Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1405

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.

but there was always a piece missing-something no one could ever truly

until late afternoon

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

been accused of wielding too much power, which threatened the throne.

past, the Russell family had contributed greatly to

Blake's contributions, but also because Adrian had improved the six-barreled matchlock and the

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

So, Salvador listened.

At least, for now.

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

thought back to Rafael's unapproved departure

military command emblem, the command of the

might be peaceful enough. But after that, it

returning

went to Hell

didn't find Carissa there, so he headed to the Capital Guard headquarters. As he had expected, she was

that after her tears the previous night, she

as usual, unbothered, and was already back to business as

across from each other in an unusual moment of

Southern Frontier conflict is settled and Rafael returns, you two should resign and come back to Meadow Ridge," Adrian

hoarse, but she asked, "What