Chapter 155

Carissa didn't mention Salvador's strange edict to her friends. Instead, she simply thanked them for their help on the Southern Frontier.

"The Sandorian soldiers killed my father and brothers," she said. "My trip to the Southern Frontier was primarily for revenge. You've helped me achieve that, and I will remember your kindness."

Hearing this, everyone felt relieved. Carissa's father and brothers had indeed been killed by Sandorian soldiers. According to the martial world's code, a life for a life was a matter of principle. They had merely assisted Carissa in avenging her family and needed to dwell on nothing further.

Putting aside her own troubles, Carissa said, "Now that everyone's well-rested and well-fed, how about we go shopping? Also, please help me bring some items back to my master."

"That sounds good," Violet replied. "But we don't have any money. The king hasn't given us our reward yet."

Travis looked at Carissa blankly. "Do you think the king might have forgotten?"

Carissa smiled. "He certainly hasn't forgotten. The king promised to reward the army personally. Since we've achieved military merit, the rewards will definitely be generous."

"I hope we get a hundred gold coins! That would cover our annual rent for ten years," Travis said with a grin.

In the Lunar Guild, Travis was the only male member. Though the guild was based in Meadow Ridge, the land was owned by the Pathfinders Guild. Every year, the Lunar Guild had to pay rent to them. However, the Lunar Guild had little business, and Travis's master was quite traditional, so the apprentices focused solely on martial arts and weren't allowed to engage in trade.

"And I want to buy some makeup for the girls in the guild," Carissa continued. "They always dress so plainly, and their clothes are repeatedly patched up. If I bring back some fine silk, my master surely won't scold me for going to the battlefield Oh, and I need to buy some hairpins and accessories"

Violet interrupted, "Your master won't blame you for going to the battlefield, but if you dare bring those things back, a good thrashing would be the least of your worries. He might just chop off all ten of your fingers."

Everyone laughed. It was indeed a real possibility.

Before they could leave, Dylan arrived and informed them that it was time to collect their rewards.

Violet and the others indeed received a hundred gold coins each. Carissa, having achieved merit by breaking through the city wall, was awarded one thousand gold coins and promoted to the rank of fourth-ranked general. Though she held the rank, no official position was assigned to her.

Travis was overjoyed with his gold coins. He clutched them to his chest and nibbled at them piece by piece. Seeing this, Violet gave him her own gold coins as well.

"You can have it all. I don't need it."

Travis's eyes widened in disbelief. "But it's gold! Why don't you want it?"

"I obviously don't need it. I'm not interested in it," Violet replied nonchalantly. "I've never lacked money in my life—what I lacked was affection."

Travis grabbed the bag. "Is there really someone who doesn't value gold? What does your family have?"

"Not much, but enough to support the Inferno Guild," Violet said indifferently.

Travis's eyes widened even more. "Good heavens! Your family supports the Inferno Guild? No wonder you seem to live so comfortably. Despite not engaging in any business or escort missions, you always have a bountiful supply of meat and vegetables. So it's all funded by your family?"

During their time in Meadow Ridge, although they had spent a lot of time together, they had little knowledge of each other's backgrounds. They usually discussed martial arts or amusing stories from their respective guilds.

"Aren't we supposed to be out shopping? Let's go," Violet said. She clearly didn't want to delve into family matters.

The group set off happily. They first exchanged some gold for silver and copper coins at the money exchange. Then they went to the most bustling street, exploring various shops. They bought anything suitable without hesitation.

Barrett also received a hundred gold coins. As the general who led the reinforcements to the Southern Frontier, he deserved the reward for his hardships, even if he didn't directly contribute to the achievements. He had eliminated many enemies on the battlefield and played a crucial role in assisting Carissa with the siege, making his contributions significant. However, he had failed to properly manage his troops in Aurora's unit, which nearly caused the siege to fail. Aurora's unit was also annihilated, with over a dozen of their men captured. That was a lapse in his command, and he had faced punishment in place of Aurora. Thus, he didn't receive any promotion and only received the gold coins.