Chapter 1218

Carissa returned home to find Jacob waiting, a broad smile on his face, holding a letter from Rafael. “Prince Rafael’s letter arrived just after you left,” he said, handing it to her.

Carissa’s eyes lit up as she took the letter. Instead of opening it immediately, she asked, “Why aren’t you spending New Year’s with your family, Jacob?”

“I’m heading back to celebrate with them,” Jacob replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes, “but I wanted to deliver this personally. I was eager to see your reaction. Plus, I’m curious what His Highness said beyond the official business.”

Carissa couldn’t hide her delight. “This is his first letter to me. I’ll read it now.”

She knew Jacob would need to review any details about the investigation. Opening the envelope, she found three sheets: two personal letters and one detailing the investigation’s findings. She quickly skimmed the personal letters, then handed the report to Jacob.

Jacob chuckled. “He wrote two full pages to you, and only one for the investigation. Seems His Highness had a rough trip.”

Feeling embarrassed, Carissa urged, “Hurry and read it. I only skimmed it.”

Jacob immediately began reading. Afterward, he explained, “After arriving in Lunvale, they investigated a village composed entirely of young, able-bodied men. No elderly or children. The villagers farm as usual, but locals say it was once an ordinary village with families. A plague years ago killed many older residents and children. Gradually, outsiders moved in, and the village grew to nearly five thousand people.”

Carissa frowned. “Five thousand? Even a large village would have only a few hundred, or maybe a thousand. Does the village have any weapons?”

Jacob glanced back at the letter. “They haven’t found any yet. The village is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with only one road leading in from the north. It’s isolated, and the entrance is guarded. His Highness is waiting for the right moment to infiltrate and investigate further.”

A knot of worry tightened in Carissa’s stomach. Rafael’s small group would be vastly outnumbered. If these men were the private army they sought, Rafael and his men were in grave danger. The mountainous terrain also presented a significant challenge; hidden weapons would be nearly impossible to find.

She had to admit the rebels had chosen an ideal location. The only progress was identifying this village. After all, Rafael and his group had gone to great lengths to remain unidentified, and they couldn't rely on local authorities, who might be colluding with the Realm Defender. Further investigation into these potential connections was necessary.

Jacob left to join his family’s New Year’s celebrations, while Carissa secluded herself in her room, ignoring even a message from Violet. She sat by the light, rereading Rafael’s letter.

He wrote about missing her, especially with New Year’s approaching and seeing families shopping. He asked about her health, his mother, and Ryan. He also shared details of the investigation, though much of it was less critical than what was included in the official report.

At the letter’s end, he simply wrote: [I miss you. So very much.]

Carissa reread those words, whispering, “I miss you so much too.” She hadn’t felt this deeply for him when they first married, or even during his last mission. His presence had become an indispensable part of her life, the change gradual and quiet, like a nourishing stream. And that was enough.

Chapter 1219