Her Majestic Battle Cry

Isaac didn’t respond, focusing instead on drinking in silence. His bottle was empty in a few swigs, and he reached for Violet’s. She figured he had drunk enough, so no matter how much he insisted, she wouldn’t let him take it. Soon, the two of them were chasing each other around the top of Glimmering Tower, the earlier tension forgotten.

Violet never did tell Carissa about their conversation, though she hadn’t promised to keep Isaac’s secret. He didn’t want people to know, and had treated her as a good friend when he confided in her. It wasn’t her place to spread rumors and stir up trouble–that wasn’t how people of the martial arts world behaved..

But lately, Isaac had been seen lingering around Silverstone Estate, drawing the attention of the Garrison Unit.

Max told Carissa, who found it strange. Why did Isaac keep going to that place? Did he know someone there?

Later that evening, when they sat down to eat, Carissa couldn’t help but ask, “Isaac, what have you been busy with lately?”

Isaac looked up. “Nothing, just wandering around.”

“Around Silverstone Estate?” she pressed.

Isaac’s gaze shot over to Violet, who froze and quickly defended herself, “I haven’t told her anything.”

Carissa studied the two of them–one looked angry, the other looked innocent. It almost seemed like they were hiding something.

She was about to ask when Rafael served her more food. “Have more to eat.”

Carissa glanced suspiciously at the two of them. They both had their heads down, eating in perfect sync.

“The other night, those two went to Glimmering Tower for drinks. They were laughing and shouting, making all sorts of noise,” Kyle said casually.

Carissa looked at them with wide eyes. “Was that the night he said he wanted to show you something?”

Violet shook her head. “There was no shouting or laughing. He just kept trying to steal my drink.”

Isaac shot Kyle a suspicious look, immediately panicking. “How do you know all this? Were you following us? Did you eavesdrop? How could you do that? How could you follow us?”

“Who followed you? You two were making such a racket–did you think the people

downstairs were deaf?” Kyle eyed him suspiciously. “Why are you so nervous? It’s not like you did anything shameful. Or is it that you two”

“Stop right there!” Isaac cut him off loudly. “There’s nothing going on between us. I’ll never get married!”

His outburst was so loud that the servants peeked in curiously. Isaac quickly realized he had overreacted and settled back into his seat, clearing his throat as he adjusted his clothes. novelbin

“My apologies.”

Kyle calmly said, “What are you talking about marriage for? I’m asking if you two were sneaking drinks. Did you pay for them? Sage Everett keeps strict accounts. If even a single coin doesn’t add up, he’ll lose his mind.”

“Pay?” Isaac blinked in surprise. “Oh, no. I didn’t pay. I’ll pay later, just put it on my tab for now.”

“That’s theft,” Kyle declared firmly. “You’ll have to explain that to Sage Adrian when the time comes. ”

“No need for that, Kyle! I’ll pay for it later,” Isaac pleaded, clearly nervous at the thought of reporting to Everett.

“No, rules are rules. You need to respect the truth. I won’t cover for you.”

Kyle remained strict and by–the–book, refusing to leave any room for Everett to find fault.

Isaac instantly lost his appetite, while Violet eagerly asked him, “You don’t want to get married either? That’s a great mindset! I feel the same way. Isn’t it better to live our own lives peacefully? Why invite trouble by adding another person–and not just one person, but a whole family? You need to stick to your beliefs. Stand firm and don’t waver!”

Isaac eyed her for a long moment, considering her words before responding, “You’ve got a point. But sometimes, it depends on the situation. If someone’s alone, with no family burdens or in–laws to take care of, then getting married isn’t so bad.”

Violet shook her head. “No, still no. Isn’t childbirth painful? What husband’s family wouldn’t expect me to have children?”

“True enough,” Isaac agreed with a nod. “But if, on top of all that, there’s a man who doesn’t expect children, takes the lead on everything, protects you, and always goes along with you, then marrying wouldn’t be so bad.”

Violet snorted with laughter. “Such a man doesn’t exist!”

She turned to Carissa, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “What do you think? Is it possible?”

Carissa glanced at her, then at Isaac, suspicion creeping onto her face. But she still said, It’s rare, but not impossible.”