Chapter 653

Leona had many visitors today, so she quickly changed her clothes before greeting them. Helen noticed Leona’s rosy complexion and felt relieved. Leona seemed fine, her cheeks even brighter than Helen's. After greetings, Helen sat down. Upon inquiring, she learned Leona had just finished practicing martial arts with Alana.

Helen grumbled inwardly. It was true what people said: spend time with martial artists, and even proper young women start throwing punches.

Leona chuckled awkwardly. “I was bored and joined Alana for training, but I don't think I could display that level of elegance at any event.”

Helen, ever blunt, said, “Martial arts aren’t elegant or suited for high society, but that doesn't matter. Do what makes you happy.”

Gillian cleared her throat loudly. Didn't Helen find that awkward? Most present were martial artists!

Helen glared at Gillian. “Stop that. I didn’t say anything wrong. Martial arts aren’t suited for refined settings, but not everything needs to be. It's practical, keeps one healthy, and helps with self-protection. Leona, I support you.”

Leona blushed slightly. “Thank you, Aunt Helen. But I didn’t do much. I just followed along and got sweaty, which felt nice.”

“A good sweat is good for you,” Helen said sagely, trying to appear wise. In truth, however, she disliked strenuous activity and the resulting stickiness and smell.

Rafael, impressed by Alana's method, glanced at her. He knew firsthand that a good martial arts session could relieve stress.

“But you need to take care of yourself and allow your body to heal; don’t rush intense training,” Carissa said.

Alana added, “It wasn’t a real workout. Leona just moved around at her own pace.”

Leona felt embarrassed. “Yes, I just moved a little.”

Violet leaned closer to Carissa, subtly distancing herself from Rafael, and whispered, “Alana is blunt. If someone spoke about my skills like that, I’d be furious!”

Carissa laughed. “But you’re still not as good as I am.”

Violet grinned. “I concede.”

Years ago, on the Southern Frontier, Violet had expected Carissa’s skills to have deteriorated, believing she would easily surpass her. However, their first battle revealed a noticeable, though small, gap in their abilities.

Soon, Kiera and Logan arrived. Since her marriage, Kiera had only briefly returned to Hell Monarch Estate twice. The young couple, deeply in love, lived at Ivory Estate, frequently traveling and spending most of the month away. They only visited Hell Monarch Estate to check in.

Kiera looked radiant. After greetings, Rafael quickly took Logan aside. Logan appeared refined and polite, a talented young man on the verge of great achievement—a far cry from his playful, studious self.

Rafael welcomed the chance to talk with Logan, eager to escape the all-female conversation.

Logan felt timid in front of his brother-in-law. Once seated in the main hall, he waited for Rafael to speak. Rafael initially planned to ask about their travels, but Logan’s anxious demeanor discouraged him. They sat, sipping coffee and eating snacks, gazing outside.

After a while, Logan stood.

“Where are you going?” Rafael asked casually.

Logan, feeling awkward, replied, “I need to…relieve myself. Would you like to come along?”

“No, thanks!” Rafael said, taking another pastry. He did need to go, but thought it would look odd for two men to go together.