Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1351

The Pathfinders Guild was known for its strict selection of apprentices, so Adrian's true apprentices were few—15 in total, including those who had long since left the guild.

The apprentices who left did not betray the guild. Rather, each had their own path to follow.

Adrian was not rigid. He allowed his apprentices to pursue their own desires, as long as their actions did not harm the common people or the innocent.

Only a few days ago, Adrian had sent messages by carrier pigeon to those former apprentices. Now accomplished in their own rights, they would all return to the capital at his summons, to assist their youngest martial sister.

There were other apprentices in the guild, but they were not Adrian's personal apprentices. They were, however, called apprentices out of respect. Adrian occasionally gave them guidance, but their martial training was primarily overseen by the guild's two senior martial elders. On rare occasions, Adrian's direct apprentices would step in to help.

They were skilled in martial arts, but since they still had to handle daily chores, they couldn't focus solely on training. As a result, they were far behind those who were personally mentored by Adrian.

They were not part of the elite group Adrian sought. He needed only the finest. That was why he had staged a birthday feast, inviting the leaders of various factions—though, of course, he would owe them a debt of gratitude for honoring him with their presence.

In the martial world, people might boldly swear to fight for loyalty and honor, but they couldn't just accept favors without thinking about what they owed in return.

Everett asked him, "Adrian, you've never involved yourself in court affairs. Why go to such lengths this time? Do you not trust Carissa and the Mystic Army?"

Adrian stood in the weaponry storeroom, planning to select a handy weapon.

"If you were Nicholas," Adrian said, "what would your first move be?"

Everett thought for a moment. "Wait for the right opportunity?"

"The opportunity will come," Adrian replied, choosing a fan before discarding it. "But if I were him, I would first make sure there were no generals left in the capital. With Mystic Army under Cari's command, it will briefly fall apart if you remove her. Just those few days of chaos would be enough for him to succeed."

A cold glint flashed in Everett's eyes. "You think he would kill Carissa?"

Adrian finally chose a sword. Spinning it in a flourish, he turned to Everett. "How do I look? Handsome?"