Melody of Strength 363
Rafael and Carissa paid their respects to Adrian, Everett, and the various senior apprentices of the guild in accordance with etiquette.
Everett’s eyes were half–squinted and half–open, making it difficult to tell whether he was merely squinting or actually looking. But Carissa knew that this was when the man was the most intimidating, as he was scrutinizing for any mistakes.
Thus, Carissa performed her traditional salute with the utmost seriousness. Her posture was straight, and her spine was upright as she bowed at the perfect angle.
Everett had trained Carissa on the proper way to perform a salute after she had initially been too hasty in paying respects to Adrian.
That night, her head had become so dizzy from the repeated salutes she performed that she almost passed out. It was only at that point that Everett slightly opened his eyes and gestured for her to leave. She had been so dizzy she could barely walk, and Winona had to carry her back to her room? Reflecting on those past experiences, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow.
As she bowed, she noticed that Rafael only nodded respectfully to Adrian and the senior apprentices of the guild, and gave only a shallow bow to Everett.
It was utterly inadequate.
This was a disaster…!
Carissa glanced anxiously at Everett.
What? Everett wasn’t angry?
To Carissa’s surprise, not only was Everett not angry, but he even smiled at Rafael with a look of satisfaction in his eyes.
“You have established yourself and married. I can rest easy now.”
Wait, Everett could smile?
“Thank you for your concern, Sage Everett.” Rafael stood before the master, looking attentive and obedient, ready to listen to any further instructions.
Everett was even more pleased, and said with a smile, “Please, sit.”
Winona immediately went to help Carissa. She rubbed her shoulders gently, and asked in a low voice, Does your back hurt? Are you feeling dizzy or nauseous?”
“It doesn’t hurt, I’m not dizzy, and I don’t feel nauseous Carissa shook her head.
Winona finally relaxed. She had a bit of a phobia because, previously, when Carissa had been reprimanded for her salute, she had started vomiting and feeling dizzy once she was carried back to her room. Only after calling Adrian for acupuncture treatment and several days of medication did Carissa
start to recover.
“Just be cautious with this one. Given her headstrong nature, life may not be smooth sailing ahead: You’ll
need to keep a close watch on her to avoid any trouble Everett’s voice rang out as he spoke to Rafael.
In his mind, Carissa would always be the most mischievous apprentice of the Pathfinders Guild. Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.
“Carissa won’t cause trouble. You can rest assured, Sage Everett,” Rafael replied respectfully, but his defense of his wife was firm.
Everett’s eyes narrowed, showing his displeasure.
Carissa’s senior guild members exchanged glances of resentment. Was Everett trying to shift the blame onto Carissa again?
However, Everett’s frown soon gave way to a smile as Rafael approached with wine. He first served Adrian, then handed a cup to Everett.
To see Everett smile twice in one day was quite an unusual sight.
So, the man could smile after all.
How strange!
After taking a sip of the wine, Rafael said, “Sage Everett, I have something to discuss with you privately. Could you please come to the side hall with me?”
“Alright.” Everett stood up, and exited with Rafael.
Rafael glanced back, and gave Carissa a playful smile.
Everyone then realized that Rafael had intentionally brought Everett away so they could spend some time with Carissa.
Winona gently massaged Carissa’s shoulders, then embraced her. Back when Carissa had first arrived at the Pathfinders Guild, Winona had often carried her around.
Carissa had missed home terribly at that time, and it was Winona who had soothed her to sleep.
“Alright, don’t spoil her too much,” Adrian spoke up, though his gaze towards Carissa was more Indulgent than anyone else’s.
“Now that you’re married, you need to stand firm in everything. If you feel wronged, don’t endure it alone. Send a pigeon post to Meadow Ridge–there will always be someone to speak up for you.”
Carissa snuggled into Winona’s embrace, and