Chapter 1126

Carissa was surprised. "I remember your son excels academically. Why would he want to study martial arts with me? Madam Zoey, I'm not sure I'd be a suitable mentor, especially for someone destined to inherit a title. Surely, his best path is to continue his studies and become an official?"

Carissa hesitated. She already held a public office and lacked the time for proper tutelage. Cedric was still young, a teenager. Beyond martial arts, she'd need to teach him deportment and life skills. This differed greatly from her previous apprentices with Violet; they were all older and independently responsible.

"Inheriting a title?" Zoey offered a wry smile, her eyes clouded with apprehension. "Your Grace, whether that title remains ours is uncertain. Even if it does... I fear it will be more trouble than it's worth."

She sighed. "I'm not asking you to take him as an apprentice. I only want him to learn self-defense. If something happens to him, he'll have the strength to survive—to avoid being tortured to death within days."

Carissa was startled. "What trouble do you anticipate? Why such grim pronouncements, Madam Zoey?"

Zoey absently adjusted her hairpin, the chill of the metal mirroring the coldness in her heart. "I hope for peace, of course. But it never hurts to plan for the worst."

Carissa harbored doubts, but seeing Zoey's reluctance to elaborate, she refrained from pressing. Zoey was always farsighted, prioritizing her children's safety and well-being.

Carissa considered this, then said, "I can't teach him personally, but I can ask Mr. Mullen to guide him when available. You can compensate him. What do you think? Does your son study at the academy or a family school?"

Zoey's face lit up. "He attends the family school. Evenings would work. He's not exceptionally gifted, but he's obedient, eager to learn, and hardworking. Regarding compensation, just tell me the amount needed. I'm not miserly."

"Very well," Carissa nodded. "I'll speak to Mr. Mullen. If he agrees, we can begin tomorrow. However, he has strict standards and rarely takes apprentices; it will be more mentorship than a formal apprenticeship."