Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Upon hearing Carissa's obedient response, Adrian extended his hand and beckoned her over. "Come here."

Carissa obediently walked over, and Adrian reached out to flick the tip of her nose.

"Ouch!" Carissa exclaimed. "Sage Adrian, that hurt."

"Punishment!" Adrian said sternly. "This is a mild punishment for not speaking up when needed."

A flicker of pain crossed Carissa's eyes, but she quickly masked it. "Understood. It won't happen again." Adrian noticed her fleeting expression of distress, and sighed inwardly. The hardships that his youngest apprentice had endured were too painful. He couldn't start thinking about them, or it would be too taxing on his heart.

He took her hand, guiding her to sit beside him.

"Rafael's character and virtue far surpass Barrett's. I believe he won't let you down or treat you poorly. But remember, the world is ever-changing, and so are people. In the past, he might have cherished you more because he couldn't have you. Now that he's married you, there's no guarantee he won't grow tired and look elsewhere. Men are unreliable. Even if you like him, don't trust him entirely. Understand?" Carissa's fifth guild senior, Isaac Prince, nodded vigorously in agreement. "Yes, men are all untrustworthy. They're disgusting. We can't trust them completely, or you might end up with a scoundrel..." "Be quiet!" Kyle tapped Isaac on the forehead.

Kyle thought Adrian's words were enough to unsettle Carissa, and didn't think it was wise to scare her further. But since Adrian was present, he dared not contradict him. He was surprised to see Isaac echoing Adrian's sentiments.

Violet, who was listening nearby, couldn't help but laugh. "Five, you're a man yourself. How can you be so disgusted by men?"

was skilled in both music and using musical instruments as weapons. Known as Five due to his position in the Pathfinders Guild, his face turned cold as he responded, "How could I not be disgusted? That's why

Violet scoffed. "Everyone knows you love to linger in brothels. You play the harp and flute, and you've seen courtesans dance to your

of nervousness. "Stop talking nonsense. If Sage Everett hears you,

risk, no rewards,

away with a

you, I find that I don't

to say to Carissa, say it quickly. No more idle chatter.

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Chapter 364

+25 BONUS

a few days before Carissa's marriage, it was inappropriate for him to monopolize the time meant for her

than speaking in unison. Ultimately, their words

Carissa in her arms, and the older woman was moved to tears. This strong. independent woman couldn't hold

Pathfinders Guild as a seven-year-old girl, her hair styled in two pigtails, dressed in a little blue dress. She had been beautiful and adorable, with a face so fresh and round that

and struggled with basic movements, Winona had carried her back to their