As Rafael packed the gifts, his mind wandered to the matters concerning the Pathfinders Guild.


    He was naturally pleased that so many people were looking out for Carissa. Still, he also wanted Adrian and the others to know that he would protect Carissa from now on, and they no longer needed to worry. Most importantly, he had to tell Adrian one crucial thing today-from now on, he would ensure that Carissa sent at least two letters back to the guild each month. No matter what happened, whether it was something good or bad, the guild members would be informed, so they wouldn''t have to trouble themselves by sending people down to investigate.


    After filling three carts to the brim with gifts, he saw Carissa leading Ryan and Lulu out.


    Carissa''s face was serene andposed, her calm demeanor only enhancing her beauty. She was dressed in a deep purple dress that entuated her fair, translucent skin. Two peonies were pinned in her hair, but even the flowers seemed less radiant than she was.


    As Rafael recalled the previous night''s events, he felt his blood rush uncontrobly to one ce, his deep gaze filled with a turbulent, unreadable emotion.


    When Carissa looked up and saw that expression in his eyes, she immediately recognized it.


    It had been the same for the past two nights.


    These past two nights, he seemed to have entered a state of insatiable desire, like someone discovering


    a new passion for the first time, constantly craving more and more without end.


    Carissa''s cheeks flushed as she avoided his gaze. That look always made her heart race.


    Rafael approached her, and took her hand. "The gifts for the visit are all prepared. Shall we go?"


    "Okay.” Carissa lowered her gaze, her earlierposure instantly reced by shyness,


    Even though they were already married and had shared such intimate moments, the way he inteced his fingers with hers still brought an inexplicable joy and bashfulness to her heart.


    Ryan looked up and asked Lulu, "Lulu, why does Aunt Carissa blush whenever Uncle Rafael holds herhand?"


    Hearing this, Lulu couldn''t help but nce at her young mistress, whose face was indeed redder than arose.


    Luluughed, and replied yfully, "That''s because when a man holds a woman''s hand, the woman will always blush."


    Ryan then asked, "But I''m holding your hand, so why aren''t you blushing?"


    Lulu chuckled. "Because I have thick skin. Even if I blush, you wouldn''t be able to see it."


    "Oh, I see," Ryan said, his eyes suddenly gleaming with wisdom beyond his years.


    They boarded the carriage, the three carts of gifts trailing behind them, returning to Northwatch Estate with great pomp and ceremony.


    As fate would have it, they happened to run into Barrett and Vi, who were also returning to visit Vi''shome.


    Barrett was riding his steed when Rafael lifted the carriage curtain, just in time to see him. Barrett''s face was so swollen and bruised that he was almost unrecognizable. Rafael instantly knew that Dn and his men had given Barrett quite the beating.


    That was what he deserved for his loose tongue.


    Barrett nced over as well, narrowing his eyes in anger when he spotted Rafael peeking out.


    Rafael let the curtain fall, a faint smile curling his lips.


    Good. It was better if Barrett held a grudge-served him right for getting what he deserved.


    Carissa, who had followed Rafael''s gaze, caught sight of Barrett as well, She was puzzled.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Did he get beaten up by his two wives at home?"


    Rafael shook his head. "Not sure, but maybe. After all, those two women aren''t exactly pushovers." Aurora was still Barrett''s rightful wife, and naturally held the title of madam as well. However, she would be referred to as a secondary wife or concubine, depending on the situation.


    Carissa casually remarked, "They really did a number on him. His face is so swollen, I can barely recognize him."


    Rafael nodded in agreement. "It was a bit excessive. Since we all came back from the Southern Frontier battlefield together, I''ll have Dn send him some cream for the bruises tomorrow."


    Carissa gave him a surprised look. "Is that really necessary...?"


    Rafael''s tone was full of camaraderie, "We wererades-in-arms!"


    After a brief silence, Carissa said softly, "You were the one who ordered the beating."


    There was no need to ask-she was certain of it.


    Rafael turned to look at her, but neither confirmed nor denied it.


    Frowning, she added, "That was reckless!"


    He immediately assumed she was defending Barrett, and his tone turned sour, "He deserved it! You don''t know what he said to me on our wedding day."


    Carissa continued to frown. It was clear to her that her guild junior had never been properly disciplined. Such innocence and naivety could only mean one thing-he needed a good thrashing.


    "Sage Everett is still in the capital. If you''re going to beat someone up, at least wait until after he leaves. Do you want to be punished?"