Her Graceful War Song

Violet did not give an immediate answer.

After spending the entire night reflecting, she informed Carissa that if the marriage proposal were indeed made and her family consented, she would be willing to marry Isaac. However, as for whether she truly wanted to, she could not say, for her feelings were uncertain.

What she felt now was different from how she had once felt.noveldrama

Carissa reassured her, and later that day, she set off for Meadow Ridge with Lulu. Her reasons were threefold. First, she wished to speak directly with Isaac. Second, she had not spent the New Year there for some time, and missed her mentor and other guild members.

Third, Winona had also returned to Meadow Ridge, and Carissa wanted to inquire whether any news from the Southern Frontier had reached her. She feared that Winona might have learned something troubling but didn't dare share it with her. If she asked her directly in person, she would be able to tell if her senior guild member was lying.

Upon Carissa's return to Meadow Ridge, both Adrian and Everett were startled to see Lulu with her. Immediately fearing that something had gone awry, they insisted on speaking with her in private.

The sight of their concerned expressions tugged at Carissa's heart, resulting in her fighting back tears. In the capital, she had to always maintain her composure. But in front of her mentor and the members of the Pathfinders Guild, she would always feel like a child.

Wiping her eyes, she teasingly said, "I just thought it had been too long since I was last here, so I wanted to visit the two of you. I also wanted to catch up with my senior guild members."

Everett sharply retorted, "We've only just returned from the capital and you're talking about catching up? You've come back with Lulu, but why didn't you bring those other troublemakers? What if something had happened on the road? Who would have protected you? Just because you think you're capable now, does that mean you're invincible? You're far from it.

"You're not thinking about how many people you've offended, or whether the remaining rebels have been dealt with. You're not even considering that your husband is at war, and how many people want to use you to threaten him..."

Adrian raised his hand in an attempt to calm him. "Alright, that's enough. Stop with the scolding."

While scolding was necessary, the focus of the topic could still be shifted.

Everett shot back at Adrian, ranting, "You still have the gall to protect her? Isn't this exactly what you always nag about? You've been fretting over her being targeted enemies, getting caught by

this and that. Now that she's dared

Sandorian spies, and worrying el. fet

tédeave the city with just a maid, you're reluctant to let her hear a few harsh words? If you're so capable, stop nagging me about it every day!"

Adrian stood at attention, taking the scolding with his usual patience. He had long grown accustomed to it, but he certainly didn't want Carissa to be scolded into becoming a meek and docile creature. How could she lead the troops if that happened?

Still, watching his foolish apprentice grinning through the tirade amused him.

After enduring her martial uncle's scolding, Carissa released a small breath of relief. Everett had only expressed concern for Rafael being away at war, with no trace of heaviness in his tone. That clearly indicated Winona hadn't shared any bad news with them.

If Winona knew anything about Rafael, she would have definitely told Everett, not daring to hide anything about his apprentice from him.

However, Carissa only felt half relieved. Though there was no bad news, the fact that there was no news at all still caused an uncertainty that weighed heavily on her mind.

Once the scolding was over, she wasted no time in seeking out Winona, who sighed as soon as she saw her. Gently pulling Carissa into the room, she closed the door behind them.

"I thought you might come looking for me. Just two hours ago, I received word from Skywing Spire. The message came directly from one of the scouts, Jordan. I've not yet dared to tell Sage Everett." Carissa's heart sank at Winona's words. She felt a cold shiver run down her spine. "What's happened? Please tell me," she pleaded, her voice trembling with urgency.

Winona placed a steadying hand on her shoulder, her expression serious. "Listen carefully. Jordan said that the Southern Frontier Army pursued

the Sanderian forces to Atamore

Mountain. There, they fell into ambush set by Victor, and the entire foree was scattered. Six separate teams were formed, but Jordan's

scouts have confirmed that none of

them include Rafael."

Carissa's breath caught in her chest, her heart pounding. "What do you mean? Is he missing? Or worse..."

"Don't panic," Winona said firmly.

"Jordan says the teams broke apart. Some smatter groups have yet to reassemble. He was able to

only that much before onfiden

message back. The rest of the scouts are still gathering

no

information, and Jordan himself is on his way to join them."