One day, they stopped to rest in a small grove by the main road. About a mile away, there was a clear, shallow stream. The weather was hot, so everyone rushed toward the water.


    Carmen washed her hands in the stream, but she couldn''t jump in and soak like the men. However, seeing them y so happily, she picked up a stick and started to dance by the water''s edge. Although her movementscked any deadly force, they were graceful and captivating. She danced on tiptoe, leaping and spinning, blending dance with martial arts in a visually pleasing manner.


    Caught up in the moment, everyone jumped out of the water and began to show off their own martial arts skills.


    Greta observed Rafael, noticing that his gaze lingered on Carmen with what seemed to be admiration. She exchanged a satisfied nce with Dustin. As expected, the Hell Monarch was indeed particrly attentive to women skilled in martial arts.


    After a long while, Rafael finally withdrew his gaze. He looked somewhat guilty as he nced briefly at Carissa, who was talking with Violet nearby. He then walked over to them.


    Greta did not miss Rafael''s guilty look. Despite the setbacks they had encountered, including the presence of his princess consort, the prince had indeed taken the bait.


    As Rafael sat next to Carissa, Violet automatically moved away to talk to Carmen.


    "I didn''t expect you to be skilled in sword dancing," she remarked.


    Carmen blushed slightly. "It''s nothing more than a decorative skill. If it were of any real use, you wouldn''t need to protect me on the way back to the capital."


    "I also practice martial arts. When we return to the capital,e and see me. We can have a sparring match," Violet replied enthusiastically.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Well..." Carmen cast a cautious nce at Greta.


    Pleased, Greata approached them and said with a smile, "It''s a rare sight to see that Ms. Spencer has taken a liking to my mistress. She will certainly visit your residence. May I ask where it is?"


    Violet gave her a sidelong nce. "You''re just a maid, but you''re asking quite a lot of questions."


    Greta quickly bowed. "I apologize for my indiscretion. Ms. Spencer, please don''t take offense."


    "Ultimately, you''re just a servant from a merchant family. I suppose I can''t expect you to have adequate manners," Violet quipped, dismissing her with a hint of disdain.


    Greta was not offended. She merely took a few steps back and stood with her head lowered.


    Meanwhile, Rafael and Carissa were speaking in hushed tones.


    "I might have been a bit distracted when I looked at her earlier," the prince said.


    Carissa shot him a sidelong nce. "Raf, I''m not that petty."


    Rafael turned his head.


    Raf?


    He felt a strange sense of joy at the nickname, as it suggested they had been married for many years. Previously, she had always called him "Your Highness", which left no hint of that intimate connection


    between husband and wife.


    Addressing him by name seemed awkward, as if it were something she found difficult to say. Admittedly, his name was rather unappealing. Why would anyone name him something so nd?


    The Minister of Protocol, who had provided options for his name, should have really reconsidered his choices, and his dad, who had picked this name out of so many suggestions, should have reconsidered too. Rafael shifted ufortably. "Actually, Rafael is my middle name. My first name is Damon."


    Carissa paused. "I know, but do you want me to call you that?"


    "No, I just didn''t want you to be unaware of my full name."


    "How could I not know your full name? You''re my husband."


    He grinned, his tanned skin making his teeth appear especially white. "I never told you my first name, and no one else calls me that in your presence, as you''re more familiar with my middle name."


    Seeing his amused expression,


    Carissa couldn''t help but smile.


    "There was no need to tell me. Before marrying you, I investigated everything I could. Besides, I knew you from a young age. Back then, my elder brother called you Damon, Sol was already aware of it."


    Rafael considered this and asked curiously, "What else did you investigate about me?"


    "Your age, height, personality, likes and dislikes, and any hidden illnesses. Besides the woman you mentioned liking, I also looked into whether you had any concubines or had visited brothels or


    ΟΛΟΙ


    entertainment parlors," Carissa replied straightforwardly


    "Hidden illnesses?" Rafael was taken aback. "What hidden illnesses? What could I possibly have? Also, why would I have gone to brothels or entertainment parlors?"