Chapter 655 (+25 Bonus)

Kyle looked up. “You two should head out. We’re not finishing anytime soon. I still need to adjust many things, and we might paint a dozen more portraits.”

Rafael stared blankly at the completed portrait of the woman. He felt she resembled Carissa’s mother—not the Melanie he’d seen before the Southern Frontier, but the one he remembered from his teenage years. Back then, Melanie had a rounder face and a softer, gentler smile.

“Let’s go,” Carissa said, gently tugging his sleeve.

Rafael glanced down at her. “Carissa, don’t you think she resembles someone?”

“Who?” Carissa asked, her gaze returning to the painting. She showed no recognition.

Seeing her lack of familiarity, Rafael quickly said, “Perhaps I’m imagining things. Let’s go before we disturb—” He trailed off.

As they left, Rafael recalled his youth, following Salvador to Norwatch Estate. Melanie was young then, and Carissa hadn’t yet been sent to Meadow Ridge. He remembered Carissa as an adorable, sweet, and playful little girl. Being the only daughter after six brothers, she was cherished, her gentle nature making her even more endearing.

Yet, the child portrait of Jaina didn’t resemble Carissa at all. Carissa had always been much prettier. The painting truly reminded him of his mother-in-law, though she was older than the woman depicted.

He didn’t mention this to Carissa, fearing it would sadden her by reminding her of her family.

Finding it early and the rain stopped, he was about to ask Carissa about visiting Richspire Peak when she instructed Lulu, “I’m heading to the treasury. Have Rod come here. I need to talk to him.”

Rafael swallowed his question and asked, “What do you need to see Rod for?”

Carissa replied, “It’s about Alana and Leah. They refuse payment for caring for Leona, saying it’s atonement for their mistakes. But Samuel’s misdeeds shouldn’t be their burden alone. Their guild is struggling, and we can’t leave them in debt. What’s owed should be paid.”

“Okay. I’ll wait for you in the room,” Rafael said, nodding.

The treasury had three rooms. Carissa usually worked in her private space, so she summoned Rod there.

Upon entering, she noticed Rod now wore the embroidered tunic of the estate’s household army commander. He looked far more impressive than before, his former rogue-like demeanor largely gone. Working in such a prestigious household had clearly transformed him.

That thought was immediately contradicted when Rod plopped onto her desk, grabbed a quill, and bit down on it. Carissa propped her head in her hand, silently revising her earlier assessment.

Chapter 655 (+25 Bonus)

No, Rod hadn’t changed at all.

“It’s about Alana and Leah’s wages. They say they don’t want any, but they worked so hard. So, I want you to take their wages and send them to your mentor. Don’t mention it’s their pay; just say it’s a reward for your good work here,” Carissa said.

“Can’t I tell Alana and Leah?” Rod asked.

“No. Just say it’s your reward.” Carissa snatched the quill from his mouth, rubbing it on his tunic. “Don’t bite it. We shouldn’t waste quills.”

Rod stared, eyes wide. “You’ve changed. You used to say weapons shouldn’t be wasted, but you didn’t mind ruining quills as darts. Sage Everett even beat you for it, and you limped for two weeks.”

Carissa blushed. “Let’s not bring that up. That’s all. Make sure someone sends the money to your master.”

“Got it,” Rod said. He understood his guild seniors had worked hard, and staying at Gracehold for months must have been difficult. “But if I accept this, you can’t tell Alana or Leah. Otherwise, I won’t let you off.”

“I won’t say a word. Just don’t get drunk and spill the beans to Vivi,” Carissa replied, unlocking a cabinet and taking out banknotes totaling three hundred silver coins. “Let’s send back three hundred first…”

She counted them, then put one aside. “Two hundred. Three hundred is too much, and your master will suspect something. We can send the rest at year’s end.”

Rod happily accepted. “Even two hundred might raise suspicion. My master thinks I can’t do anything on my own. She thinks you all helped me so much on the battlefield, that’s how I got the hundred gold coins.”

He neatly folded the notes. “By the way, Jacob’s informant at Valor Estate reported that Harvey sent Aurora a note, but they don’t know the contents.”

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