Chapter 559
In the dead of night, Violet knocked on the door of the Arcane Sanctum. Sebastian lived on the second floor. He had already gone to bed, accustomed to early bedtimes for his health. By the time Violet arrived, he had been asleep for over an hour.
Even the renowned physician had his moments of irritation. When his apprentice reported Violet's arrival, he donned a robe and glared at her as he came downstairs.
“You’d better have a good reason for this visit. I’m not on duty tonight.”
Violet bowed in apology. “Forgive the disturbance, but Prince Rafael sent a message via carrier pigeon. He requests that you accompany Carissa to Westglade to save Lawrence Ziegler.”
“Lawrence Ziegler?” Sebastian hesitated, momentarily recalling the Marquis of Elderglen’s second son, who was already reported dead.
Without further ado, Sebastian ordered, “Vanda, Mira, prepare the necessary supplies and come along. Bring the best medicine for wounds, the gold needles, and…”
He paused, showing a hint of reluctance. “Bring the thousand-year-old Evergreen Root as well.”
Sebastian's response to emergencies was unparalleled. He arrived at Hell Monarch Estate ahead of Carissa to await her.
Before setting out, Carissa gave the carrier pigeon's note to her mother-in-law.
“Tomorrow, you must go to the palace and deliver this note to the king. Tell him our pigeon is reliable, and given the urgency, I left the city tonight.”
Helen took the note and asked, “Is it really necessary? The situation is dire, but you can explain it properly when you return. You have the permit to leave the city, and you’re going to save someone.”
Carissa cut her off. “It’s very necessary. Listen to me. Go early tomorrow morning. Don’t delay.”
She turned to Gillian. “Gillian, please ensure Mother goes to the palace tomorrow.”
Gillian responded loudly, “Rest assured, Lady Carissa. Lady Helen will definitely take the carrier pigeon’s note to the palace tomorrow and report to the king as instructed.”
“Good, I’m leaving now.”
Carissa trusted Gillian completely. She departed.
Helen was still pondering the situation as she watched Carissa leave, muttering, “Carissa’s so resolute, like a man.”
Gillian defended Carissa, “My lady, that’s called decisive action. Besides, not every man can compare to our princess consort.”
“Hey!” Helen glared. “You were completely against Rafael marrying her at first. Now, you’re quite taken with her.”
Gillian adopted a proud stance. “Anyone who goes against Lady Carissa is also going against me. I won’t let them off easily.”
“Oh, so you’ve grown some backbone?” Helen remarked.
Gillian smiled. “How could I not? Lady Carissa is capable, so I need to have some skills, too. Besides, don’t I have your support if I fall short, my lady?”
Helen huffed. “I think Carissa is just a little enchantress, pulling everyone’s attention away. She’s enchanted not only Rafael, but also you.”
“And even you, my lady,” Gillian replied with a smile. “Alright then, get some rest. You need to head to the palace early tomorrow.”
Helen replied coldly, “I won’t go. Let anyone who wants to go. Does she think she can boss me around?”
Gillian remained unperturbed. She arranged the bedding meticulously, and even had someone fetch more ice. They shared a room; Gillian had a small bed of her own. Helen disliked the heat and enjoyed sleeping under cool blankets with ice.
“Take out the dark red gown with rose patterns. It’s a new summer gown I haven’t worn yet, and I want to show it to my sister tomorrow,” Helen instructed before going to sleep.
“Understood, Lady Helen!” Gillian retrieved the outfit and set it aside.
Despite saying she wouldn’t go, Helen mentally prioritized this task.
Carissa and her group left the city, traveling in two separate groups. Julian, Travis, and Sebastian, who could ride horses, set out first. Violet and Carissa, also capable riders, accompanied Kayla, who was unskilled and traveled by carriage.
For Kayla, traveling at night was a new experience. She had rarely traveled far, especially not to a distant place like Westglade. She wasn’t nervous, but worried. Carissa had explained everything during the carriage ride. Kayla didn’t shed another tear. If her husband could be so strong, she resolved to be strong as well.