hapter 1241  Chapter 1241  The group chattered away, exchanging stories of what had happened since their last meeting  Then, came the big news–a bombshell, really–that Cynthia and Bun were officially betrothed.  Carissa and Violet were both stunned. They shot to their feet, staring at the couple in disbelief.  Carissa, chin in hand, mused, “Well, I’ll be. They really do look like a married couple now, don’t they? Both with those round, cherubic faces.”  Violet raised an eyebrow, adding, “Now that you mention it, they do have the same features- eyes, ears, nose, mouth, all in perfect proportion, Are we sure they aren’t siblings?”  Cynthia blushed deeply and scoffed. “Ugh, you two are the ones who look like siblings.”  Violet looked between them and asked, “But seriously, when did you two catch each other’s eye?”  Violet was already thinking about whether she would need to prepare a wedding gift or add to Cynthia’s trousseau. Well, she might end up doing both since the bride and groom were both her good friends.  She sighed happily. It had been a long time since she had the pleasure of spending money so freely.  “Go ahead and tell them, Thia,” Bun said, glancing at her.  He really had become much more composed. His slimmer face even made him look rather handsome now.  “It wasn’t about catching each other’s eye. It’s just that I’m at the right age, and my mentor said we shouldn’t let good things go to outsiders, so he told me to take him,” Cynthia explained, slightly embarrassed.  “Good things, huh?” Violet teased, looking back and forth between them. “Alright, Bun, you’ve lost weight but you’re still a good thing, I suppose.”  In the Crystal Bloom Guild, many of the senior apprentices married among themselves, mainly because they rarely interacted with outsiders. Besides, when young men and women spent so much time together, it was inevitable that some feelings would develop.  Cynthia and Bun had fought side by side in battles, sharing a bond of camaraderie and mutual respect. Having grown up together, their paths had intertwined over the years. They weren’t perfect, but they had grown to understand each other well enough to know that they could live a happy life together.  After the congratulatory remarks and a few sighs, the conversation shifted to the raid on the gentlemen’s retreats that Carissa had carried out.  1/3  +26 BONUS  Chapter 1241  “To think you had to stay up all night, Cari. Being an official must be tough. Thank goodness we didn’t stay in the capital,” Cynthia said, her face full of sympathy.  “I saw the frustration on your face when you came in. Did someone upset you? If it’s both exhausting and frustrating, why bother being an official? Come back to Meadow Ridge with us, life would be so much more carefree and enjoyable there,” she added.  Carissa naturally longed to return to Meadow Ridge–the thought alone made her happy.  “I will, eventually. Not right now, though. Growing up means taking on responsibilities. Once I’ve wrapped up all the things I’m working on, I’ll convince Raf to come back with me and settle down at Meadow Ridge,” said Carissa.  Violet sighed. “But even if you go back to Meadow Ridge, it won’t be all sunshine and roses. Your martial uncle’s rules are strict.”  Carissa stood tall, her chest puffed out with pride. “I’m not worried. I have Raf, whom Sage Everett dotes on. He’s also fiercely protective of Raf, and I’m sure he’ll extend that affection to me too.”  “You’re right about that! I don’t think there’s anywhere better than Meadow Ridge. If Cari’s going back, I’m following her. They’ll probably have kids in the future, and I’m going to be their godmother!” Violet said with a chuckle, sounding more enthusiastic now.  The four of them chatted all the way into the afternoon, their excitement and joy making it seem like the conversation would never run out of steam. The only regret was that Travis wasn’t there. If he was, the five young generals from the battlefield would have been reunited.  Eventually, it was Violet who urged Carissa to rest. After all, staying up all night couldn’t be good for her health.  Carissa was still riding high on excitement, but knowing she had to return to the Capital Guard headquarters later that evening to stand watch, she reluctantly agreed to take a break.  Meanwhile, Violet led Cynthia and Bun out for a stroll, and naturally, they couldn’t avoid overhearing the buzz about the shocking events from the night before.  The people of the city were all guessing which officials and aristocrats had been taken from the gentlemen’s retreats. It wasn’t hard to figure out, though. All they had to do was look at which families were gathered outside the Capital Guard headquarters.  เ  The Marquis of Glandale’s family’s affairs couldn’t stay hidden for long. That morning, officials from the Supreme Court had already gone to search their estate. Less than a day later, their secrets were laid bare.  Rumor had it that someone had seen Fabian in his carriage, struggling with a handsome young man who was later tossed out of the carriage. Some of the servants from Fabian’s household spoke about his clear preference for men, claiming he only married women to produce heirs. Others, however, said he was fine with both men and women.  2/3  +25 BONUS  Chapter 1241  Whatever the truth, the Marquis of Glandale’s reputation was thoroughly tarnished.  At a nearby coffeehouse, Violet, Bun, and Cynthia spent a good while listening to gossip. One of the stories floating around was about Malcolm who had been seen entering and leaving the Capital Guard headquarters late last night. People wondered if some of the Quinton family’s younger members had ended up at the gentlemen’s retreats as well.  No one suspected Gerald. The common folk had vivid imaginations, but there were limits to what they could come up with, which was why no one thought to consider Gerald, a royal tutor.  The Quinton family, of course, was keeping a close watch on the rumors. If pointing fingers at Gerald, they would quickly find a way to shut it down.  any