The next day, Ryan woke up. He was still in pain, but it wasn''t as unbearable as when his bone was being


    reset.


    Despite the difort, he forced a smile to reassure Carissa and the rest of the family.


    His resilience was heart-wrenching to witness.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Even so, the acupuncture in his throat continued. Rowan insisted it couldn''t be stopped. Since they didn''t do it yesterday because of the bone-setting, it couldn''t be skipped today.


    Especially since Ryan had cried out during the procedure, which had proven the treatment to be effective. So, both Sebastian and Rowan believed that the poison in Ryan''s body was being expelled faster than expected.


    Additionally, the withdrawal symptoms from the Peony Bliss had not resurfaced, which greatly surprised Sebastian. He knew that even for adults whomitted to quitting, the process could take over six months.


    Yet, here was a seven-year-old child with such an indomitable will.


    In a private conversation with Rowan, Sebastian said, "The Duke of Northwatch''s family truly has no weaklings. The spirit of this family is something to be admired."


    Rowan wholeheartedly agreed. After treating Ryan for so long, he had grown attached to the boy, almost as if he were his own son. He felt both pity and admiration for the boy, and naturally hoped Ryan would recover quickly.


    During Ryan''s recovery, Carissa didn''t leave his side. Although many visitors came to call, she had Frederick turn them all away, except for her cousin Leona and her husband, Samuel.


    Samuel was a strikingly handsome man with a touch of arrogance. As the heir of the Earl of Gracehold and one of the top-scoring schrs, he had every right to be proud.


    Marrying a prince''s daughter only added to his aplishments, especially since Leona was gentle and virtuous, and deeply in love with him.


    At twenty-three, Samuel had already reached heights many people could only dream of achieving in a lifetime.


    He had reason to be proud.


    In fact, he was proud enough to look down on Carissa


    His assessment of her was fair enough-she had a noble family background, was beautiful, skilled in martial arts, and had distinguished herself on the battlefield. Her traits were rare among women.


    But in his eyes, noblewomen like her, who sought to remarry so soon after a divorce, were even rarer.


    Samuel believed that a woman should remain loyal to one man for life. Divorce had been her first mistake, and now, remarrying was an even greater one


    Though young, Samuel held very traditional views. He made no effort to hide his disdain for Carissa.


    If it were just that, Carissa would have let it slide


    With a smile out of consideration for Leona, Carissa wouldn''t have taken it to heart, much less expressed any dissatisfaction.


    However, it seemed Samuel had no intention of hiding his discontent with Carissa.


    After she mentioned Ryan''s situation to Leona, he remarked, "Lady Sinir, aren''t you worried that your actions will make it difficult for Ryan to establish himself in the capital? It might be better to let the Klein family raise him."


    Carissa was momentarily stunned, thinking he was referring to the possibility of Ryan living in Hell Monarch Estate in the future. Though she didn''t appreciate him addressing her as "Lady Sinir," given her close rtionship with Leona, she was willing to overlook it.


    Still, out of respect for Leona, she exined, "Since His Highness rescued Ryan and is fond of him, he thought of personally raising him by his side. Ryan is happy with this arrangement as well. Moreover, I''m his biological aunt. Having him stay at Hell Monarch Estate with me isn''t exactly relying on others. How could that make it difficult for him to establish himself in the capital?"


    Samuel cast her a dismissive nce, and said, "That''s not what I meant. It''s a blessing for Ryan to be educated by His Highness. What I''m referring to is your second marriage after your divorce. It tarnishes the Duke of Northwatch''s family''s reputation. Even if Ryan inherits the title in the future, his name will carry a stain. The judgmental eyes of society will diminish his standing."


    Leona twisted a handkerchief in her hands, and interjected softly, "Dear, please don''t be disrespectful to my cousin."


    Samuel replied, "If you still regard her as your cousin, then it''s only right to offer honest advice. Honest words are often unpleasant, but I wonder if Lady Sinir can ept them."


    Carissa smiled. "If it''s honest advice, of course, I can ept it. But may I ask, what do you mean by the judgmental eyes of society?"


    With an air of cold arrogance, Samuel replied, "The judgmental eyes of society are naturally grounded in the principles of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness-the mainstream values that people are expected to uphold."