After soaking in the medicinal bath, Carissa felt a warm flush spread through her body. Just before bed, Pearl brought a basin of medicinal foot soak and said she had to soak her feet every night. Carissaplied dutifully, soaking her feet for a while before drinking a cup of calming tea, a remedy formted by Sebastian to aid sleep.


    Aside from the first two days after returning from the battlefield, when she slept deeply, the past few nights had been gued by insomnia. Even when she managed to fall asleep, nightmares haunted her. Her father, her brothers, her family-once vibrant and full of life-


    now appeared before her, drenched in blood. She would wake up, unable to return to sleep.


    After dealing with her family''s massacre and returning to Valor Estate, she had needed to drink calming medicine every night to sleep. Sebastian had always kept her troubles close to his heart.


    After finishing the tea, Pearl added a candy to her cup and smiled. Lulu said that since you dislike the bitterness of the medicine, you must have a candy afterward."


    Carissa took the candy, savoring its sweet and sour taste in her mouth.


    In truth, she had long since ovee her fear of bitter medicine.


    As a child, she had indeed dreaded the taste of medicine. Her small face would be scrunched up in distaste as she clung to her mother. Her parents and brothers all feel pained for her. But now, who was there for her to show her displeasure to? Whom could she cling to?


    In a moment of mncholy, the sweetness in her mouth faded, leaving only the bitterness of the medicine and the sour taste-much like the unexpected emotions that asionally surged within her.


    Yet she had learned to suppress these emotions and to hide them from view. Those around her were keenly observant, and if they noticed even a hint of unhappiness or a flicker of sadness in her eyes, their concern would be evident.


    Frederick returned with the medicine, and also brought back a painting by Theodore.


    Theodore had spent decades perfecting his art, and had achieved great skill.


    Every year, the Sinir family contributed a significant amount of silver coins for public use, supporting the impoverished so they could excel in their own ways. Theodore spearheaded these donations, and the funds were earned through selling Hector''s paintings.


    Naturally, when Mnie was still alive, she had made the most. generous contributions. However, Theodore''s branch of the Sinir family had few schrs, with many opting for trade instead. While merchants were regarded as lower in status, their ability to earn money raised their standard of living significantly.


    Therefore, neither thete king nor the current one had any reason. to be wary of Theodore''s side of the family, as they were but a single tree that couldn''t support the whole forest. Carissa instructed the painting to be framed and hung in the main. hall. It was a grandndscape painting, majestic and imposing-it was perfectly suited for the main hall.


    The following day, Rafael arrived at Northwatch Estate with Dn just before nine in the morning.


    Carissa had just finished breakfast, and had expected him to arriveter in the afternoon. She had even prepared a chilled dessert for the asion.


    She and her maids, Lulu and Pearl, hurried out to greet him. By the time they reached the front courtyard, Rafael was already seated in the main hall, and Frederick had served tea.


    Carissa was ustomed to Rafael in his battle-worn attire, so she was momentarily taken aback when she saw him.


    Today, he was dressed in an elegant green robe with cloud patterns. He also wore a crown, had a sash around his waist, and ck shoes on his feet. His attire was dignified, and his demeanor was calm andposed. This noble outfit made him look even more


    distinguished and refined.


    His regal appearance only entuated his striking features and exceptional demeanor.


    Surprised by his formal attire, Carissa felt her own outfit to be rather casual inparison.


    Rafael''s gaze shifted to Carissa. She wore a delicate white blouse with a sheer pink shawl, paired with a ck skirt intricately embroidered with gold thread. Her hair was styled in an elegant bun, adorned with sapphire ornaments. Her attire gave her a distinct air of nobility.


    Rafael rarely saw her in such attire. Previously, whenever he visited Meadow Ridge, she would always be wearing vibrant red garments with her hair tied high in a ponytail and red ribbons. Her ck ponytail would sway with the fluttering ribbons, giving her a lively and captivating presence.


    Carissa performed a military salute. "Marshal!"


    Rafael turned away, and nodded slightly. "General Sinir, please


    clear the room so we can speak privately."Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    D