Chapter 236
Carissa ate a light midday meal—a bowl of chicken soup—before visiting the family chapel to pay her respects. The Sinclair family, a prominent clan, possessed their own sanctuary hall, where memorial plaques honoring Carissa's parents, brothers, and in-laws were enshrined. However, as a woman, she was forbidden from entering the hall to worship and could only bow her head outside. The only way a woman could "enter" the sanctuary hall was after death, via a memorial plaque. As a daughter who would eventually marry out of the Sinclair family, Carissa could never enter; only women who married into the family had that right.
Therefore, after her father and brothers fell in battle, Carissa had a small shrine set up in the family chapel where she placed their plaques to facilitate seasonal rites. After the massacre, she also moved the plaques of her mother, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews to the shrine.
Frederick had prepared the offerings: chicken, starcakes, and fresh fruit. Carissa entered the shrine, lit the candles, and gazed at the once-living individuals now represented by mere plaques. After lighting the candles, she knelt and prayed, “Dad, Mom, Granduncle Theodore discussed adopting a child to inherit the title with me. However, a choice hasn't been made, and I'm unsure if you approve. If you are watching over me, please give me a sign.”
She was uncertain about the adoption. She hadn’t personally selected any candidates; the thought of handing over the hard-earned title to another family's child deeply troubled her. While all candidates were Sinclairs, none were immediate family. Theodore's lists included children with living parents. The younger ones, without parents, were pitiable, while the older ones had strong bonds with their parents. After inheriting the title, would they bring their parents to Northwatch Estate? If so, who would care about the Duke of Northwatch's family reputation?
It was one thing if the children were virtuous and loyal, but what if their characters were flawed? What if they used their title for evil, tarnishing the reputation of her deceased father and brothers? Furthermore, inheriting the title meant choosing a successor to act as a son to her elder brother. All her nephews were exceptional and irreplaceable in her eyes.
These considerations made Carissa reluctant to choose a successor. The plaques offered no answers—only solace as she knelt, bringing a measure of peace. She pretended her parents and brothers were still by her side; sometimes, such self-comfort eased the pain in her heart.
After noon, she returned to her room to rest. Lulu then entered, leading Frederick inside.
"My lady, Prince Rafael sent someone with a letter, requesting you read it immediately," Frederick said, handing the letter to Carissa. "The messenger said it was urgent."
Carissa quickly opened the letter, which contained only a few words: [Carissa, come to Eldoria immediately.] It was signed by Rafael. She recognized his handwriting. The letter didn't specify the reason for the urgency or what she should bring.
"Where's the messenger?" Carissa asked.
"He's downstairs in the kitchen, eating. He switched horses three times to get back here; he looks exhausted," Frederick replied.
Carissa immediately instructed, "Lulu, help me pack a few sets of clothes and other travel essentials. Once the messenger has finished eating, bring him here. I have questions for him."
"Understood, my lady!" Lulu quickly went to gather the items.
Soon, after the messenger had eaten, he was brought to the side hall. Carissa was already dressed and ready. She looked up and saw that the messenger was Dylan. He appeared haggard, sunburned, and covered in dirt. It was already mid-autumn, yet he was in such a state. He had clearly been on the road for quite some time.
"Deputy Ziegler, didn't you accompany His Highness to Meadow Ridge? Why did you go to Eldoria? What does His Highness need me to go there for?" Carissa asked.
Having just finished his meal, Dylan let out a burp. He stood awkwardly, likely due to prolonged horseback riding. Carissa quickly ushered him to a seat so they could talk comfortably.
"Thank you," Dylan said as he sat down. "His Highness did indeed take me to Meadow Ridge. We stayed there for three or four days and were on our way back when, unexpectedly, in Greenbrook County, my purse was stolen. I caught the thief on the spot and intended to hand him over to the authorities, but I noticed several ragged beggars nearby fleeing in panic."