Her Graceful War Song

Carissa was a bit surprised.

"I remember your son is quite good with his studies. Why would he want to study martial arts with me? Madam Zoey, I don't know how to be a good mentor, especially for someone who is meant to inherit a title. Surely his best path is to continue his studies and become an

official?"

Carissa didn't want to take on an apprentice. She already had a public position, and she couldn't devote the time necessary for proper teaching. And Cedric was still young-just a boy in his teens. Besides martial arts, she would need to teach him how to conduct himself and guide him toward the right outlook on life.

It wasn't like Violet, where her apprentices were all older than her, each with their own responsibilities.noveldrama

"Inheriting a title?" Zoey gave a wry smile, her eyes full of helplessness. "Your Grace, whether this title can even be kept is still uncertain. And even if it is... I fear it will be more of a troublesome burden."

She sighed. "I'm not asking you to take him as an apprentice. I don't care who teaches him, as long as he learns how to defend himself. If something happens to him one day, at least he'll have the strength to face it-so he won't be tortured to death in just a few days." Carissa was taken aback. "What kind of trouble are you anticipating? Why do you speak of such grim things, Madam Zoey?"

Zoey absentmindedly adjusted her hairpin, feeling the coldness of the metal against her fingers, much like the coldness in her heart. "I hope for peace, of course. But it never hurts to make long-term plans."

Carissa had many doubts, but seeing Zoey wasn't willing to elaborate, she decided not to press further. She knew Zoey was always far-sighted, thinking many steps ahead, always hoping for the safety and well-being of her children.

Carissa thought for a moment, then said, "I can't teach him well myself, but I can ask Mr. Mullen to guide him when he has time. You can give him some money for his trouble. What do you think? Is your son studying at the academy or in your family's school?" Zoey was overjoyed. "He's at the family school. He can come in the evenings. He's not particularly talented, but he's obedient, eager to learn, and not afraid of hardship. As for money, just tell me how much is needed. I'm not stingy with it."

"Alright." Carissa nodded. "I'll speak to Mr. Mullen first. If he agrees, we can start as soon as tomorrow. But he has strict rules and doesn't easily accept apprentices, so it will be more of guidance than a formal apprenticeship." "Alright. Please ask him, Your Grace," Zoey said quickly.

Carissa didn't call Travis in right away. Instead, she went out to find him and discussed the matter with him directly.

Travis shook his head vigorously.

"Take on an apprentice? No way!"

"How can I take on an apprentice? If

I do, my mentor must agree first. But you know, I'm the only male apprentice in the guild. She probably wouldn't want a male apprentice at atp."

"Not as a formal apprentice. Just guide him a bit."

"That won't do, either. Though our guild's martial arts are diverse and lack a clear style, we don't take on just anyone as an apprentice," Travis said.

"I see. In that case, I'll have to refuse. Forget the money, then," Carissa said as she turned to leave.

Travis grabbed her shoulder firmly. "What money?"

"If you were going to guide him and also be his sparring partner, you must be compensated. The Earl of Silverstone's wife is known for being generous. I'd say you could earn three to five silver coins a month." Travis' eyes were suddenly filled with a compassionate warmth.

"To be honest, I don't take on just anyone as an apprentice, nor do I care much for that paltry amount of money. Three or five silver coins isn't much at all. But it seems there aren't many capable people in the Earl of Silverstone's family. I've heard that Oliver's martial arts are just average. If there isn't a rising talent, how could the title be passed on? Bring him to me. Three or five silver coins-it doesn't matter. Let's settle on five silver coins."

Carissa chuckled. "I shouldn't have bothered with the first part. I should have just mentioned the money directly."

Travis grinned "Come now, the

money is just a trivial matter. How vulgar would it be to just focus on that? Bring him over tonight and let me take a look. I'll test his limbs and muscles. Who knows, maybe he's a martial arts prodigy after all."

After learning more about the Lunar Guild, Zoey gained a deep respect for its leader. It was impressive that a woman had taken in so many orphans and raised them all so well-each of them upright and virtuous.