Lydia wasn''t able to see Connor herself. Instead, she heard from the servants of Serenity Pce that Connor was busy copying the Thousand Verses. Victoria had forbidden anyone from interrupting him. Lydia knew well that Connor had always despised writing, so how could he quietly obey such an order? News from Serenity Pce was hard toe by, and no amount of bribery would help there were strict rules in ce. Lydia had no choice but to persist, and after much effort, she finally got a vague answer: Victoria hadmanded that Connor would eat only once he finished his copying for the day. Lydia was taken aback. "Prince Connor hasn''t eaten since entering Serenity Pce?"


    He had left for Goldleaf Pce at first light and hadn''t had breakfast. It was now well past noon, yet no food was in sight?


    But no one answered her. After standing outside for a long time, Lydia had no choice but to return to Everspring Pce to report.


    Upon hearing that Connor hadn''t even been fed in Serenity Pce, Kylie''s heart tightened with pain. She clenched her fists in anger.


    "That''s her grandson! How could she be so heartless? This will not do! I''m going to Serenity Pce to bring him back. When has he ever had to endure such hardship?"


    Lydia quickly stopped her. "Your Majesty, you''re still under house arrest. You cannot go. If you anger His Majesty again, who knows how long the house arrest willst?"


    Tears sprang to Kylie''s eyes as she red at Lydia. "Do you expect me to just stand by and watch my son suffer?"


    "As you said, Prince Connor is still the queen dowager''s grandson. If he''s truly hungry, she will not allow him to suffer. I believe the queen dowager hopes he will be more diligent. Perhaps under her guidance, Prince Connor will change for the better," Lydia replied.


    Seeing Kylie''s expression soften a little, Lydia continued, "Your Majesty, do not worry too much. His Majesty has entrusted Prince Connor to the queen dowager''s care, which means His Majesty still holds him in favor.


    "If Prince Connor suffers a little now, the rewards in the future will be immeasurable. Not only should you refrain from resentment, but you must also express gratitude and respect toward the queen dowager." Kylie wiped her tears and paused to think carefully. After a moment, she realized that Lydia''s words had some merit.


    A little hardship now would be worth it in the long run. What mattered most was securing Connor''s future position early on, so that she wouldn''t have to worry about his future prospectster.


    Her family had fallen from grace. Her parents were no help, and her grandfather had stirred up too much trouble-she couldn''t rely on them any longer.


    She gritted her teeth and said, "Go once more, and thank the queen dowager on my behalf."


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I''ll go immediately." Lydia gave a quick nod before leaving again.


    However, when Lydia returned, she brought with her news that left Kylie stunned.


    "What did you say? The Hell Monarch has requested permission to go to the Southern Frontier? Didn''t he have a heart ailment?" Kylie asked in disbelief.


    Lydia nodded. "It seems he''s been recuperating at Meadow Ridge. When he heard about Mr. Prince''s desertion, he sent a letter by carrier pigeon to Lady Carissa, asking her to request a royal edict. His Majesty has granted it.''


    Kylie sat in a daze, her mind reeling. "So that means, His Majesty won''t lead the campaign in person?" "It seems that way," Lydia replied, letting out a small sigh of relief. "This way, His Majesty doesn''t have to risk his life."


    Kylie nced at her sharply. "What''s there to be happy about? If His Majesty doesn''t lead the campaign himself, it means the matter of the crown prince is still far off!"


    "We must take our time with these things. Nothing is more important than His Majesty''s health right now. There are dangers on all sides internal strife and external threats. Without the king''s presence in the capital, who knows where this kingdom might end up?" Lydia said gently, her tone cating.


    Though Lydia''s words held truth, Kylie could not quell the dissatisfaction burning within her. It seemed they were so close, yet so far.


    Why did Hell Monarch send his letter now, of all times? Why not wait-even just a day or twoter? If the letter hade after Salvador had made his decision to lead the campaign personally and formally named the crown prince, that would have been better.


    Even if the crown prince title wasn''t officially granted yet, just mentioning it to the ministers would have made Salvador''s intentions clear. The ministers would know where his favory and adjust their loyalties ordingly.


    It had been so close-so very close!