Chapter 827

“The medicine has been delivered, but we haven’t heard back yet about its effectiveness,” Jacob said.

Kyle, who usually avoided political affairs, chimed in, “The situation in Westhaven is complicated. Crown Prince Edmund is acting as regent, but the king hasn’t died yet. Half the court officials oppose Edmund’s aggressive policies. Even though Edmund was close to the late Crown Prince Arthur, he completely disagreed with Arthur's methods. Liam was a fervent supporter of Arthur, so I’m afraid the situation won’t improve even if Arthur survives.”

“The old king sure has a strong will to live,” Violet remarked. “He’s been on death’s door for ages. What’s keeping him alive?”

Kyle replied, “The country’s chaos, likely. Arthur had popular support, and the transition to the crown prince was nearly complete. Now, with Arthur gone and Edmund in place, the court is largely filled with Arthur’s supporters. Edmund doesn’t even have Liam’s backing, and nobody thinks highly of him. It’s a complete mess. I heard a few days ago that the king couldn’t eat, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s already died. We just haven’t received confirmation.”

“Has Winona sent you a message?” Carissa asked, surprised. Her senior guild member typically avoided such matters.

“Yes, she wrote to me.”

“But—”

Before Carissa could finish, Kyle looked at her with a teasing glint. “But what? My junior guild member is already involved in court affairs. Can I stand idly by? Can everyone in Meadow Ridge remain uninvolved? Even with a low profile, we must lend a hand.”

Carissa felt a lump in her throat. “I’m dragging you all into this. You’ve enjoyed such a carefree life in Meadow Ridge, and I’m pulling you into this chaos. You used to lose yourself in painting and traveling, and now you’re stuck in the capital because of me. I feel terrible.”

Kyle reached out to pat her head, but his hand contacted Rafael’s, who had already placed his hand on Carissa’s head.

Kyle chuckled. “There’s more than one way to live. While enjoying life freely is great, taking on responsibilities is part of being a man.”

Carissa sniffled. “But I don’t see you as a man.”

Kyle paused, surprised. “Is that an insult?”

“No!” Carissa clarified. “I think of you as a refined gentleman… who is also a man, of course.”

Violet chimed in, “Honestly, I’ve always thought a real man had to be tall and muscular. You’re impressive, Kyle, but in those loose clothes, you sometimes look a bit fragile. You look like you couldn’t crush a chicken!”

Carissa raised her chin. “When it comes to martial arts, I’m the best apprentice in the Pathfinders Guild.”

Travis interjected, looking up from his food, “Not quite. He doesn’t spend much time at Meadow Ridge, but Rafael’s martial arts skills are impressive. He’s also in the Pathfinders Guild and your junior member, so isn’t he more talented?”

Rafael shook his head. “No, Carissa is definitely more talented. My skills are impressive because I’ve been practicing since age three and learned from over a dozen mentors. I’ve learned the best from each of them.”

Being the best apprentice was something Carissa prized. How could Rafael take that away? Besides, Rafael was right. He’d trained since childhood, dedicating countless hours. His diligence outweighed natural talent, whereas Carissa truly had a gift.