?


    After drinking some water and waiting for the alcohol to wear off, Derek apanied Salvador to the royal chapel.


    Derek asked cautiously, "Your Majesty, you don''t really intend to take Lady Sinir as a concubine, do you?"


    Salvador gave him a sidelong nce. "Do you think I would actually steal a woman from my own brother? Even if I did have such thoughts, my mother wouldn''t agree. She and Mnie were as close as sisters. How could she allow Carissa to be a concubine?"


    Derek chuckled. "I knew it. You were just trying to push them a little, Your Majesty. How could you bear to confine Lady Sinir within the pce walls?"


    As he spoke, he stole a nce at Salvador. Though Derek was smiling, there was a hint of worry in his expression. Salvador sighed.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "When Hector died in battle, Rafael went to Northwatch Estate before going to the Southern Frontier battlefield as ordered. He asked Mnie to wait for him, promising to propose to Carissa once he reimed the Souther Frontier. But Mnie married Carissa to Barrett. I couldn''t bear to tell him at first, fearing it would distract him on the battlefield. Even then, Andy sent him a letter. He must have been devastated."


    Salvador rubbed his forehead, and paused.


    "Who could have predicted that things would turn out this way? Barrett didn''t truly care for her. No sooner had he returned with military merits that he asked me for a marriage edict.


    "Surprisingly, Carissa showed no attachment to him. She immediately came to the pce to request a divorce edict. Initially, I didn''t believe her, thinking it was just impulsive. What wife doesn''t love her husband? But I underestimated Carissa. I started to think maybe Rafael still had a chance with her, but I was worried he might mind that she had been married."


    Derek quickly interjected, "Your Majesty, by probing just now, you confirmed that the prince still has feelings for Lady Sinir."


    Salvador snorted. "What good does that do? We argued so fiercely, and he kept repeating that Carissa was under hismand, without daring to admit he still loved her. I must push him a bit further. Tomorrow, I''ll have the queen summon Carissa to the pce."


    Derek smiled. "Your Majesty, he wouldn''t dare to admit his feelings when you said you wanted to take Lady Sinir as a concubine. That would be openly challenging you. He couldn''tmit such insubordination."


    "Insubordination? When he red at me, he looked like he wanted to punch me." Salvador stopped, and swayed a little. "Help me steady myself. Arguing with him has made me dizzy. If he continues to drag his feet, I might really marry Carissa myself."


    "Your Majesty, you must be happy today since you drank so much. That''s why you''re dizzy. Arguing wouldn''t make you like this," Derek said as he supported Salvador.


    Behind them, the royal guards followed while pce attendants lit the way withnterns, guiding them toward the royal chapel.


    Before Carissa reached Northwatch Estate, she could already see Frederick leading everyone to wait at the gates from a distance.


    As soon as she appeared, Lulu ran towards her, tears streaming down her face. "Mydy, you finally returned! We were so worried about you!"


    Carissa flicked her forehead yfully, smiling brightly. "It was just a war. What''s there to worry about?"


    Everyone gathered around her. Frederick couldn''t hide the excitement and tears in his eyes.


    "Mydy," he said, "you have achieved great merit and continued the honor of the Duke of Northwatch''s family."


    "Frederick, thank you for managing the household while I was away." Carissa said softly, her features gentle in themplight.


    These were the only people she viewed as family members left.


    "It''s no trouble. As long as you''re safe, mydy," Frederick said, wiping away his tears and stepping aside. Wee home, General Sinir."


    Lily and Holly were also wiping their tears, repeatedly asking if Carissa had been injured on the battlefield. Carissa reassured them again and again, saying any injuries were minor and had long since healed. Only after repeated assurances did they finally believe her.


    Inside the main hall, after tea was served, Carissa asked, "Where are my friends?"


    Violet and the others could have attended the celebration feast at the pce, but they declined. As martial artists, they didn''t want too many entanglements with the royal family and officials. While Carissa went to the pce, they returned to Northwatch Estate.


    Frederick smiled, and replied, "After a big meal, they bathed and fell asleep in the bath. It took a lot to wake them up and get them to their rooms. They''re sleeping soundly now."


    Everyone was exhausted from the journey.


    Lulu was concerned, and said, "Mydy, the hot water is ready. Let me help you with your bath."


    Finally, Carissa could take a hot bath.