Chapter 914

Edwin arrived alone, without an attendant. His plain green attire was paired with a thick black cloak. To the uninitiated, he could have been mistaken for a steward from a noble house.

Rafael and Carissa were the first to greet him, followed by everyone else. They all felt deep gratitude for Edwin’s silent assistance.

After the formalities, Edwin stated, “I’m ashamed to say I couldn’t secure the boy’s unconditional agreement. He stipulated a condition, so I had to seek Lady Carissa and Ms. Spencer’s opinions first.”

The word “ashamed” surprised everyone, but the rest of his statement brought collective relief.

Violet, however, was confused. “Why would you need my opinion? What does he want?”

“He wants to be your apprentice, Ms. Spencer,” Edwin said, finding the situation strange. “He wants to be a direct apprentice, like Commander Lewis, Deputy Commander Brown, and Commander Prince.”

Violet blinked. “Huh? He wants me to teach him martial arts?”

She didn't understand Kevin's reasoning. As a court official, he could attend lessons with everyone else. Why become her apprentice? She had only agreed to take on three.

“He wants to advance based on his martial prowess,” Edwin explained. “Military officers are judged on strength and cunning. The boy is sharp, but his martial skills are lacking.”

Violet nodded thoughtfully, glancing at Carissa, who was also observing. This decision largely depended on Violet’s feelings; accepting an apprentice was a significant commitment, even with Max and the others.

“Fine. I’ll take him on,” Violet said without hesitation. Normally, she would have found such a request—which felt like a threat—unacceptable. However, given Carissa's grandfather’s involvement, some principles could be set aside.

Carissa expressed immediate gratitude. “Thank you, Vivi.”

“Why thank me? I’m just getting another apprentice to boss around,” Violet teased, though her thoughts were far less amicable. Inwardly, she seethed. How dare Kevin use Dominic as leverage? Once she took him on, she would make his life miserable!

Rafael, who had previously claimed unconcern, finally sighed in relief. “You’ve done us a great service, Lord Edwin. I am deeply grateful.”

“Your Highness is too kind,” Edwin said modestly. “Even disregarding your saving my son, I wouldn’t have let that boy be impertinent. I saw him alone today; no one else knows about this. You needn’t worry, Your Highness, Your Grace.”

Rafael nodded. “I know you handle things carefully, Lord Edwin. I wasn’t worried.”

Edwin’s visit concluded, and he took his leave.

Bonus Section:

After Michael spoke with Barrett, the latter had no reason—nor the courage—to refuse. Wyatt had saved his life, and he wished to repay the debt. The Sullivans had been kind during the Victory Pass campaign.

Barrett advised Carissa to visit her grandfather the next day. Dominic needed rest after his journey, and a night visit would attract less attention.

Michael agreed; waiting made sense, and he let Barrett handle the arrangements to avoid added pressure.

Carissa’s heart ached for Dominic; the journey had been grueling. Waiting for his rest was acceptable.

That evening, Kevin arrived with gifts to formally request an apprenticeship under Violet. Having served Salvador, Kevin knew the king feared the Hell Monarch. Yet he fearlessly brought gifts and his family to Hell Monarch Estate.

Violet, initially angry, planned to scold him. However, seeing his parents and wife softened her. They were kind and treated Violet with exceptional politeness and gratitude.

Kevin’s father, much older than Violet, bowed respectfully, becoming visibly emotional. “If he ever disobeys, is lazy, or misbehaves, feel free to discipline him as you see fit, Ms. Spencer. Beat him if you must—I won’t complain, even if it kills him.”