Chapter 577

Carissa knew Violet was favored, but sensed there was more to it. The Spencer family was a prominent and powerful clan in Ebonflow, known as royal merchants with extensive holdings. In Starhaven, everyone knew the Spencers; they were the kingdom's wealthiest merchants, their riches rivaling those of a nation. However, such wealth brought significant risks, especially since they supplied the court with warhorses, armor, and weapons. The Ministry of Defense kept a close watch, as did the king.

Violet's grandfather was the head of the family, but the real power resided with her father, given the grandfather's age and incapacitation.

"What about your marriage? Have you given it any thought?" Carissa asked.

Violet replied lazily, "No. The proposed matches are either too high or too low in status. Why bother? It's more carefree this way. I can go anywhere and do anything without constraints."

Carissa considered Violet's personality. Violet had always cherished freedom and vast horizons. To confine her to domesticity would be cruel. The Spencer family's standing meant Violet couldn't marry someone from a humble background. Yet, joining a similarly powerful family would be overwhelming.

Violet continued, "Several women in my family remain unmarried. There's no pressure. My family's wealth supports me, and once my master retires, I'll manage the Inferno Guild. Isn't running a guild better than marriage?"

Chapter 577 +25 BONUS

Carissa observed Violet's carefree calm, recalling a shared past sentiment against marriage. Violet remained resolute in this decision, unlike Carissa, who had married twice.

Thinking of this, Violet sneered, "Those were empty words. You said we'd avoid marriage, yet you've married twice."

Carissa replied, "You should take that up with Rafael."

Violet shivered. Having served under Rafael, she always felt subtle pressure from him, despite his approachable demeanor. She admired Carissa's ability to stand before Rafael without feeling intimidated during battle.

Their return journey to the capital was swift, faster than their initial trip. Lawrence leaned against the carriage, Kayla resting against him inside; they seemed to be mutually supportive—one no longer nauseous, the other free from pain. The others simply longed for home.

Rafael had arranged for the relay stations to send a message ahead to the capital, announcing their approximate arrival. He anticipated a welcoming ceremony and grand reception from the Ministry of Protocol, particularly with the Minister's two sons returning. Naturally, every relay station relayed this message.

The men, tanned from their time recuperating at the Westglade relay station, had lightened somewhat. Travel under the sun had, however, left their faces with a reddish-black tint. Rafael was no exception.

Despite their sunburns, they no longer lived in fear; they didn't need to hide or send clandestine messages. They'd gained weight, their lean bodies appearing stronger. Their formerly thin faces were fuller, and with happy hearts and eased worries, they looked remarkably different. As Violet put it, their features were well-defined, their overall appearance improved.

Though Violet and Carissa weren't in the carriage, they wore veiled hats, shielding their faces from the sun. Only their hands gripping the reins were tanned.

Standing beside Carissa's fair complexion, Rafael's face looked like a "handsome blackened egg," as Carissa teased. "Your name wasn't chosen in vain. It means 'black as ink,' and your skin tone truly reflects that."

Rafael shrugged. "I'm already spoken for; a little ugliness doesn't matter."

His gaze intensified, fueled by Carissa's words expressing her missed him. He no longer hid his feelings, actively seeking time alone with her.