Chapter 365

Winona wiped away her tears.

“I won’t leave. I’ll stay in the capital with you. I’ll stay at Northwatch Estate. Whenever you miss me, just come back to visit.”

“We’ll stay too!” Hearing Winona’s words, everyone echoed the sentiment. Carissa hid in Winona’s embrace, feeling a sense of security she hadn’t experienced in a long time. She wanted to cry; she was reluctant to see them go.

However, Adrian spoke up with a stern expression. “Can you stay with her forever? Everyone has their own life to live. Besides, the capital is no easy place to live. Even if it were, it’s not somewhere people from the Pathfinders Guild can reside for long.”

Adrian had no fondness for the capital or the royal family, but Rafael’s character was impeccable. He had recovered the Southern Frontier and restored the kingdom’s territory, so Adrian reluctantly accepted him. However, whether people’s hearts would change remained to be seen. Rafael initially wanted to become his apprentice, but Adrian was reluctant to take in anyone from the royal family. His junior guild member, Everett, however, had taken a liking to Rafael and accepted him as an apprentice.

Adrian had underestimated the delicate royal, believing Rafael couldn’t withstand the rigors of martial training. Yet, Rafael’s dedication, despite only spending one month a year in the mountains, had led to remarkable martial prowess.

Adrian sighed, letting the guild members converse while he went to find Everett and Rafael. After all, Rafael was now married to his youngest apprentice, making Adrian a sort of father-in-law. Balancing authority and leniency as a father-in-law was no easy task. Adrian couldn’t keep acting like a strict fellow apprentice of Rafael’s master anymore.

After a long conversation, Carissa took Rafael and Ryan to the sanctuary hall. After lighting candles and offering a prayer, Carissa knelt on the ground, and Rafael immediately followed suit. Seeing his resolute and straightforward attitude, Carissa’s eyes reddened. She looked at the memorial plaques of her parents and siblings and softly choked with emotion. “Dad, Mom, my brothers, and sisters-in-law, I have found a good husband. From now on, I will live well with Ryan. I seek not to bring glory to our family but to live in peace and happiness and not tarnish the honor of my family.”

Ryan’s eyes were also red. He said, “Grandpa, Grandma, Dad, Mom. I’ll certainly listen to Aunt Carissa and won’t cause trouble.” After saying this, Ryan bowed his head in silent prayer.

Rafael kept his words brief and simple: “Please rest assured, Father, Mother. I will treat Carissa well and ensure she suffers no grievances. I also promise that I will never take a concubine. Carissa will be my only wife for life.”

Chapter 365

Carissa’s tears fell. She understood why Rafael made this promise. Her mother had once favored Barrett for this very assurance. Melanie likely thought that the royal harem wouldn’t consist of just one woman. Hence, she might have admired Rafael but hesitated to entrust her daughter to him. Little did she know, she had failed to recognize the true value of the two men.

Fortunately, the order was restored. Though the future might not be smooth, having a caring companion was far better than facing struggles alone as she had done in the Warren family.

After the prayers, lunch was served. Carissa first introduced Ryan to Adrian and the others before they all dined together. In the Pathfinders Guild, it was customary to observe silence during meals, especially with the stern Everett present. The dining etiquette was comparable to that of prestigious families. Carissa cherished these moments of dining together. She occasionally looked up at Adrian and her senior guild members, feeling a deep sense of happiness. However, the thought of their impending departure from the capital brought a pang of sadness to her heart.

After the meal, the servants cleared away the leftovers, and the group continued their conversation in the main hall. Adrian glanced at Ryan and suddenly called him over. “Ryan, come here.”

Ryan took a small, eager step forward. “Hello, Sage Adrian!” Ryan knew how he was supposed to address Adrian.

“Do you want to be as skilled in martial arts as your aunt?” Adrian asked. While Carissa’s martial skills weren’t the best in the world, they were certainly impressive within the Pathfinders Guild.

Ryan nodded vigorously. “Yes, I do!”