Upon hearing Carissa''s obedient response, Adrian extended his hand and beckoned her over. "Come here."


    Carissa obediently walked over, and Adrian reached out to flick the tip of her nose.


    "Ouch!" Carissa eximed. "Sage Adrian, that hurt."


    "Punishment!" Adrian said sternly. "This is a mild punishment for not speaking up when needed."


    A flicker of pain crossed Carissa''s eyes, but she quickly masked it. "Understood. It won''t happen again." Adrian noticed her fleeting expression of distress, and sighed inwardly. The hardships that his youngest apprentice had endured were too painful. He couldn''t start thinking about them, or it would be too taxing on his heart.


    He took her hand, guiding her to sit beside him.


    "Rafael''s character and virtue far surpass Barrett''s. I believe he won''t let you down or treat you poorly. But remember, the world is ever-changing, and so are people. In the past, he might have cherished you more because he couldn''t have you. Now that he''s married you, there''s no guarantee he won''t grow tired and look elsewhere. Men are unreliable. Even if you like him, don''t trust him entirely. Understand?" Carissa''s fifth guild senior, Isaac Prince, nodded vigorously in agreement. "Yes, men are all untrustworthy. They''re disgusting. We can''t trust thempletely, or you might end up with a scoundrel..." "Be quiet!" Kyle tapped Isaac on the forehead.


    Kyle thought Adrian''s words were enough to unsettle Carissa, and didn''t think it was wise to scare her further. But since Adrian was present, he dared not contradict him. He was surprised to see Isaac echoing Adrian''s sentiments.


    Violet, who was listening nearby, couldn''t help butugh. "Five, you''re a man yourself. How can you be so disgusted by men?"


    Isaac was skilled in both music and using musical instruments as weapons. Known as Five due to his position in the Pathfinders Guild, his face turned cold as he responded, "How could I not be disgusted? That''s why I avoid associating with men and prefer thepany of women."


    "You''ve only made excuses for yourself," Violet scoffed. "Everyone knows you love to linger in brothels. You y the harp and flute, and you''ve seen courtesans dance to your music.


    Isaac nced outside with a hint of nervousness. "Stop talking nonsense. If Sage Everett hears you, I won''t let you off."


    Violet shrugged. "No risk, no rewards, right?"


    Isaac turned away with a nk express


    "After seeing you, I find that I don''t even like women anymore."


    "Alright, let''s all stop bickering." Adrian cut in. "We''ll be heading back to the Pathfinders Guild tomorrow. If you have anything to say to Carissa, say it quickly. No more idle chatter. She still needs to go to the sanctuary hall to pay respects to her parents and siblings."


    Kyle was nudged aside. Since he had been staying at Northwatch Estate for a few days before Carissa''s marriage, it was inappropriate for him to monopolize the time meant for her and the other guild members.


    Carissa was surrounded by her senior guild members. They spoke one at a time, offering advice rather than speaking in unison. Ultimately, their words served to remind her that no matter what happened, she still had her guild behind her.


    Winona was still holding Carissa in her arms, and the older woman was moved to tears. This strong. independent woman couldn''t hold back her emotions.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Carissa had arrived at the Pathfinders Guild as a seven-year-old girl, her hair styled in two pigtails, dressed in a little blue dress. She had been beautiful and adorable, with a face so fresh and round that everyone couldn''t help but want to pinch or kiss her.


    The little girl had mostly stayed close to Winona. When Carissa first began her martial arts training and struggled with basic movements, Winona had carried her back to their room from the training yard and rubbed her sore muscles.


    Carissa would act spoiled and say, "Winona, I want to eat wild mountain cherries."


    Despite how sour those cherries were, the little girl would eat them with gusto, her face scrunching up from the tartness, but she never minded.


    Later, Winona learned to make candied fruit skewers from those sour cherries. The sweet treats made Carissa smile brightly.


    Seeing her smile made it seem like all troubles vanished.


    Carissa''s eyes, at that time, were as dark and shiny as mercury, full of brilliance and unrestrained joy.


    And now, that little girl had grown up and gotten married.


    Winona''s heart was torn between sorrow and joy as she reflected on the years she had witnessed, and she couldn''t stop crying.