?


    Carissa hurried back inside, soothing Helen and sending her on her way.


    Even after stepping outside, Helen continued, ''It''s true! You''re married now, so what''s there to be shy about? When you were younger, you used to tell me everything! I still remember the time a mosquito bit you down there, and you stripped off your pants so I could apply medicine..."


    "Mom!" Rafael''s roar echoed through the room.


    Carissa quickly called for Violet to take over leading Helen away, and instructed Qiana and Sydney to prepare hot water. Carissa would wash Rafael''s hair herself.


    Since he couldn''t soak in the hot springs, he sat in the bath chamber, leaning forward as Carissa washed his hair while trying to avoid getting his feet wet. Though he felt a bit useless, the sensation of her fingers massaging his scalp and working through his hair brought a warm, sweet happiness amid the embarrassment.


    Heforted himself with the thought that if it weren''t for this injury, he wouldn''t be receiving such special treatment. Thest time he was hurt, Dn had been the one helping


    him.


    Once his hair was clean, Carissa dried it off.


    After a moment, Rafael muttered, "Mom''s talking nonsense. You shouldn''t listen to her." "Okay." Carissa rubbed a thick towel through his hair. "I barely remember what she said."


    He continued to sound sullen as he added, "You must be disappointed. You were so excited when I told youst night, but you ended up not seeing anything."


    Carissa chuckled softly. "Disappointed? Not at all! I grew up in Meadow Ridge and have always loved climbing mountains. Plus, don''t you think the snowy peaks were breathtaking? And being with you, even if we just sat quietly and chatted, I''d be happy."


    With no expectations, how could there be disappointment? From the moment he mentioned climbing the mountain, she knew that the only thing to look forward to today was the meal at Glimmering Tower.


    "Really? You''d be happy just being with me?"


    Rafael lifted his gaze to meet hers, but Carissa quickly averted her eyes, trying to avoid his gaze. She was afraid that seeing the swollen bump on his forehead would make herugh, especially when paired with his pitiful expression.


    In truth, Dn was a bit innocent in all this-it was hard not tough.


    "Of course." Carissa moved behind him to dry his hair, biting back a smile.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    "You didn''t look me in the eye when you said that."


    Rafael''s gloom retumed. She had clearly averted her eyes.


    Carissa paused, her gaze steady on Rafael.


    Seriously? Did he need a mirror to see what he looked like right now?


    But Carissa was a capable wife who could fight, manage a household, and soothe her husband. She took a deep breath, set the towel aside, and moved in front of him.


    Crouching down to meet his eyes, she focused only on his gaze and said softly, "I may not express it often, but I truly enjoy our time together. Ha... ha-choo!


    She quickly turned away, sneezing and rubbing her hands over her face to control her expression. "Sorry, I think I might have caught a chill."


    Hearing that she felt cold, Rafael forgot his pride and immediately said, "Tell Qiana to make some chicken soup. The wind on the mountain was strong today. A bowl of chicken soup will help warm you up."


    "Okay, I''ll go tell someone to make it right now." Carissa turned and hurried out, nearly slipping as she did.


    Once the chicken soup was ready, both of them had a bowl. Carissa said she wanted to check on Helen and couldn''t look after Rafael any longer, but instructed the two elderly maids to take good care of him.


    Helen was no longer upset and was chatting with Violet inside the room.


    When Gillian saw Carissa arrive, she hurriedly called out, "Your Grace, you''vee at the perfect time! I just made some pound cakes and was thinking of bringing them to you."


    "Thank you, Gillian," Carissa expressed her gratitude, then greeted Helen warmly before sitting down.


    "Carissa, how did he fall? Violet asked curiously.


    She hadn''t been in the room and hadn''t seen the state Rafael was in, but Helen had mentioned it was quite amusing.


    ''The ground was too slippery, so he lost his footing for just a moment and fell," said Carissa, who naturally wanted to protect Rafael''s dignity.


    Why go climbing on such a cold day? Couldn''t he have just stayed at home? It''s rare to have a free day," Helen eximed.


    Carissa replied, "He''s been wanting to go for a while, but some things came up. Since he finally had a day off, he thought he''d take the chance. Besides, the ce is actually quite beautiful."


    "Only you would defend him!" Helen huffed. "If King Sigmund tried to drag me up a mountain