Chapter 1212

After seeing Derek off, Carissa briefly spoke with Jacob before joining Violet and Isaac to roast sweet potatoes by the fire. Jacob had assumed responsibility for the gentlemen's retreat and would oversee things. Their conversation turned to Gerald's recent behavior.

Violet shook her head, incredulous. "If I hadn't seen it myself, I wouldn't believe it."

Isaac, a widely traveled man, was equally astonished. "I've seen many things, but nothing like this. A man of his age and station—why would he go to such a place?"

Their observations suggested Gerald's visit wasn't scandalous; he'd simply engaged courtesans, enjoyed drinks and music, and perhaps some light intimacy. This was perplexing, considering Gerald had been Sigmund's tutor, and Sigmund was known for his disdain—bordering on revulsion—for male companionship.

As Sigmund's mentor, Gerald had naturally assisted in governing the kingdom after his ascension. Given the Quinton family's earlier cautious and humble nature, one would expect Gerald to share Sigmund's aversion. Yet, in his later years, it seemed a restraint had lifted; he'd recklessly visited the gentlemen's retreat without hesitation.

Carissa sat, picking up a sweet potato and tossing it. Isaac took it, gently blew on it, peeled it, and handed it to her. "Hurry and eat. It'll warm you."

Carissa smiled and thanked him, enjoying the sweet potato's warmth. Violet, observing this exchange, raised an eyebrow. "You're quite thoughtful, aren't you?"

Isaac shrugged. "It's nothing. I can peel one for you, too." He peeled another, giving half to Violet. "Here, eat."

Violet hesitated briefly before accepting. "I could have peeled it myself, but since you did, thank you."

Isaac replied, "If someone else peels it, just eat. Everyone can peel potatoes." He playfully added, "You're always nosy and talk too much."

Violet chuckled. "My senior guild member isn't as thoughtful as yours."

"He's afraid of you," Isaac retorted, wiping his hands. "He agrees with everything you say. The Inferno Guild relies on your money, after all." Turning to Carissa, he asked, "How's the sweet potato?"

"Delicious," Carissa replied, already halfway through. "You were talking about Lord Gerald—why he'd risk going to that place at his age."

"Don't you find it strange?" Violet asked.

"If it was just for a courtesan, yes. But the Quintons have no reason to associate with Sandorians. There's no need."

"Isn't that obvious, then?" Violet countered. "He went for a courtesan."

Carissa considered this. "Everyone needs indulgence. He's a royal tutor, a man of strict morals, bound by rules for decades. Now older, seeing things clearly, why not live more freely?" She sighed. "What worries me is tomorrow's New Year's Eve banquet. Lord Gerald will be there, and seeing him… will be strange."

Violet agreed, recalling Gerald's scholarly demeanor, which couldn't erase the memory of him being helped upstairs, his pallor, and the way his eyes had surveyed his surroundings.

Violet touched her stomach. "The sweet potato is too rich. My stomach is upset."

Carissa smiled at Isaac. "Isaac, we always thought you preferred men's company."

"Just because I went to the gentlemen's retreat?" Isaac shot her a look. "So what if I did? Does it matter?"

Carissa considered. "Sage Everett wouldn't allow it. You'd be punished severely."

Isaac, having been severely punished in his youth, feared Everett. His carefree expression vanished. "I don't prefer men's company. Don't mention that in front of Sage Everett, Kyle, or Rafael—especially not Everett. He's his mentor, and you never know what they discuss."

Chapter 1213