Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair) novel Chapter 828

Rafael added, "Sage Everett once said that Carissa is the most naturally gifted apprentice he has ever seen. She can learn many techniques after just seeing them once."

Kyle chuckled. "Sage Everett did say that, but you left out part of it—he also mentioned that she's too lazy. All she thinks about is running around the mountains, climbing trees to poke bird nests, digging holes to catch snakes, and waving mouse tails to scare children."

Travis' expression remained blank as he replied, "I'm one of those victims. She came at me waving a mouse tail, and when she threw the mouse at me, I ran back to my mentor crying. My mentor punished me, saying a man shouldn't cry. But the next day, she stormed over to the Pathfinders Guild to demand compensation."

Violet was familiar with the story and jumped in, "In the end, they reached an agreement and reduced the rent by a year."

Carissa's sentimental moment was abruptly cut off, and she felt embarrassed. "Why are you bringing up my childhood when we were talking about Westhaven? Enough of that. Let's eat!"

Travis put down his cutlery and looked at Violet. "They reduced the rent by a year? Really? How do you know that?"

"Because the Inferno Guild is also based in Meadow Ridge. How could we not know? The whole place is aware of it! Every year, when it's time to pay rent, your mentor sends you to spar with Carissa, right?"

Travis gasped in shock. "Are you saying that my mentor intentionally sent me to spar with Cari so I'd get beaten, and then she would confront Sage Adrian to get out of paying rent?"

Violet nodded seriously. "Yep, the whole Meadow Ridge knows about it."

Travis' face fell. "No way! My mentor is dignified and steady. How could she do something like that? I lose almost every time I fight with Carissa. My mentor says I get beaten because my skills aren't good enough, and if I can't practice well, I deserve to be punished."

Violet patted his shoulder. "Oh, you poor thing! You didn't know? But it doesn't matter. Thanks to all those punches you took, your guild hardly ever has to pay rent. Even when you do, it's just a little."

Carissa shook her head. "That's not right. Sage Adrian said he reduced their rent because their guild is so poor and struggling. Sometimes, he even sends them fabric and blankets. He taught us to always be willing to help others."

Violet shook her head. "No, that's compensation."

She and Travis turned their gazes to Kyle in unison. "So, what's the story here?"