Chapter 295

Brimming with excitement, Carissa eagerly linked her arm with Kyle’s. “Kyle, where did you come from? From Meadow Ridge? Did you come alone? What about our master? What about Winona?” she asked, rapidly firing one question after another.

Kyle gently rapped her on the head, his eyes still filled with affection. “I didn’t return to Meadow Ridge. I came from Victory Pass. As for Winona, she will arrive in a few days. She’s been keeping an eye on the movements in Sandoria and has sent numerous reports through carrier pigeons.”

“Winona is coming too? That’s wonderful!” Carissa’s face lit up with joy, her smile as radiant as a blooming flower.

Frederick had brought a cloak but then remembered that the main hall had a fire going, making the cloak unnecessary. Nevertheless, as he stood by the door, watching the legendary Kyle Spencer, he felt a surge of emotion that almost made him tear up. He desperately wanted to fetch some stationery and have Kyle write something for him, which he would treasure as a family heirloom.

Carissa was too caught up in her own excitement to notice Frederick’s emotional response. She eagerly asked, “Kyle, does anyone in the capital know that you’re here? Do you know that the influential families and scholars in the capital admire you greatly? Even the king thinks highly of you! If they knew you were here, I’m sure the gate to Northwatch Estate would be trampled down.”

“I did present my travel permit upon entering the city, but the city guards probably don’t know who I am, so I don’t think anyone is aware,” Kyle replied.

He led Carissa to a seat, his gaze softening with a hint of concealed pain. Trouble had befallen her family, but she hadn’t informed their guild. When the guild members found out on their own, they had decided to come see her. Even then, she had refused, saying that she wouldn’t be able to stay strong if she saw them. Thus, although Kyle felt a pang of sympathy, he dared not show it. Seeing Carissa still acting as if she were in Meadow Ridge, playful and lively, reassured him somewhat.

“Since there are people in the capital who admire me, let them know that they are welcome to come to Northwatch Estate. I have completed several paintings while at Victory Pass and would be happy to have people come and appreciate them,” he said.

Carissa paused, knowing that her guild senior was not one for social gatherings or showcasing his work to strangers. He rarely sold his paintings and never invited people he did not know to view them. Kyle only gave his paintings as gifts to those who shared his temperament.

Conversely, Everett would sometimes sell or give away Kyle’s paintings. However, it wasn’t out of financial need—since the Pathfinders Guild was never short of funds—but because Everett felt that there were simply too many paintings cluttering up the place. Nowadays, most of Kyle’s paintings that people had were the ones Everett had sold, though the sales were not numerous. Everett was not a fan of appreciating art. He believed that a person’s eyes were meant to see the world’s wonders firsthand.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 295

Even if Kyle’s paintings of the orchids at Meadow Ridge were exquisite, they could never compare to witnessing the real blossoms in person. Everett was indeed quite dull, and Carissa could not fathom why Rafael had chosen him as a mentor. If the prince had chosen the same mentor she had, she felt she would have been a great senior for him.

“Why?” Carissa asked. “If we host a banquet, you’ll have to mingle with many people and converse with them. Also, not everyone will be on the same page. Aren’t you the one who dislikes uncomfortable conversations?”

“It doesn’t matter. In life, one has to deal with all sorts of people. I talked to many people while at Victory Pass; I even chatted with the innkeeper until dawn. I’m not mute; I can talk, and I can speak pleasantly when needed,” Kyle replied.

Carissa fell silent for a moment before saying, “You’re doing this for me, aren’t you? Kyle, there’s no need to go to such lengths. I can hold my own in the capital. With my skills, no one dares to truly offend me.”

“In the circles of the capital’s nobility, violence won’t solve problems. Don’t always think about fighting. Remember why our master taught you martial arts?” said Kyle.

“Naturally, it’s to be unbeatable in the world,” Carissa replied.

Kyle tapped her head again. “It’s to strengthen your body and prevent you from being bullied.” He smiled wryly. “Let’s talk about the day after tomorrow. That’s when we’ll host the banquet at Northwatch Estate.”

Frederick, who had been listening at the door, couldn’t help but interject, “Oh? Isn’t Lady Helen hosting a tea party the day after tomorrow? What a coincidence.”