The next day, Elise and Selene wandered around Victory Pass, enjoying themselves. Cindy had arranged for someone to guide them, but Elise declined, saying she preferred to explore at her own pace.Victory Pass was now a town where two kingdoms met. Their cultures blended together, offering so many new things to see that the two young women were almost dazzled. Some snacks from Orivenia could even be found in Victory Pass.While wandering, Elise came across an embroidery workshop called Skye Embroidery and found it rather curious. She had seen embroidery workshops all over, but only the one in the capital went by the name Skye Embroidery. How was it that this town had one too?Curious, she asked Cindy about it when she returned. Cindy explained that this Skye Embroidery was a different one, founded by Viola as a way to raise funds. Unlike the one in the capital, this one was simply an embroidery workshop; women could either work there or at home, bringing their finished pieces to sel
And so, the two young ladies set off on horseback toward Victory Pass.They had become fast friends. When Selene first arrived at the Pathfinders Guild, she was shy about eating too much, but Elise kept filling her bowl with food.Selene had said that she was used to hard times, and now every day felt like a sweet dream.Elise had laughed and replied, "Well then, let's make sure this dream lasts a lifetime."Their journey was slow, with no rush to reach their destination. They took their time, stopping to enjoy the local food and customs at each place they passed through. They even attended a few weddings, laughing and having fun along the way.By the time they reached Victory Pass, it was the middle of winter, and snow was falling heavily.Elise went to visit her great-grandfather first. Though Dominic's hair and beard were white, he was still full of energy. When Elise bowed respectfully before him, he smiled, his face lighting up with joy."You've made me wait so long! I knew
After Elise's coming-of-age ceremony in the capital, another was held at the Pathfinders Guild.This was the reason Adrian had not come to the capital for the first ceremony. His exact words had been: "Can't we hold a coming-of-age ceremony at Meadow Ridge? Why must we go all the way to the capital and deal with so many strangers?"It had been some time since the guild had seen such excitement. Adrian was dressed in red formal wear, standing out in such a bright color. He sat at the head of the hall, smiling as he watched Everett greet the guests.Adrian rarely socialized, especially as he grew older. The thought of mingling made him uneasy, but there were times when he found joy in observing others enjoy themselves. Today, watching the guests gather around his little apprentice, a sense of pride and satisfaction filled his heart.Yet, there was also a feeling of wistfulness growing inside him. He couldn't help but feel sorry for Carissa, who had experienced the turning point of he
Helen had the confidence to speak that way because over the years, she had spent very little and gained a great deal. The rewards from the palace, gifts from various families, and the respect shown by the younger generation all added up. Many of them, especially Violet, were generous in their offerings.For her only granddaughter, Helen could never be too reluctant. One of her favorite sayings was that, after she was gone, everything would belong to Elise.Now, as Helen's daughter-in-law and granddaughter arrived at her residence, it was no surprise that she brought up the topic of Elise's martial arts training at Meadow Ridge again."It's not that it's bad, but it'll be so long. She'll hardly return home, and then she'll say she wants to go off on her own again. She's such a delicate little thing—how can she go wandering like that? I can't argue with my son, though. He's a man who doesn't understand such things. I can never make him see reason," Helen said."Grandmother, I'm not d
When husband and wife now spoke of the past, they felt nothing but fondness between them. Especially Carissa, who once thought their marriage had been forced upon her.Who could have imagined it would turn out so happy? Truly, the ways of the world were hard to predict.Just then, someone came rushing in like a whirlwind. Before anyone could see clearly, she had already thrown herself into Rafael's arms."Dad, I adore the coming-of-age gift you gave me! Thank you so much! You're the best!" she exclaimed in a voice bright with joy and excitement."Still so impulsive? You're a young lady now, you ought to carry yourself with more grace," Rafael said.Despite his words, there was nothing but warmth in his gaze. He gently fixed the hairpin in his daughter's hair as he added, "And you didn't like the ruby set? Your mother chose that herself with great care.""I love it! I love everything!" Elise replied sweetly, her whole face lighting up with delight.Rafael looked at her smiling fa
The branches bent under the weight of frost, and the orchids bloomed again and again.Elise had a rare gift for martial arts. It seemed she had inherited the best from both Rafael and Carissa. Adrian often said with pride that among all the apprentices at Meadow Ridge, she was the most talented of them all.Even Everett couldn't deny it. When Elise asked him whether she or her father was more skilled, he only gave a vague reply: "You're about the same. Each of you has your own strengths."The martial arts Elise had learned by then were not taught by the Pathfinders Guild alone. She had trained under many guilds at Meadow Ridge.When she first arrived, she was just a little girl—fair-skinned and delicate as glass, with a sweet smile that made everyone fond of her. She loved to talk and made friends easily. With her kind and clever words, she charmed the heads of each guild into teaching her everything they knew.Though she had once been wild by nature, the discipline of focused tra