Her Majestic Battle Cry

Rafael returned to Hell Monarch Estate with Thomas.

When Thomas saw Violet as cheerful as ever, he felt a small measure of relief.

When Travis had come to the garrison outpost to find him the night before, Thomas had been genuinely frightened. He had immediately rallied his men and ridden out in haste. He had planned to scold her, but seeing her smiling with red–rimmed eyes, he knew she had been just as terrified. So, he couldn’t bring himself to reprimand her.

Instead, he simply told her about Yuvan’s current condition. Aside from his injuries, he had been beaten so badly by Kevin that he would never be able to live a normal life again. novelbin

Violet was aware of the chaos of the previous night–how her apprentices had rushed out of the city to rescue her, especially Kevin, who had even resorted to violence.

A bitter mix of sorrow and gratitude filled her heart. Among all her apprentices, Kevin had always been the most focused on his future and the most rational. Yet, he had thrown caution to the wind at that moment, only wanting to vent his frustration on her behalf.

Although Thomas didn’t want to upset her further, he still gave her some advice.

“No matter who you encounter or what happens, always remain calm and composed, especially with those you already know to be deceitful. No matter what they say or do, don’t trust them easily. If you’re unsure, you can always come to me or consult Prince Rafael, Lady Carissa, or Mr. York.”

“I understand,” Violet said, looking genuinely serious now..

Thomas watched her, his admiration for her growing. “You almost ran into a real problem. this time, but luckily, it was nothing more than a scare. You’ve worked so hard for the workshop, and its success is thanks to your efforts. I’m proud of you, Violet.”

Thomas knew her heart was loyal and full of righteousness. He had met many like her-

people with rand ambitions to change the world. But too often, they were blind to the

struggles of those close to them.

Violet and Carissa were both very practical. They didn’t focus on distant ideals, but on the people and events right before them, taking action where possible. It was far better than spending every day chasing lofty goals without seeing what needed to be done in the present.

If this had been before, Violet might have basked in the praise. But after everything that had happened, she realized how foolish she had been, thinking that her skills and wisdom. could protect her from anything.

There was one thing she had never dared to tell Carissa. At one point, she had seriously considered going to Edgeview Estate herself to settle things with Yuvan.

How lucky she hadn’t acted on that thought!

The mere thought of it made Violet shiver in fear. If Carissa hadn’t insisted so strongly, she might have gone.

In Orchid Hall, Carissa brought Rafael a cup of chilled fruit punch, observing him with a careful eye. “It’s such a hot day. You must be exhausted. You didn’t sleep at all last night, did you? Drink this, and then take a rest.”

Rafael took the cup from her, drinking it quickly before setting it aside. He sat there. without saying a word.

Carissa picked up the cup and handed it to Lulu, thinking of asking her to leave. But then she hesitated, wondering what she and Rafael would talk about once Lulu was gone.

So, she asked, “Was that enough? Should I ask Lulu to bring you another cup?”

“No need, I’ll bathe first,” Rafael replied.

“Oh, then… Let me tell Sydney to prepare it for you,” Carissa said quickly.

She hurried out to speak with Sydney, leaving Lulu standing there in confusion. Why hadn’t Carissa asked her to leave? Why did Carissa leave herself to find Sydney?

Rafael’s shoulders slumped slightly. He wanted to ask Carissa–why hadn’t she told him when all this had happened? Had she not thought of him at all?

But then again. She had brought him the chilled fruit punch. And she was still smiling How could he ask her anything now? It would spoil the mood and make him seem insensitive. And yet, there was a knot of frustration tightening in his chest.

He couldn’t simply pretend like nothing had happened.

“Raf,” Carissa called, stepping back into the roon. She walked over to him, twisting her hands nervously as she asked, “Should we bathe together? I didn’t get a chance to bathe last night either.”

Rafael looked up, meeting her gaze. A subtle mix of charm and guilt lingered on her face, her cheeks flushed with a hint of shyness that tugged at his heart. For a moment, he felt his heart flutter.

He sighed inwardly. What a mess he had gotten himself into!

She hadn’t come to him when things went wrong–how could he truly claim no blame in this?

She had gone off on her own to track down Violet, disregarding the danger. But wasn’t that

because he hadn’t arranged for anyone to prot