Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)

Rafael added, “Sage Everett once said that Carissa is the most naturally gifted apprentice he has ever seen. She can learn many techniques after just seeing them once.”

Kyle chuckled. “Sage Everett did say that, but you left out part of it–he also mentioned that she’s too lazy. All she thinks about is running around the mountains, climbing trees to poke bird nests, digging holes to catch snakes, and waving mouse tails to scare children.”

Travis‘ expression remained blank as he replied, “I’m one of those victims. She came at me waving at mouse tail, and when she threw the mouse at me, I ran back to my mentor crying. My mentor punished me, saying a man shouldn’t cry. But the next day, she stormed over to the Pathfinders Guild to demand compensation.”

Violet was familiar with the story and jumped in, “In the end, they reached an agreement and reduced the rent by a year.”

Carissa’s sentimental moment was abruptly cut off, and she felt embarrassed. “Why are you bringing up my childhood when we were talking about Westhaven? Enough of that. Let’s eat!”

Travis put down his cutlery and looked at Violet. “They reduced the rent by a year? Really? How do you know that?”

“Because the Inferno Guild is also based in Meadow Ridge. How could we not know? The whole place is aware of it! Every year, when it’s time to pay rent, your mentor sends you to spar with Carissa, right?”

Travis gasped in shock. “Are you saying that my mentor intentionally sent me to spar with Cari so I’d get beaten, and then she would confront Sage Adrian to get out of paying rent?”

Violet nodded seriously. “Yep, the whole Meadow Ridge knows about it.”

Travis‘ face fell. “No way! My mentor is dignified and steady. How could she do something like that? I lose almost every time I fight with Carissa. My mentor says I get beaten because my skills aren’t good enough, and if I can’t practice well, I deserve to be punished.”

Violet patted his shoulder. “Oh, you poor thing! You didn’t know? But it doesn’t matter. Thanks to all those punches you took, your guild hardly ever has to pay rent. Even when you do, it’s just a little.”

Carissa shook her head. “That’s not right. Sage Adrian said he reduced their rent because their guild is so poor and struggling. Sometimes, he even sends them fabric and blankets. He taught us to always be willing to help others.”

Violet shook her head. “No, that’s compensation.”

She and Travis turned their gazes to Kyle in unison. “So, what’s the story here?”

Kyle raised his glass, a charming smile lighting up his handsome features. “It’s a bit of both- compensation and help.”

Carissa and Travis exchanged glances, both feeling a bit downcast.

I can’t imagine the princess consort was once such a mischievous girl,” said Jacob, intrigued.

Rafael was slightly tipsy by now. His gaze was warm and dreamy as he spoke, “She wasn’t mischievous. She was like a little sprite who wandered into Meadow Ridge–lively and full of childlike wonder.”

1/2

Carissa was touched by her husband’s words.

But before the feeling could fully take root, Violet squashed it down by saying, “A sprite? Cari, he just called you a monster.”

Carissa shot her friend a glare. How could such a lovely compliment come out sounding so twisted from Violet’s lips?

Rafael glanced at Kyle, silently urging him to give Violet a playful smack on the back of the head.

Go on, do it!

Kyle pretended not to see Rafael’s frantic signal and popped a piece of dried mushroom into his mouth. He smiled and said, “Now that the case has reached a turning point, shouldn’t we consider moving forward with establishing a women’s academy while keeping an eye on Yuvan?”

Teaching and mentoring were Kyle’s top priorities. Plus, this time, the king was establishing a women’s academy in Carissa’s name, which made it more significant.

“Yes. We’re already scouting locations,” Jacob replied. The academy definitely can’t be set up at Hell Monarch Estate. One, it’s to avoid suspicion. Two, to prevent too many people coming in and out the estate, which could raise unfounded doubts. If I’m not mistaken, once the academy is established, ordinary girls won’t be able to attend–only the daughters of noble families will be allowed.”

Violet frowned. “What’s the point of that? Noble families just hire tutors to teach reading and writing, and then focus on women’s virtues and skills. Only a select few, like Rosalind, get to learn more.”

Carissa nodded. “Noble families are more likely to hire tutors because they have the resources, but most officials don’t. It’s a slow process–change takes time, Just like how meals are eaten one bite at a time. It’s too early to promote women’s education among the common folk.”

Given the presence of so many men, Carissa didn’t voice the unspoken truth–most men wouldn’t want women to be too educated. They feared it would threaten their positions.