Chapter 828

Rafael said, "Sage Everett once called Carissa the most naturally gifted apprentice he'd ever seen. She could master many techniques after a single demonstration."

Kyle chuckled. "Sage Everett did say that, but you omitted a crucial detail—he also said she's incredibly lazy. All she ever wanted to do was run through the mountains, climb trees to raid bird nests, dig for snakes, and terrorize children with mouse tails."

Travis, expressionless, replied, "I was one of those victims. She charged at me with a mouse tail, then threw the mouse itself! I ran crying to my mentor, who scolded me for crying. The next day, she stormed into the Pathfinders' Guild demanding compensation."

Violet, already familiar with the story, interjected, "They settled by reducing their rent for a year."

Carissa's sentimental moment ended abruptly. Embarrassed, she said, "Why are we discussing my childhood? We were talking about Westhaven. Let's eat!"

Travis put down his cutlery and looked at Violet. "They reduced the rent for a year? Really? How do you know?"

"Because the Inferno Guild is also in Meadow Ridge. Everyone knows! Every year, when rent's due, your mentor sends you to spar with Carissa, right?"

Travis gasped. "Are you saying my mentor intentionally sent me to fight Carissa so I'd lose, and she'd then pressure Sage Adrian to waive the rent?"

Violet nodded gravely. "Yep, all of Meadow Ridge knows."

Travis's face fell. "No way! My mentor is dignified and steady. How could she do that? I lose almost every time I fight Carissa. My mentor says I lose because I'm unskilled and deserve punishment for poor practice."

Violet patted his shoulder. "Oh, you poor thing! You had no idea? But it doesn't matter. Thanks to those beatings, your guild barely pays rent; and when you do, it's a pittance."

Carissa shook her head. "That's not true. Sage Adrian said he reduced their rent because they were so poor and struggling. He even sends them fabric and blankets sometimes. He taught us to always help others."

Violet shook her head. "No, that's compensation."

She and Travis turned to Kyle in unison. "So, what's the real story?"

Kyle raised his glass, a charming smile illuminating his handsome features. "It's a bit of both—compensation and genuine help."

Carissa and Travis exchanged glances, both looking disheartened.

Jacob, intrigued, said, "I can't imagine the princess consort was once such a mischievous girl."

Rafael, slightly tipsy, gazed dreamily at Carissa. "She wasn't mischievous. She was like a little sprite who wandered into Meadow Ridge—lively and full of childlike wonder."

Carissa was touched by her husband's words.

But before the feeling could settle, Violet countered, "A sprite? Cari, he just called you a monster!"

Carissa glared at her friend. How could such a lovely compliment sound so twisted coming from Violet?

Rafael glanced at Kyle, silently urging him to playfully smack Violet.

Go on, do it!

Kyle ignored Rafael's frantic signals, popping a dried mushroom into his mouth. He smiled and said, "Now that we've reached a turning point, shouldn't we focus on establishing the women's academy while keeping an eye on Yuvan?"

Teaching and mentoring were Kyle's top priorities. The king's establishment of a women's academy in Carissa's name made it even more significant.

"Yes. We're already scouting locations," Jacob replied. "The academy can't be at the Hell Monarch Estate. First, to avoid suspicion. Second, to prevent excessive traffic, which could raise unnecessary questions. If I'm not mistaken, once established, only daughters of noble families will be admitted."

Violet frowned. "What's the point? Noble families hire tutors for reading and writing, focusing on feminine virtues and skills. Only a select few, like Rosalind, learn more."

Carissa nodded. "Noble families can afford tutors, but most officials can't. Change is slow. It's like eating a meal—one bite at a time. It's too early to promote women's education among commoners."

Given the men present, Carissa didn't voice the unspoken truth—most men wouldn't want women to be overly educated, fearing it would threaten their status.