Chapter 496 (+25 Bonus)

Rafael left the city that night, taking Dylan and Jacob with him. Simultaneously, a carrier pigeon returned to the Pathfinders Guild, carrying a letter from Everett requesting help.

After Rafael's departure, Violet coaxed Carissa into the next room to sleep together, claiming she worried Carissa would be lonely after having someone beside her.

Carissa knocked herself on the head. "I'm not lonely at all. You're just bored, aren't you? Why don't you go play with Rod?"

"I'm not going near him. He's all high and mighty since becoming a drill instructor for the household soldiers. He struts around like a peacock," Violet said, lying on the bed, chin propped in her hands.

"And I'm not bored or lonely. I just wanted to chat. In a couple of days, we'll have some fun to watch—Serena is going to be taken into the Marquis of Ironridge's family as a concubine."

Carissa folded her arms behind her head. "I know, but I've been thinking about something else lately."

"What's on your mind? Wondering if Jessica will die of anger?" Violet asked, grinning mischievously.

"No. Why are you so focused on their family drama?"

"It's not just theirs. I'm also keeping an eye on the Earl of Gracehold's family," Violet said, kicking her legs playfully. "Samuel and Ruby were living the high life a few days ago. I wonder if they'll cry themselves to death after Samuel is stripped of his heir status."

Carissa smiled faintly. "Who knows?"

"Cari, you don't smile as cheerfully as you used to," Violet said, poking her finger between Carissa's brows. "You should lighten up! There's gossip to follow, jokes to laugh at, and unfortunate people to kick when they're down."

Carissa turned to look at her. "Let me ask you something. Imagine this: during the war, you were married and presumed dead after a battle. But in reality, you were captured. When you finally returned, you discovered your husband had remarried. How would you feel—heartbroken or angry?"

Violet thought for a moment. "I can't put myself in that situation. I don't have a husband. You do, though. Why don't you imagine it for yourself? You'll understand how it feels."

Carissa's voice softened. "I've already thought about it. If Rafael thought I died in battle and remarried after a few years, I would be heartbroken, but I think I could understand. After all, no one can wait for someone forever. It's too much to ask."

"Is that what's been bothering you? No wonder you've looked so down," Violet said, rolling onto her back and turning to Carissa. "Why are you even thinking about this? Are you just torturing yourself, or is something actually going on?"

"I'm not sure, but I can tell you about it. You know how to keep a secret," Carissa replied.

She then told Violet her suspicions about Septimus possibly being Thomas. After finishing, she emphasized, "It's just a suspicion. We'll only know for sure once we rescue him."

(+25 Bonus) Chapter 496

Violet listened, then said, "After Thomas died, the Farrell family was generous enough to release Viola back to her family. I heard they even gave her two shops as compensation, along with Thomas's pension. If Thomas is really still alive, it's not entirely Viola's fault. But if she decided to return to her family, why did she take his pension and the shops the Farrell family gave her?"

She paused.

"If it were me," she said, "I wouldn't have taken them. After all, the Farrell family isn't some wealthy noble house. They're not exactly affluent. So many of their sons died on the battlefield, and they have so many widows and orphans to care for. From a moral standpoint, Viola shouldn't have taken the two shops or Thomas's pension. Taking back her dowry would have been enough."

"Yeah, and now she's using that pension and those shops in her marriage to Barrett. If Thomas really does come back, he'll probably feel pretty hurt."

"It's a tough situation involving loyalty and personal happiness," Carissa said with a sigh, her mood growing heavy. "If it is Thomas, and he didn't let Viola know he was alive because of his loyalty, then Viola remarrying is understandable. It's a sad reality."

The entire situation was overwhelmingly sad.