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Winona immediately went to help Sophie. She rubbed her shoulders gently, and asked in a low voice, Does your back hurt? Are you feeling dizzy or nauseous?”
“It doesn’t hurt, I’m not dizzy, and I don’t feel nauseous Sophie shook her head.
Winona finally relaxed. She had a bit of a phobia because, previously, when Sophie had been reprimanded for her salute, she had started vomiting and feeling dizzy once she was carried back to her room. Only after calling Adrian for acupuncture treatment and several days of medication did Sophie start to recover.
“Just be cautious with this one. Given her headstrong nature, life may not be smooth sailing ahead: You’ll need to keep a close watch on her to avoid any trouble Everett’s voice rang out as he spoke to Rafael. In his mind, Sophie would always be the most mischievous apprentice of the Pathfinders Guild.
“Sophie won’t cause trouble. You can rest assured, Sage Everett,” Rafael replied respectfully, but his defense of his wife was firm.
Everett’s eyes narrowed, showing his displeasure.
Sophie’s senior guild members exchanged glances of resentment. Was Everett trying to shift the blame onto Sophie again?
However, Everett’s frown soon gave way to a smile as Rafael approached with wine. He first served Adrian, then handed a cup to Everett.
To see Everett smile twice in one day was quite an unusual sight.
So, the man could smile after all.
How strange!
After taking a sip of the wine, Rafael said, “Sage Everett, I have something to discuss with you privately. Could you please come to the side hall with me?” “Alright.” Everett stood up, and exited with Rafael.
Rafael glanced back, and gave Sophie a playful smile.
Everyone then realized that Rafael had intentionally brought Everett away so they could spend some time with Sophie.
Winona gently massaged Sophie’s shoulders, then embraced her. Back when Sophie had first arrived at the Pathfinders Guild, Winona had often carried her around.
Sophie had missed home terribly at that time, and it was Winona who had soothed her to sleep.
“Alright, don’t spoil her too much,” Adrian spoke up, though his gaze towards Sophie was more Indulgent than anyone else’s.
“Now that you’re married, you need to stand firm in everything. If you feel wronged, don’t endure it alone. Send a pigeon post to Meadow Ridge-there will always be someone to speak up for you.” Sophie snuggled into Winona’s embrace, and
Upon hearing Sophie’s obedient response, Adrian extended his hand and beckoned her over. “Come here.”
Sophie obediently walked over, and Adrian reached out to flick the tip of her nose.
“Ouch!” Sophie exclaimed. “Sage Adrian, that hurt.”
“Punishment!” Adrian said sternly. “This is a mild punishment for not speaking up when needed.”
A flicker of pain crossed Sophie’s eyes, but she quickly masked it. “Understood. It won’t happen again.” Adrian noticed her fleeting expression of distress, and sighed inwardly. The hardships that his youngest apprentice had endured were too painful. He couldn’t start thinking about them, or it would be too taxing on his heart.
He took her hand, guiding her to sit beside him.
“Rafael’s character and virtue far surpass Blake’s. I believe he won’t let you down or treat you poorly. But remember, the world is ever-changing, and so are people. In the past, he might have cherished you more because he couldn’t have you. Now that he’s married you, there’s no guarantee he won’t grow tired and look elsewhere. Men are unreliable. Even if you like him, don’t trust him entirely. Understand?” Sophie’s fifth guild senior, Isaac Prince, nodded vigorously in agreement. “Yes, men are all untrustworthy. They’re disgusting. We can’t trust them completely, or you might end up with a scoundrel…” “Be quiet!” Kyle tapped Isaac on the forehead.
Kyle thought Adrian’s words were enough to unsettle Sophie, and didn’t think it was wise to scare her further. But since Adrian was present, he dared not contradict him. He was surprised to see Isaac echoing Adrian’s sentiments.
Violet, who was listening nearby, couldn’t help but laugh. “Five, you’re a man yourself. How can you be so disgusted by men?”
Isaac was skilled in both music and using musical instruments as weapons. Known as Five due to his position in the Pathfinders Guild, his face turned cold as he responded, “How could I not be disgusted? That’s why I avoid associating with men and prefer the company of women.”
“You’ve only made excuses for yourself,” Violet scoffed. “Everyone knows you love to linger in brothels. You play the harp and flute, and you’ve seen courtesans dance to your music.
Isaac glanced outside with a hint of nervousness. “Stop talking nonsense. If Sage Everett hears you, I won’t let you off.”
Violet shrugged. “No risk, no rewards, right?”
Isaac turned away with a blank express
“After seeing you, I find that I don’t even like women anymore.”
“Alright, let’s all stop bickering.” Adrian cut in. “We’ll be heading back to the Pathfinders Guild tomorrow. If you have anything to say to Sophie, say it quickly. No more idle chatter. She still needs to go to the sanctuary hall to pay respects to her parents and siblings.”
Kyle was nudged aside. Since he had been staying at Northwatch Estate for a few days before Sophie’s marriage, it was inappropriate for him to monopolize the time meant for her and the other guild members.
Sophie was surrounded by her senior guild members. They spoke one at a time, offering advice rather than speaking in unison. Ultimately, their words served to remind her that no matter what happened, she still had her guild behind her.
Winona was still holding Sophie in her arms, and the older woman was moved to tears. This strong. independent woman couldn’t hold back her emotions.
Sophie had arrived at the Pathfinders Guild as a seven-year-old girl, her hair styled in two pigtails, dressed in a little blue dress. She had been beautiful and adorable, with a face so fresh and round that everyone couldn’t help but want to pinch or kiss her.
The little girl had mostly stayed close to Winona. When Sophie first began her martial arts training and struggled with basic movements, Winona had carried her back to their room from the training yard and rubbed her sore muscles.
Sophie would act spoiled and say, “Winona, I want to eat wild mountain cherries.”
Despite how sour those cherries were, the little girl would eat them with gusto, her face scrunching up from the tartness, but she never minded.
Later, Winona learned to make candied fruit skewers from those sour cherries. The sweet treats made Sophie smile brightly.
Seeing her smile made it seem like all troubles vanished.
Sophie’s eyes, at that time, were as dark and shiny as mercury, full of brilliance and unrestrained joy.
And now, that little girl had grown up and gotten married.
Winona’s heart was torn between sorrow and joy as she reflected on the years she had witnessed, and she couldn’t stop crying.
Winona wiped away her tears.
“I won’t leave. I’ll stay in the capital with you. I’ll stay in Northwatch Estate. Whenever you miss me, just come back to visit.”
“We’ll stay too!” Hearing Winona’s words, everyone echoed the sentiment.
Sophie hid in Winona’s embrace, feeling a sense of security she hadn’t experienced in a long time.
She wanted to cry. She was reluctant to see them go.
However, Adrian spoke up with a stern expression, “Can you stay with her forever? Everyone has their own. life to live. Besides, the capital is no easy place to live. Even if it were, it’s not somewhere people from the Pathfinders Guild can reside for long.”