Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1212

After seeing Derek off, Carissa exchanged a few words with Jacob before joining Violet and Isaac to roast sweet potatoes by the fire.

Jacob had taken charge of the matters at the gentlemen's retreat and would keep an eye on things.

The two of them were discussing Gerald's situation.

Violet shook her head, clearly still in disbelief. "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it."

Isaac, who had traveled widely, was equally stunned. "I've seen all sorts of things, but nothing like this. A man of his age, with such a high position—why would he go to such a place?"

From what they had observed, Gerald's visit to the gentlemen's retreat hadn't involved anything truly scandalous—he had simply called for a few courtesans, had a drink, listened to some music, and perhaps enjoyed a bit of light touch.

Gerald had been Sigmund's teacher. Sigmund, who was known for his disdain for anything related to male attractions—so much so that it bordered on revulsion.

As Sigmund's mentor, Gerald had naturally assisted him in governing the kingdom after he ascended to the throne. Given the cautious and humble nature of the Quinton family in their earlier years, one would expect Gerald to share Sigmund's aversion to such things.

But now, in his later years, it was as if something had been lifted from him. He no longer cared, recklessly venturing into the gentlemen's retreat without a second thought.

Carissa sat down, picking up a sweet potato and tossing it between her hands. Isaac reached over, took it from her, and gently blew on it before rubbing it between his palms to peel it. He handed her the peeled potato.

"Hurry and eat. It'll warm you up."

Carissa smiled and thanked him, taking a bite of the soft, sweet flesh. The warmth and sweetness filled her mouth, and she blew on it a couple of times before swallowing.

Violet, watching the exchange, raised an eyebrow and glanced at Isaac in surprise. "You're quite thoughtful, aren't you?"

Isaac shrugged nonchalantly. "It's nothing. I can peel one for you, too."

He pinched another potato between his fingers and began peeling it. After a moment, he handed half of it to Violet. "Here, eat."

Violet hesitated for a second before accepting it. "I could've peeled it myself, but since you've done it, I'll take it. Thanks."

She set the potato skin aside and sighed. "What worries me more is that tomorrow's New Year's Eve banquet at the palace. Lord Gerald should be invited, and when I see him, it'll feel...strange, to say the least."

Violet nodded in agreement, especially given how Gerald always maintained his scholarly, dignified air. That posture, so practiced for decades, could not erase the image of him being helped upstairs, nor the sickly pallor on his face or the way his eyes had shamelessly surveyed everything around him.

Violet placed a hand on her stomach. "The sweet potato's a bit too rich for me. My stomach's upset."

Carissa glanced at Isaac, smiling. "Isaac, we always thought you were partial to men's company."

"Just because I went to the gentlemen's retreat?" Isaac didn't seem bothered in the least, giving her a sharp look. "So what if I am? Does it matter?"

Carissa thought for a moment. "Sage Everett wouldn't allow it. You'd probably be punished severely."

Having been punished the most during his youth, Isaac had a deep fear of Everett. His carefree expression faded as he became serious.

"I don't prefer men's company. Don't speak of such things in front of Sage Everett, Kyle, or Rafael—especially not in front of him. Sage Everett is his mentor, and you never know what they talk about."