Chapter 361

+25 BONUS

As Rafael packed the gifts, his mind wandered to the Pathfinders' Guild. He was pleased that so many people were looking out for Carissa. Still, he wanted Adrian and the others to know that he would protect Carissa from now on, and they no longer needed to worry. Most importantly, he had to tell Adrian one crucial thing: from now on, he would ensure Carissa sent at least two letters back to the guild each month. No matter what happened, good or bad, the guild members would be informed, so they wouldn't have to send people to investigate.

After filling three carts to the brim with gifts, he saw Carissa leading Ryan and Lulu out. Carissa's face was serene and composed, her calm demeanor enhancing her beauty. She wore a deep purple dress that accentuated her fair, translucent skin. Two peonies were pinned in her hair, but even the flowers seemed less radiant than she was.

As Rafael recalled the previous night's events, he felt his blood rush uncontrollably, his deep gaze filled with turbulent, unreadable emotion. When Carissa looked up and saw that expression in his eyes, she immediately recognized it. It had been the same for the past two nights. These past two nights, he seemed to have entered a state of insatiable desire, like someone discovering a new passion for the first time, constantly craving more.

Carissa's cheeks flushed as she avoided his gaze. That look always made her heart race. Rafael approached her and took her hand. "The gifts for the visit are all prepared. Shall we go?"

"Okay." Carissa lowered her gaze, her earlier composure instantly replaced by shyness. Even though they were married and had shared intimate moments, the way he interlaced his fingers with hers still brought inexplicable joy and bashfulness to her heart.

Ryan looked up and asked Lulu, "Lulu, why does Aunt Carissa blush whenever Uncle Rafael holds her hand?"

Hearing this, Lulu glanced at her young mistress, whose face was indeed redder than a rose. Lulu laughed and replied playfully, "That's because when a man holds a woman's hand, the woman will always blush."

Ryan then asked, "But I'm holding your hand, so why aren't you blushing?"

Lulu chuckled. "Because I have thick skin. Even if I blush, you wouldn't be able to see it."

"Oh, I see," Ryan said, his eyes gleaming with wisdom beyond his years.

They boarded the carriage, the three carts of gifts trailing behind them, returning to Northwatch Estate with great pomp and ceremony. As fate would have it, they happened to run into Barrett and Viola, who were also returning home.

Barrett was riding his steed when Rafael lifted the carriage curtain, just in time to see him. Barrett's face was so swollen and bruised that he was almost unrecognizable. Rafael instantly knew that Dylan and his men had given Barrett quite a beating. That was what he deserved for his loose tongue.

Barrett glanced over, narrowing his eyes in anger when he spotted Rafael. Rafael let the curtain fall, a faint smile curling his lips. Good. It was better if Barrett held a grudge—served him right.

Carissa, who had followed Rafael's gaze, caught sight of Barrett. She was puzzled. "Did he get beaten up by his two wives at home?"

Rafael shook his head. "Not sure, but maybe. After all, those two women aren't exactly pushovers." Aurora was still Barrett's rightful wife and naturally held the title of madam, though she would be referred to as a secondary wife or concubine, depending on the situation.

Carissa casually remarked, "They really did a number on him. His face is so swollen, I can barely recognize him."

Rafael nodded. "It was a bit excessive. Since we all came back from the Southern Frontier battlefield together, I'll have Dylan send him some cream for the bruises tomorrow."

Carissa gave him a surprised look. "Is that really necessary?"

Rafael's tone was full of camaraderie. "We were comrades-in-arms!"

After a brief silence, Carissa said softly, "You were the one who ordered the beating." There was no need to ask—she was certain of it.

Rafael turned to look at her, but neither confirmed nor denied it. Frowning, she added, "That was reckless!"

He immediately assumed she was defending Barrett, and his tone turned sour. "He deserved it! You don't know what he said to me on our wedding day."

Carissa continued to frown. It was clear to her that her guild junior had never been properly disciplined. Such innocence and naiveté could only mean one thing—he needed a good thrashing.

"Sage Everett is still in the capital. If you're going to beat someone up, at least wait until after he leaves. Do you want to be punished?"