Chapter 309 +25 BONUS

As Carissa escorted Leona to the door, she said, "Don't always sacrifice yourself to please others. It doesn't necessarily mean they'll value you more."

Leona looked at Carissa, shook her head, and said firmly, "That's not true, Cari. People's hearts are made of flesh, not stone. I can always warm theirs."

With that, she was helped into her carriage by her maid.

Watching Leona depart, Carissa felt an inexplicable chill. An ominous premonition settled over her.

Returning inside, Carissa still felt cold and asked Lulu to bring her a hot water bottle. Lily noticed this and asked, "My lady, are you feeling unwell?"

"No, I just suddenly feel very cold," Carissa replied.

Lily was puzzled. Carissa was wearing a fur cloak, and a fire was burning in the room. How could she be cold?

After feeling Carissa's forehead and finding it unusually cool, Lily summoned Rowan from Ryan's quarters to examine her. Carissa said it wasn't necessary, but Lily insisted.

Carrying his medical kit, Rowan arrived and examined her. Smiling, he reassured her, "Don't worry, my lady. You're in good health. The bruising from the battle is nearly healed. Continue taking the supplements to help with your blood circulation."

"She says she feels cold," Lily said anxiously.

"It's probably because she was outside in the wind. Don't worry, Lady Sinclair is a trained fighter and has a stronger constitution than most people," Rowan comforted her.

Lily nodded, though she remained concerned. Despite knowing Carissa's constitution was superior, she was surprised Carissa felt cold when even she, an old woman, did not. The room was heated, yet Carissa still needed a hot water bottle. It was indeed worrying.

"Thank you, Rowan," Lily said.

Rowan smiled and shook his head. "I was just finishing Lord Ryan's acupuncture. I'll be heading back now."

Carissa called out, "Rowan, I know Sebastian sent someone to check on my aunt's condition. How is she doing?"

She had previously inquired with Sebastian, who assured her everything was fine. However, if everything was fine, why hadn't Carissa received a letter from Avis? She had sent two letters already.

As Rowan packed up, he lowered his head and said, "I'm not sure about that. Ivy went. I only heard from my mentor that Lady Avis's illness requires a gradual recovery and won't be resolved in just one or two months. According to Ivy, Lady Avis has gone to Verdant Monastery to recuperate."

Carissa was taken aback. "Why go to a monastery for recovery? Can't the people in Prince Yuvan's estate take care of her?"

"It was Lady Avis's own choice. She said the monastery is peaceful, and she can feel the Lord's grace there. Since the sacrifice of your father and brothers, she has been a vegetarian and praying for everything to go smoothly. She believed the massacre of the Duke of Northwatch's family happened due to her insincerity in her prayers. So, she specifically moved to Verdant Monastery."

Carissa knew Avis had always been devout. When her engagement was announced, Avis had come to the capital to accompany Melanie and recuperate. Avis had recommended Barrett, due to her connections with Rebecca. While in the capital, they had socialized frequently, so Avis knew both branches of the Warren family well. Though Rebecca was in poor health, she was reasonable and easy to get along with.

On the surface, this was true. Avis had a soft heart and wasn't skilled in scheming. Otherwise, the situation in Yuvan's estate wouldn't have been so chaotic, with a secondary concubine in charge and the princess consort abandoned by Yuvan.

In other words, Avis was somewhat naive. Such a person, after marrying into a prominent family, often ended up suffering. That was why Avis had recommended Barrett to Melanie—to avoid such troubles for Carissa.

But why go to Verdant Monastery? It was far from Yuvan's fief. If something happened, how would Yuvan be informed?

Carissa resolved to visit Verdant Monastery after her wedding. Not seeing Avis with her own eyes made her uneasy.