Chapter 532

Carissa recalled meeting Edmund, Westhaven's third prince (now crown prince), outside Simonton City. He harbored a deep-seated hatred for the people of Starhaven. His ascension to the throne would create significant problems in Fawnrun City.

She felt sorry for her grandfather, still stationed at Victory Pass despite being well over sixty. Most military officers his age would have retired and enjoyed life in the capital. Carissa understood the king's intention to promote younger generals, but recent years had yielded few truly capable individuals.

Salvador had also stripped Rafael, a feared general in both Sandoria and [unnamed location - needs clarification in the original text], of his military authority. Had Rafael remained in command, he could have deterred potential threats.

Currently, Oliver was in charge during this peaceful period. However, he would be inadequate in the event of renewed conflict.

"Rest early," Carissa advised. "The case will likely be handed over to the Royal Citadel. They may come tomorrow for questioning, and the king might summon me to the palace."

After visiting Valor Estate, Carissa felt unsettled and reluctant to discuss it further. Barrett's claim that she still harbored feelings for him was both laughable and exasperating. She was glad Rafael had left the capital; otherwise, he would have been furious.

The next day dawned clear and bright. The rising sun painted the sky with beautiful, colorful hues.

Carissa, dressed and ready, was about to ask why Ryan hadn't arrived when Lulu entered with breakfast.

"Ms. Spencer has taken Lord Ryan to the academy."

"So early?"

"Ms. Spencer began her martial arts practice early. Lord Ryan mentioned he didn't fully understand some of yesterday's lessons and wanted to consult his tutor."

"Oh? Were the lessons so difficult on the first day?" Carissa asked, sitting down. She realized she'd forgotten to ask what the tutor had covered the previous day.

"I'm not sure," Lulu said with a smile. "But seeing Lord Ryan work so hard makes me happy."

"He's sensible and understands his future responsibilities," Carissa said, with a mix of relief and concern.

In this world, whether in noble families or common households, stability and success always required effort. Reliance solely on ancestral and parental blessings, without personal effort, led to idleness and potentially wastrelhood.

The Duke of Northwatch's family didn't produce wastrels. They currently held a dukedom, which Ryan was set to inherit. As the sole heir, he couldn't afford idleness.

After breakfast, the estate stewards waited outside. Carissa received their reports in the side hall. Having instructed them to only report urgent matters, the reports took about an hour.

"Let's visit Mother," Carissa suggested. "The weather's pleasant; let's stroll in the garden with her."

Helen disliked activity, preferring to lie down when possible, sit when lying down wasn't an option, and stand only as a last resort.

Just as Carissa was about to leave, she saw Violet supporting Kayla, who approached with her maid carrying a gift.

Carissa told Lulu, "Inform Mother I have guests. I'll see her later."

Lulu nodded, greeted Violet and Kayla, and went to inform Helen.

Carissa stepped forward and took Kayla's hand.

Kayla said gratefully, "I'm sorry for yesterday's disturbance. I came to express my thanks."

"There's no need to be so formal," Carissa replied. "You're injured and should be resting."

They helped Kayla into the side hall.

Kayla's maid presented a gift. "Madam Kayla is aware of yesterday's events and feels she caused you trouble, Your Grace. She's grateful for your assistance and offers this small token of appreciation."

Carissa asked Pearl to receive the gift and smiled. "It was a small gesture. You didn't need to involve the Marquis of Elderglen's matriarch."

Kayla smiled shyly. "Mother said someone as kind-hearted as you is rare. She wanted to thank you personally, but her cough worsened with the rain. She feared infecting you, so she sent me instead."

Kayla had dark circles under her eyes, her fatigue unconcealed by powder. Clearly, she hadn't slept well.

Note: The original text had some inconsistencies (like "westhaven" appearing lowercased in the middle of the text) and a few unclear phrases. I've made the best educated guesses to resolve these, but some may require further clarification from the original source. The passage also ends abruptly with "Chane," which seems to be a name and may indicate a continuation.