Her Graceful War Song

In the end, Jacob thought up an excuse. He mentioned that they had spoken to Thomas. With no official appointment from the court yet, Thomas didn't even know where he would be dispatched. Rosalind was the treasured granddaughter of Trevor, and she would be expected to follow him to the borders if they were to marry, potentially spending three to five years away from the capital without a visit. Rosalind was a person of utmost purity and devotion. How could she bear to leave her family and endure hardship in some remote outpost?

Everyone agreed that this reasoning was compelling. Rosalind was exceptionally devoted to her grandparents, who were now elderly. There was simply no way she could leave the capital and them behind.

Since Rafael was to return to the Supreme Court the next day, Carissa and Violet decided to visit Trevor's residence.

Rosalind came out to greet them, dressed in a pale yellow blouse paired with a matching pleated skirt. The skirt was intricately embroidered with butterflies in silver thread, which shimmered faintly as she walked, making it seem as if the butterflies were fluttering about. "Greetings, Lady Carissa! I am Rosalind," she said, curtsying with impeccable grace, demonstrating the poise expected of a woman from a noble family.

"There's no need for such formalities, Ms. Young," Carissa replied with a smile, glancing at Violet, who was watching Rosalind with wide, admiring eyes.

Violet couldn't help but compare herself to Rosalind. During her own upbringing, she had learned etiquette under the strict guidance of a governess who wielded a ruler to keep her in line. She had endured countless smacks to her hands and knees, and the etiquette she learned with great difficulty turned out to be quite stiff.

However, Rosalind moved with effortless elegance. Her gestures flowed smoothly, and she exuded a calm and graceful demeanor that made Violet look downright wild by comparison.

Rosalind's parents were also present, radiating warmth and affection towards one another, which no doubt contributed to Rosalind's gentle and refined nature.

Carissa spoke up, "Now that we're all here, I'll be blunt. I invited Thomas over yesterday, and he said that since he hasn't received his appointment yet, it's uncertain whether he'll be stationed at the borders. He understands that you're a person of pure virtue and deep devotion to your family, Ms. Young. If you were to accompany him to the borders, you would face hardship and be far from your family. Also, you would be unable to fulfill your duties to them, and that would weigh heavily on his conscience."Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

As her words hung in the air, a heavy silence settled over the room.

Rosalind fell silent.

She wanted to marry Thomas, but she couldn't leave her grandparents and parents behind, going years without seeing them and neglecting her duties. After a moment of silence, tears glistened in her eyes. "I see."

Seeing her in that state, Carissa sensed that Rosalind had made her decision and couldn't help but let out a small sigh of relief.

The matter wasn't so difficult to resolve, after all.

Rosalind turned to Carissa, and said, "Please convey to him that I have weighed the pros and cons, and feel unworthy of him now."

Carissa blinked, momentarily confused by her words.

Was Rosalind seeking a noble excuse, or did she truly mean it?

Carissa replied gently, "Ms. Young, marriage is indeed a matter of weighing advantages and disadvantages, but there are many factors to consider. It's not about who is worthy of whom it's about compatibility." Rosalind spoke softly, "You're right, Your Grace, but..."

She looked up at Carissa, tears

shimmering her eyes. "I sincerely

wish to marry him, and my

reluctance to leave my family is no pretense. In this world, how can one have it all? Since I chose my family, I can't speak of my feelings for him any longer. All I wish is for him to be happy and at peace."

Carissa paused, a flicker of understanding passing through her mind, but she couldn't quite grasp it. All she felt was a pang in her heart. "But everyone would choose their family, wouldn't they?" Violet glanced at Carissa, but said nothing.

That wasn't necessarily true. Some women, if they had a man they admired, would throw caution to the wind and chase after him without regard for family.

Like her cousin.

Mildred sighed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You're so silly, child. If you truly wish to pursue your happiness, then go for it. As long as you can bear the hardships of the borders and don't regret your choice, we will always support you.

Rosalind shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes as she smiled at her grandmother.

"No, I'll stay here with you and Grandpa. I can't bear the hardships of the borders. You've pampered me. I wouldn't withstand the

desolation of the vast desert or the loneliness it brings. I'd rather stay in the capital, being your precious granddaughter and enjoying the blessings of this world."