Melody of Strength 246
The next day, Rafael appeared refreshed, though there were dark circles under his
eyes.
Carissa found it strange how he managed to look so lively despite obviously not having slept well. Aside from the dark circles, his face and eyes actually had a radiant quality.
After talking with Ryan the night before, Ryan was now less fearful and wary of Rafael. Occasionally, he would lift the curtain to sneak a look at Rafael’s back.
Was Rafael like his grandfather, Hector? If so, he must be really impressive–he only fought enemies and never harmed ordinary people.
So there was no need to be afraid of him.
Ryan kept reassuring himself this way, all the way through their journey. Gradually, Rafael became as familiar and trusted in Ryan’s eyes as his grandfather or father. Moreover, Rafael would soon become his future uncle by marriage, a close relative.
By the time they arrived in Greenbrook County, Ryan had even started signaling Rafael and was bold enough to let Rafael hold his hand while buying pastries.
Carissa was very pleased to see this change.
But the transformation didn’t stop there. Ryan seemed to trust Rafael as much as he trusted her. During meals, he would actively sit next to Rafael. When serving food, even though his fingers didn’t exert much strength, he still tried hard to serve Rafael.
At night, Ryan wrote to Carissa, saying he would treat his future uncle well. By doing so, Ryan hoped that his future uncle would also treat his aunt well.
He was a warm and considerate child–always had been.
A smile gradually appeared on his face, and the shadows in his eyes had mostly dissipated. However, whenever he saw beggars on the road, he still looked at them with sympathy.
The beggars were not kidnapped children, but genuine beggars.
Ryan would give them buns whenever he could.
Carissa wanted to give the beggars some silver coins in accordance with D heart, but Ryan waved her off. He signaled the
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their stomachs, while giving silver coins would lead to them being confiscated by their backers. He also explained that having once received silver coins, they would be beaten if they failed to obtain any in the future, as that was what happened to him.
Even though the beggars were different from those he had encountered before, Ryan still felt compelled to empathize with them.
Carissa was deeply moved, but smiled as she ruffled his hair. “Alright, we’ll do as you say, Ryan.”Belongs to © n0velDrama.Org.
In the capital, while the cabinet officials were processing petitions, they discovered one from the governor of Eldoria. It was sealed with wax, and the outside was labeled that Rafael had written this letter for the king’s personal attention.
The cabinet passed the petition to the prime minister, Jeremiah.
Upon receiving it, Jeremiah said, “I will go to His Majesty.”
In the study, Salvador opened the letter. After reading it, he slapped it down on his desk loudly. His face was flushed with excitement as he repeatedly exclaimed, ” Great! That’s great! That’s wonderful!”
Seeing this, Jeremiah asked, “Your Majesty, what is it that has made you so overjoyed?”
Salvador ordered that the letter be shown, to Jeremiah. After reading it, Jeremiah’s expression brightened with delight.
“This is truly wonderful! Your Majesty, the Duke of Northwatch’s family still has a surviving bloodline! I’m sure this has consoled the duke’s spirit in heaven!”
Jeremiah was overwhelmed with emotion, his excitement almost causing him to falter. Having recently recovered from an illness, he was nearly overcome by his current exhilaration and almost stumbled.
“Sit down!” Salvador noticed his condition, and quickly called for attendants to help him to a seat. “Support him and help him sit.
Jeremiah thanked Salvador and sat down, his tears flowing freely.
Despite the loss of composure, Jeremiah said, “So many matters have caused the duke’s family to suffer in silence. I often feel remorse for not being able to speak up for them. I am sure Your Majesty feels the same. Now that the duke’s family still has
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descendants, it is truly a blessing from heaven and Your Majesty’s great fortune.”
Savaldor nodded. Amid his excitement, Jeremiah’s words stirred his memories, taking him back to his youth when he frequently visited Northwatch Estate and formed friendships with several of Hector’s sons.
During his time as crown prince and when he assisted in the administration of the government, he received a lot of valuable advice from Hector, which prevented many mistakes.
Since the Duke of Northwatch’s family’s complete annihilation, Salvador had often reflected on those past moments. Though the past could not be relived, the bond remained in his heart.
The survival of the Duke of Northwatch’s bloodline brought him unparalleled joy.
“I remember Ryan. When he was one year old, Melanie brought him to meet me. That child was so charming and lively, resembling his father. He had a lovely smile and a pair of dimples. He was truly endearing.”
Salvador sighed as he recalled the letter.