Chapter 421 (+25 Bonus)

After returning to the estate, Carissa discussed hiring Travis's senior guild members. Travis's first question was, "How much are you offering?"

Carissa knew she needed a substantial financial incentive. Only a higher offer could persuade his master. She replied, "I'd like them to stay until the child is safely born and reaches their Lunar Blessing Ceremony, a few months. For two people, I'll offer one thousand silver coins. What do you think?"

Travis ran a hand through his hair, considering. "Acceptable, but I must write a letter immediately. Does His Highness have a letter delivery service? The letter must reach my master quickly."

Carissa smiled. "Please write it as quickly as possible, then."

One thousand silver coins was a significant sum. Travis's master forbade his apprentices from leaving the mountain because working as female bodyguards for high-ranking families paid only two silver coins per month, and they endured mistreatment. Protecting a duchess wouldn't involve such mistreatment—only ensuring her safety and overseeing her pregnancy. For a few months' work, two people would earn one thousand silver coins. Surely, his master would be tempted.

The day after the letter was sent, Samuel arrived at Hell Monarch Estate with two attendants. He specifically requested to see Carissa. His arrival after Rafael had left for work suggested he wasn't entirely dismissive of others; he simply considered Carissa, a divorced woman, easy to bully. However, the gatekeeper, taken aback by his arrogance, immediately reported Samuel's identity to Jacob.

Jacob, standing at the entrance, was politely but icily firm: "Leave immediately or face a beating." Several guards, brandishing whips, stood behind him. By the time Carissa arrived, Samuel had already left in disgrace.

Hearing Jacob's report, Violet regretted not having slapped Samuel herself. It was frustrating. He hadn't appeared again, causing Carissa to worry he might target Leona.

A week later, Travis's two senior guild members arrived on horseback. Travis asked, "You came by horse?" They replied, "We rented them."

Both senior guild members wore similar thin cotton jackets, short and coarse, in a stone-blue color. Around twenty years old, their appearance was aged, their skin roughened by years of labor.

Travis led them to Carissa. Recognizing them immediately, Carissa saluted. "Leah, Alana, it's good to see you." Violet followed suit.

The two young women had been taken in by Travis's master. Leah had been found in a basket (hence her original name, "Basket," later changed to Leah), and Alana had been found with only a stone lock. Alana's name, meaning "rock," remained unchanged.

They greeted Carissa and Violet with dignified respect, showing no inferiority despite being in a royal residence. Leah asked, "Has Shit Stick caused you any problems? If so, let us know, and I'll deal with him."

Travis quickly covered her mouth. "Leah, I'm the training instructor. You can't call me that; the soldiers will refuse my orders, and I won't get my stipend."

Money was important, so Leah changed her approach. "Alright, I got it, Travis." (Travis's nickname was Rod.)

Carissa and Violet were puzzled. Why was Travis now "Shit Stick" instead of "Rod"? They learned that after receiving a reward, Travis had bought many cosmetics and was reprimanded by his master for being a "shitty stick," earning him the nickname.