Chapter 363

Rafael and Carissa paid their respects to Adrian, Everett, and the senior apprentices of the guild, observing proper etiquette. Everett's eyes were half-squinted, making it difficult to discern whether he was merely squinting or actually looking. Carissa knew, however, that this was when he was most intimidating, meticulously scrutinizing for any mistakes.

Therefore, Carissa performed her traditional salute with utmost seriousness. Her posture was straight, her spine upright as she bowed at the perfect angle. Everett had trained Carissa in the proper salute after her initial, hasty greeting to Adrian. That night, the repeated salutes had made her so dizzy she nearly fainted. Only then did Everett slightly open his eyes and gesture for her to leave. She was so dizzy she could barely walk, and Winona had to carry her back to her room. Reflecting on this past experience, she felt a pang of sorrow.

As she bowed, she noticed Rafael only nodded respectfully to Adrian and the senior apprentices, offering only a shallow bow to Everett. It was utterly inadequate. This was a disaster!

Carissa glanced anxiously at Everett. What? Everett wasn't angry? To Carissa's surprise, not only was Everett not angry, but he even smiled at Rafael with satisfaction in his eyes.

"You have established yourself and married. I can rest easy now."

Wait, Everett could smile?

"Thank you for your concern, Sage Everett," Rafael said, standing attentively and obediently before the master, ready for further instructions.

Everett was even more pleased and said with a smile, "Please, sit."

Winona immediately helped Carissa, gently rubbing her shoulders and asking in a low voice, "Does your back hurt? Are you feeling dizzy or nauseous?"

"It doesn't hurt. I'm not dizzy, and I don't feel nauseous," Carissa shook her head.

Winona finally relaxed. She had a bit of a phobia because, previously, when Carissa had been reprimanded for her salute, she had vomited and felt dizzy after being carried back to her room. Only after Adrian's acupuncture treatment and several days of medication did Carissa begin to recover.

"Just be cautious with this one. Given her headstrong nature, life may not be smooth sailing ahead. You'll need to keep a close watch on her to avoid trouble," Everett's voice rang out as he spoke to Rafael. In his mind, Carissa would always be the most mischievous apprentice of the Pathfinders Guild.

"Carissa won't cause trouble. You can rest assured, Sage Everett," Rafael replied respectfully, but his defense of his wife was firm.

Everett's eyes narrowed, showing displeasure. Carissa's senior guild members exchanged resentful glances. Was Everett trying to shift the blame onto Carissa again?

However, Everett's frown soon gave way to a smile as Rafael approached with wine. He first served Adrian, then handed a cup to Everett. To see Everett smile twice in one day was quite unusual. So, the man could smile after all. How strange!

After taking a sip of wine, Rafael said, "Sage Everett, I have something to discuss with you privately. Could you please come to the side hall with me?"

"Alright." Everett stood up and exited with Rafael.

Rafael glanced back and gave Carissa a playful smile. Everyone then realized Rafael had intentionally brought Everett away so they could spend some time with Carissa.

Winona gently massaged Carissa's shoulders, then embraced her. Back when Carissa had first arrived at the Pathfinders Guild, Winona had often carried her. Carissa had missed home terribly at that time, and it was Winona who had soothed her to sleep.

"Alright, don't spoil her too much," Adrian spoke up, though his gaze towards Carissa was more indulgent than anyone else's. "Now that you're married, you need to stand firm in everything. If you feel wronged, don't endure it alone. Send a pigeon post to Meadow Ridge—there will always be someone to speak up for you."

Carissa snuggled into Winona's embrace, and