Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1405

Adrian had been in the capital for some time now.

In the past, he had been consumed with his studies on sacred firearms, leaving little room for anything else. But now, with some free time, he used the excuse of being unable to let go of the business in the city to extend his stay.

The truth was, he was concerned for Carissa.

His interest in sacred firearms had begun with his trip to Nerathia to study their methods. He had done it for the Southern Frontier, then Hector, and ultimately, for Rafael and Carissa.

As a mentor, Adrian knew that they each had their own paths to walk. He couldn't prevent them from forging their own futures, but he could help them however he could and act as their support.

Adrian often claimed he wasn't cut out to be a teacher. But the truth was, his apprentices were exceptional. Each one of them was a person of great character.

None of them needed his constant concern—except for Carissa.

She had always been wild and carefree. But even so, she had mastered the martial arts to a remarkable degree, her natural talent shining through.

Seeing the bright, carefree smile on her face each day always brought a deep sense of happiness to Adrian.

As time passed, Carissa had been forced to grow up quickly. Her heart was always on edge, and she never relaxed. The joyful, genuine smile she once wore so often had disappeared. Adrian felt a profound ache seeing her carry such a burden.

But those wounds of hers—only time could heal them, and there was little anyone else could do.

Rafael could give her happiness and make her smile, but there was always a piece missing—something no one could ever truly fill.

Adrian had spent the entire night drinking. He slept until late afternoon before finally heading to the palace to meet with Salvador.

Once, the Russell family had been at the height of their power. But now, only Adrian remained. He had no children, so he obviously had no grandchildren either. His only legacy was his apprentices.

Blake Russell, the Annara Monarch, had once commanded a powerful army. He had been accused of wielding too much power, which threatened the throne. There were probably some grudges and unresolved matters from those days, but even Salvador couldn't say for sure.

Regardless of the past, the Russell family had contributed greatly to the Sanford family.

Salvador treated Adrian with the utmost respect—not only because of Blake's contributions, but also because Adrian had improved the six-barreled matchlock and the red cannons that had been brought in but not yet used. These would become valuable weapons for Starhaven.

Adrian stayed in the royal study for about an hour, and Derek personally escorted him out of the palace.

Adrian had not received any official rewards, but he had spoken of the Russell family's past—of the misunderstandings that should never have existed between ruler and subject, all born from a lack of trust.

Had anyone else said such words, Salvador might not have taken them seriously. He might have been angry, even. Yet, his feelings toward the Russell family were complicated. Plus, Adrian and Carissa made significant contributions to the recent stabilization of the kingdom.