Chapter 384 +25 BONUS

Jacob chuckled and said, “With Lady Carissa here, you won’t be shortchanged. Just make sure to do the job well. Once the household army is established, you’ll be in charge of their management and training. Given the hard work involved, there will definitely be an additional reward.”

Not interested in vague promises, Travis asked directly, “So, how much are we talking about?”

Jacob held up one finger. “This much.”

At that moment, Travis wished he had an actual rod in his hand to smack Jacob over the head. Couldn’t Jacob just say the amount instead of making him guess?

“Just tell us whether you’ll do it or not,” Rafael said.

“I’ll do it!” Travis immediately agreed, planning to ask Carissa later to find out exactly how much the pay was. Either way, he had already decided to take the job. He would be in for a beating if he didn’t bring some money back to the guild.

“Alright, you won’t need to worry about the recruitment process. Just focus on being the drill instructor and teaching them martial arts,” Jacob said.

“Fair enough, but can the estate accommodate so many people?” Travis asked.

Luke chimed in, “Don’t worry about that. There’s a piece of empty land behind the estate. After the New Year, we’ll bring in some craftsmen. As long as we have the funds, it’ll be built in no time.”

“So, I’ll be paid during this period too, right?” Travis questioned.

Jacob felt a twinge of frustration. The man really couldn’t go three sentences without mentioning money. His intentions were clear as day.

“Of course,” Jacob assured him. He wasn’t stingy and would give what was due. Besides, Travis was an old friend of Carissa’s and had even temporarily held the rank of battalion commander in the military. Given his background, there was no doubt that an appropriate salary would be part of the arrangement.

Satisfied, Travis grinned widely. “Great!”

The snowfall continued to get heavier.

Although the Supreme Court had sealed its documents for the year, Rafael, as the commander of the Mystic Army, found himself busier than ever. He stepped out to inform Carissa that he needed to return to the Capital Guard Headquarters to gather the commanders for a meeting to discuss the duty roster and patrols during the upcoming New Year celebrations.

“Alright, you take care of your business. Vivi, Rod, and I will head to Verdant Monastery to visit my aunt,” Carissa responded.

“You’re going to Verdant Monastery? Why don’t you wait for me? I’ll finish up my work quickly and accompany you,” Rafael suggested.

“It’s fine. Vivi, Rod, and I can manage on our own. You focus on your duties. The Capital Guard Headquarters has a lot going on with the New Year celebrations approaching,” Carissa replied.

Even though she only held an honorary title as deputy commander, she knew that it was during major festivals like this that the capital guards and garrison unit were busiest and most prone to errors.

Rafael wanted to accompany her, but he knew the responsibilities at the Capital Guard Headquarters couldn’t be ignored. Besides, it had been snowing heavily lately. Avis was in poor health, so Carissa couldn’t afford to delay her visit. People often said that the New Year was the hardest time for those gravely ill.

“Alright, be careful on the road,” Rafael said after a moment’s thought. “I’ll finish up as quickly as I can and join you there.” He should meet Carissa’s aunt as well, now that he was officially Carissa’s husband.

“Okay,” Carissa agreed, noticing the lingering affection in his gaze. Not wanting Violet and Travis to tease her, she quickly averted her eyes. “You go ahead and get to work.”

Rafael felt a twinge of disappointment. Carissa always seemed eager to distance herself from him in front of others. Even when their eyes met, she would immediately look away. He couldn’t understand it—he constantly wanted to be near her.

“Your Highness, the horses are ready,” Luke announced as he entered.

“Alright,” Rafael said, walking over to Carissa and taking her hand. “Be careful on the road. Wear extra layers. It’s snowing today.”

“I got it,” Carissa replied with a smile, gently pulling her hand away. In a proper, almost formal tone, she added, “We’re taking a carriage, Your Highness. You should focus on your work.”

Seeing her withdraw so quickly, Rafael couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. Violet noticed this and gave Carissa a glance but chose to remain silent.

Carissa then went to see Helen, informing her that she would be visiting her aunt at Verdant Monastery and might be away for two or three days, but would definitely return in time for the New Year. Helen was momentarily confused before realizing that Carissa was referring to Avis.

“Then, hurry and go. Make sure to come back soon,” she urged.

Kiera, who was also present, asked curiously, “Why is Aunt Avis living at Verdant Monastery? Isn’t she supposed to be at Uncle Yuvan’s residence, Horizon Estate?”