Chapter 1327

Carissa hesitated to tell Rafael about Helen and Ryan moving into the palace, fearing it would upset him. She received a letter from him, accompanying the report of their victory in the second battle. Salvador had summoned her to deliver it personally.

Carissa understood Rafael's intention; sending the letter through Salvador signaled their lack of secrets, a gesture of transparency, however formal. It seemed to please Salvador, who forwent his usual insincere smile. He reassured her about the Southern Frontier, stating victory was imminent.

After her audience with the king, Carissa visited Serenity Palace to greet Victoria and check on Helen and Ryan. However, she found neither Ryan nor Evan; they were attending Connor's lessons. Connor's tutor had changed; Trevor now taught him personally. Although Salvador had previously suggested this, Trevor had refused due to health concerns. With Ryan in the palace, Trevor's immediate acceptance was clearly a gesture of respect for the late Hector. Salvador, though slightly displeased, remained silent, recognizing the benefit.

Carissa also didn't find Helen. Victoria explained she'd gone to see Dakota. "Helen and Dakota never got along, but now they're like sisters. She's heartless, even turning her back on her own sister," Victoria complained, a smile playing on her lips.

Carissa chuckled. "It's not a deep feud. They bicker when together, but miss each other when apart."

Victoria rubbed her forehead. "That's family. Sometimes you can't stand each other, other times you miss them."

Carissa nodded, changing the subject. "Has Ryan been any trouble? Punish him if he misbehaves."

Victoria's expression softened. "How could he be trouble? He's so well-behaved, respectful, neither servile nor arrogant. You've raised him wonderfully." Seeing Carissa's concern, she added reassuringly, "Don't worry. Connor won't dare bully him while he's with me, and Mr. Young won't allow it in class."

"I'm not worried with you here, Mother," Carissa replied.

Later, Carissa visited Helen in the royal garden, inquiring about Connor and Ryan. At the mention of Connor, Helen scoffed. "Prince Connor is troublesome—a rotten one. He couldn't bully Ryan, so he picked on Evan, even having a chamberlain bring dog feces for Evan to eat."

Carissa's brow furrowed. "Did he eat it?"

Helen chuckled. "Of course not! Ryan grabbed Evan and ran to my sister. She had Connor served two meals of dog feces—eat it or go hungry. He's been thoroughly taught a lesson."

Carissa laughed. Ryan's assertiveness was key. She'd always feared he might internalize things; endurance didn't earn respect, and resorting to fighting wasn't an option. At his age, telling was the best weapon. She often shared stories of her Meadow Ridge youth, emphasizing the importance of reporting bullying, regardless of whether she was the victim or perpetrator. She hadn't expected Ryan to listen so intently—and remember. He truly possessed her spirit.

Due to her schedule, Carissa left before Ryan's lesson ended, returning to Capital Guard headquarters. Ian retained a small elite guard team; the rest were reassigned under Carissa's command, including Kevin.

Kevin improved rapidly, benefiting from Travis's guidance and Carissa's sparring sessions. His journey to find a mentor had been unlucky, but his luck had changed. Despite being Violet's last apprentice, his martial arts surpassed Michael, Max, and Alistair's.

Alistair remained in a semi-suspended state due to Oliver's actions. Salvador hadn't officially removed him, largely due to their longstanding feud, known throughout the capital. However, Carissa, reorganizing the Mystic Army, disregarded this; she needed capable individuals.