat down next to his wife and immediately pulled her into his arms.
Seeing the two of them, Bun stood up with a playful scolding look. “Only a day apart and you’re acting like you’ve been apart for three years. It’s enough to make my eyes sting.”
Sophie rested her head on Rafael’s shoulder, a smile blooming on her face. “Then, hurry up and go.”
“Fine, I’m going. I won’t disturb you,” Bun replied, already heading over to join the girls for their practice.
Let the two of them enjoy their little moment together, while he kept the others busy.
“It’s time for your medicine,” Sophie murmured, shifting slightly to nestle closer, inhaling the cold, piney scent of his skin.
“I’ve already taken it. Sebastian had the apothecary prepare a dose for me at the palace,” Rafael replied, his voice low.
Sophie lifted her head, suddenly cautious. “Then, His Majesty will know about your condition.”
“He only knows that I… can’t perform,” Rafael said gloomily.
Sophie burst out laughing. “You told him that?”
“It was Sebastian who said it,” Rafael replied, even more sullen. “When he brought His Majesty’s medicine yesterday, he brought mine along too. His Majesty asked about it and Sebastian told him it was to help me regain my strength. Said a man has to maintain his vigor.”
In truth, Rafael felt he could perform in bed without an issue. However, until the day Sophie and Sebastian approved, he wouldn’t be able to do anything.
Sophie smirked, shaking her head. “How tragic. Does His Majesty think you’re pitiable, or is he pleased with the outcome?”
After all, Salvador had once said he didn’t want them to have children. Wasn’t this exactly what he had wanted?
Rafael ran his hand gently through her hair. His Majesty didn’t say much, just looked at me with a mixed expression. Half sympathy, half something else. He stared at me for quite a while.”
Sophie reached into her sleeve and pulled out a candy, slipping it into his mouth.
“Take it slow, you’ll get better.”
Ever since her husband had practically become a walking medicine cabinet, she had kept little candies and dried fruits with her, always ready to offer him something sweet to mask the bitter aftertaste of the medicine he had to endure.
Rafael had eaten so many sweets lately that his teeth ached, but it was still better than the constant bitter taste lingering in his mouth.
The lamps flickered gently, casting a soft glow over the young girl diligently practicing martial arts, as well as the radiant woman leaning against her husband.
In the blazing heat of July, a letter from Westhaven arrived.
Westhaven’s king, Edmund, had abdicated. Grand Princess Lisandra was now queen. She had taken the throne and assumed control of the kingdom, and its name was officially changed from Westhaven to Orivenia.
The new queen invited Starhaven to send an envoy delegation to attend her coronation and to discuss the long-standing border disputes. Lisandra had already ascended the throne, so attending the coronation was merely a formality. The true purpose of the visit was to negotiate the border issue.
When the Westhaven envoy delegation previously came to Starhaven, their primary goal was the border-an issue that had been put on hold due to internal unrest. It was also the matter that had weighed most heavily on Lisandra’s mind. So, with her coronation behind her now, she wasted no time in reopening the talks.
At the morning court session in Starhaven, there was unanimous agreement that old grudges were behind them. Both kingdoms were now on equal footing, and it was time to stand firm where needed. The border issue might not be resolved quickly, but as long as war was avoided, it was a step in the right direction.
Salvador selected Kendrick for the diplomatic mission. Though he had no experience in court matters, his status as a prince made him a symbol of respect. He was to accompany the envoy delegation, which included the Defense Minister and the head of the Diplomatic Affairs Department, to Orivenia.
Sophie was also part of the group, serving in her official capacity as the commander of the Mystic Army, tasked with overseeing security along the journey. Rafael had recommended her for the role, as the delegation would pass through Victory Pass.