Adrian had been in the capital for some time now.
In the past, he had been consumed with his studies on sacred firearms, leaving little room for anything else. But now, with some free time, he used the excuse of being unable to let go of the business in the city to extend his stay.
The truth was, he was concerned for Carissa.
His interest in sacred firearms had begun with his trip to Nerathia to study their methods. He had done it for the Southern Frontier, then Hector, and ultimately, for Rafael and Carissa.
As a mentor, Adrian knew that they each had their own paths to walk. He couldn't prevent them from forging their own futures, but he could help them however he could and act as their support.
Adrian often claimed he wasn't cut out to be a teacher. But the truth was, his apprentices were exceptional. Each one of them was a person of great character.
None of them needed his constant concern-except for Carissa.
She had always been wild and carefree. But even so, she had mastered the martial arts to a remarkable degree, her natural talent shining through.
Seeing the bright, carefree smile on her face each day always brought a deep sense of happiness to Adrian.
As time passed, Carissa had been forced to grow up quickly. Her heart was always on edge, and she never relaxed. The joyful, genuine smile she once wore so often had disappeared. Adrian felt a profound ache seeing her carry such a burden.
But those wounds of hers-only time could heal them, and there was little anyone else could do.
Rafael could give her happiness and make her smile, but there was always a piece missing-something no one could ever truly fill.
Adrian had spent the entire night drinking. He slept until late afternoon before finally heading to the palace to meet with Salvador.
Once, the Russell family had been at the height of their power. But now, only Adrian remained. He had no children, so he obviously had no grandchildren either. His only legacy was his apprentices.
Blake Russell, the Annara Monarch, had once commanded a powerful army. He had been accused of wielding too much power, which threatened the throne. There were probably some grudges and unresolved matters from those days, but even Salvador couldn't say for sure.
Regardless of the past, the Russell family had contributed greatly to the Sanford family.
Salvador treated Adrian with the utmost respect-not only because of Blake's contributions, but also because Adrian had improved the six-barreled matchlock and the red cannons that had been brought in but not yet used. These would become valuable weapons for Starhaven.
Adrian stayed in the royal study for about an hour, and Derek personally escorted him out of the palace. Adrian had not received any official rewards, but he had spoken of the Russell family's past-of the misunderstandings that should never have existed between ruler and subject, all born from a lack of trust. Had anyone else said such words, Salvador might not have taken them seriously. He might have been angry, even. Yet, his feelings toward the Russell family were complicated. Plus, Adrian and Carissa made significant contributions to the recent stabilization of the kingdom.
So, Salvador listened.
At least, for now.
As Adrian rode back from the palace, the shadows on his face remained, and he wasn't optimistic. Salvador had acted like he believed in Adrian and Carissa, but he avoided talking about Rafael.
The situation at the Southern Frontier was nearly decided. When Salvador thought back to Rafael's unapproved departure from the capital, he couldn't shake the discomfort in his heart.noveldrama
Moreover, this battle proved that regardless of whether Rafael had the military command emblem, the command of the Southern Frontier army would always be in his hands.
In the next two or three years, things might be peaceful enough. But after that, it was hard to say.
Instead of returning to Glimmering
Tower, Adrian went to Hell Monarch
Estate first. He didn't find Carissa there, so he headed to the Capital Guard headquarters. As he had expected, she was there.
He had thought that after her tears the previous night, she might have let herself grieve more fully. But
she had woken up as usual, unbothered, and was already back to business as usual.
The two of them sat across from each other in an unusual moment of quiet seriousness.
"After the Southern Frontier conflict is settled and Rafael returns, you two should resign and come back to Meadow Ridge," Adrian said.
Carissa's voice was still hoarse, but she asked, "What did the king say?"
She knew Adrian had gone to the palace today. He hated the capital, and he hated the palace even more.
If he had gone there, it would surely have been for something related to her and Rafael.
"He didn't say much," Adrian replied,
his tone serious, "but he doesn't trust Rafael: He's wary of Rafael. Eventually, something will happen. If you leave, they'll remain brothers and subjects. But if you stay it will lead to conflict."
Carissa understood what he meant. Rafael's unauthorized assumption of command at the Southern Frontier had already crossed a line. Especially with the battle successes he had achieved, his reputation was now greater than ever.
It was a direct threat to Salvador's position.
Adrian continued, "If you don't want to leave the capital, you could resign and become a nominal prince.
Just remember-no children. If you do want children, you must leave the capital."
Carissa was silent for a moment.
A part of her resented the idea. As the first woman to serve in the court, to give that up felt like she was abandoning everything.
Would there ever be another chance like this?
But Adrian's concerns were the same as hers.
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