Chapter 207

After Carissa wrote down their orders, she showed them to Rafael. He reviewed them and said happily, “These are all to my liking. Let’s go with this.”

He then turned to Dylan. “Dylan, take this and place the orders.”

Dylan nodded, took the paper, and went out to place the order. He returned shortly afterward.

“What happened in the inner courtyard? Did they doubt the birthday gift you brought and think it was a fake? Did they also try to bully you?” Rafael had a general idea but wanted to hear it from her directly.

Carissa took a sip of water to soothe her dry throat and said, “They couldn’t bully me, but some did target me and didn’t take me seriously.”

Lulu chimed in, “My lady, your words frightened me. How could you dare to speak so boldly? What if Grand Princess Eleanor decides to retaliate?”

Carissa replied, “Whether I say it or not, she was going to make things difficult for me anyway. I might as well get it off my chest.”

She gave Lulu a sideways glance. “You’ve been with me for years, from the estate to Meadow Ridge and back to the capital. Have you ever seen me afraid of anyone?”

“You were always fearless, but now…” Lulu hesitated, remembering their days at Valor Estate. It wasn’t that Carissa was afraid of anyone, but she seemed like a different person now. However, Lulu knew better than to voice this in front of Rafael.

“In any case, even if we try not to offend anyone, we end up offending them. Being afraid won’t change anything,” Carissa said.

Rafael asked curiously, “What did you say before you left?”

Carissa recounted the events in the inner courtyard and her argument with Jessica, relaying every word she had said. Rafael listened without any hint of surprise, as if he had anticipated her reaction.

Who could bully this little demoness from the Pathfinders Guild? The Warren family might have thought they had the upper hand. However, they were unaware that Carissa only married into their family due to Melanie’s instructions after Hector and his sons sacrificed their lives on the battlefield. As Barrett went to battle to defend Starhaven, Carissa vowed to care for those in the Warren family household. She was never someone to be easily manipulated.

Years ago, when Rafael went up the mountain, he had witnessed Carissa pinning her senior, Winona, to the ground. Winona hadn’t gone easy on her—she truly was outmatched. Of course, Winona was renowned for her Lightfoot Skill and was one of the most famous spies in the martial world, though not many knew of this particular event.

+15 BONUS

According to Adrian, Carissa was a martial prodigy. Among all the guild apprentices, she had no peers in terms of martial skills—not only among the guild members but also across all the guilds in Meadow Ridge. Who hadn’t Carissa challenged in her younger, more reckless days? Regardless, none could surpass her. When Adrian spoke of her, he did so with a proud expression.

However, Rafael was surprised by Helen’s public announcement of their impending marriage. Given her nature, she would surely oppose the marriage vehemently. Even if someone asked her, she would likely remain silent. Her choice to speak out was very unlike her.

“My mom will surely regret her public announcement tonight when she returns to the palace,” Rafael said, knowing her well.

Carissa found it amusing. “Your mom spoke to me with such arrogance the other day, but in front of Grand Princess Eleanor and Lady Jessica, she was as meek as a puppy. She was angry but dared not retort. She could only glare at them. It was quite amusing to watch.”

“Grand Princess Eleanor is my aunt. She was pampered by my grandfather from a young age. When she lived in the palace with her mother, she learned many underhanded tactics. After she grew up, even my father had to give in to her. How could my mom not be afraid of her?”

Rafael’s long fingers traced the rim of his cup as he continued, “My grandfather was quite compliant with her demands, but when it came to her interest in your father, he didn’t comply. That’s why she harbored resentment towards the Sinclair family.”

Carissa replied, “Anyone with a brain knows that a princess can’t command a military force. My father was a formidable general in his youth, capable of standing on his own. How could the court allow him to marry the princess? It’s something everyone understands. How could she not? It’s just her unwillingness to accept it.”

Rafael’s lips curled into a smile that was as captivating as it was mesmerizing. “Yes, she’s merely using the opportunity to vent her frustrations. By the way, how did you know about the grievances in her household?”