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.

and make her smile, but there was

spent the entire night drinking. He slept until late afternoon before finally heading to the palace to meet

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

wielding too much power, which threatened the throne. There were probably some grudges and unresolved matters from those

the past, the Russell family had contributed

contributions, but also because Adrian had improved the six-barreled matchlock and the red cannons

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

So, Salvador listened.

At least, for now.

on his face remained, and he wasn't optimistic. Salvador had

Frontier was nearly decided. When Salvador thought back to Rafael's unapproved departure

of whether Rafael had the military command emblem, the command of the Southern Frontier army would

two or three years, things might be peaceful enough. But after that, it was hard

of returning to

Adrian went to

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

tears the previous night, she might have let herself grieve

unbothered, and was already

two of them sat across from each other in an unusual moment

returns, you two should resign

but she asked, "What