Chapter 915

25 BONUS

Kevin immediately knelt and hurriedly said, "Dad, don't worry. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I'll make sure to learn well from my mentor. I won't slack off or be lazy. As for anything I shouldn't do, I promise I won't do it."

He had attended Violet's large lectures twice, but had missed the others due to his duty shifts. Violet didn't teach him one-on-one when he was free, leaving him quite despondent. When he returned home, he had told his parents several times that personal instruction from Violet would be a dream come true.

To his surprise, after all the bad luck he'd suffered during the Victory Pass campaign, he now had such good fortune. He knew his actions weren't exactly noble, but he also understood that letting this opportunity slip would be a devastating mistake.

The Crown Guard, soon to be the Nightsteel Guard, would soon separate from the Mystic Army, and Violet was only teaching the Mystic Army troops out of consideration for Carissa. After the Nightsteel Guard became independent, things might not change. Even if the king allowed Violet to continue training them, Kevin would likely miss classes as before.

Kevin's wife, Odette, who had been kneeling beside him, also stood as part of the ceremony. If her husband was to be accepted as an apprentice, it was only right that she show her respect by kneeling.

After Violet drank the wine as part of the apprenticeship ritual, she gave Odette a bracelet. Odette recognized its value and immediately tried to refuse it, saying it was far too precious.

Violet smiled. "Take it. I don't give cheap gifts."

Odette hesitated, then glanced at her mother-in-law, Pauline, for guidance.

Pauline said gently, "Since it's a gift from Sage Violet, you should accept it. When you have the time, make sure to serve her well and fulfill your duties as an apprentice's wife."

"I understand," Odette said, taking the bracelet with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Sage Violet."

After the apprenticeship ceremony, Kevin urged them to leave. Kevin's father, Ernest, knew his son wanted to stay. He excused himself, bowing respectfully to Rafael and Carissa before bidding Violet farewell. Jacob personally saw them out.

Once they were gone, Kevin immediately knelt again. "I was wrong, Sage Violet. Please punish me." Though Violet was still new to being a master, she felt a flare of anger at Kevin's actions. She recalled how Everett would always punish Carissa for her mistakes, always asking the same cold, sharp question: "What did you do wrong?"

Inspired by that memory, Violet looked at Kevin with a cold expression and asked, "You know you're wrong? What did you do wrong?"

215

75 MOUS

The words were simple, yet held quiet but undeniable authority.

Kevin lowered his head. "I shouldn't have used General Dylan's words to threaten you and force you to take me as an apprentice."

"It's good that you're aware. Go and kneel outside for two hours!" Violet replied coldly. She picked up her cup and set it down with a sharp thud—an action eerily reminiscent of Everett.

"Yes, Sage Violet!" Kevin responded.

He stood and headed to the outer courtyard, where he knelt.

Carissa watched Violet's stern expression and purposeful movements, feeling a sudden wave of unease—a familiar sensation. Instinctively, she glanced at Rafael, who wore the same expression. Violet reminded them of Everett.

Rafael remained unfazed. Everett had once told him to be stricter with Adrian's apprentices due to their lack of guidance. With Rafael, Everett didn't need to be as harsh; Rafael had a great mentor.

Carissa's fear was momentary. Two hours of kneeling didn't seem that intimidating.

Violet's four apprentices were fortunate to have such a mentor; however, her punishments clearly wouldn't be simple.

Two hours later, her three other apprentices arrived. Violet had summoned them, curious about the new apprentice and the reason for breaking her vow of only taking three.

To their surprise, it was Kevin of the Nightsteel Guard.

Violet waved dismissively. "You three, test his foundation. Don't go easy on him, but don't overdo it either. He has duty tomorrow."