Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1601

Still, as I saw Cari nearly every day—either she would come to the Inferno Guild to visit me, or I would go to the Pathfinders Guild to find her—I naturally still ran into Isaac from time to time.

Each time, he gave me such a resentful look, as though I had wronged him terribly.

Once, I could bear it no longer and asked him outright why he always glared at me. He said it was because I had spread rumours, saying he visited courtesan houses and other such places to look for women.

I was furious. He had behaved poorly, yet instead of reflecting on himself, he had the nerve to blame others. I had not spread any rumours. I had simply told the truth to my close friends. How was that gossip?

In my anger, I punched him and declared our friendship over.

Not long after that, Cari returned home to the capital. I thought, as before, she would stay for a month or so and come back. But this time, she stayed away far longer.

I went to the Pathfinders Guild to ask about her, but everyone kept their mouths shut. Not a single person would tell me a thing. In desperation, I planned to take Thia, Bun, and the others to the capital to find her.

But just before we left, Isaac came to stop us. For the first time, I saw a solemn, serious look on his face. He told us something had happened to Cari's family. Her father and brothers had died in battle, while her mother was gravely ill. Cari had to remain at home to care for her.

He said we were just children-barely in our teens-and knew nothing of how to handle matters of such weight. We would only cause trouble. Once things at

were settled, Cari would

were all heartbroken

He was a tall, commanding general, inspiring awe in all who saw him. I had

to speak of her father and brothers. So, even if I had only met them briefly-or not at all—I felt as though I knew them well.

they had all

have

her side, but as Isaac had said, even the people of the Pathfinders Guild had not gone to her What help could we possibly offer? All we could do was remain

month after month. But not

again. He said he didn't know either, but was certain

He said it was because of the

time to time, Isaac would bring back vague news. One moment, he said Cari had gotten married. Next he claimed the marriage was false. Then, he would mention something had happened to her family, but he

and there was no certainty in any of it. I decided then that I would

were about to pack, Sage Conrad arrived. He didn't say a word.

most frightening face. It wasn't that anything about him seemed overtly terrifying he had no more eyes, ears, or nose than any other- but something about his

stern gaze on me and said, "You're old enough to understand

of the martial arts world. If you go, you will only bring her trouble.

understand why martial artists like us couldn't have contact with her. She herself had come from the