Her Graceful War Song

Carissa didn’t feel relieved even after leaving Onkspire Estate. She still needed to face the Quinton family. tomorrow. And beyond them, there was also Hayden, to whom Eleanor had also sent someone.

Carissa didn’t plan on bringing the Capital Guard to Hayden’s residence, Willowbrook Estate. Instead, she intended to visit him with Rafael in the evening and fill him in. After all, the elderly prince had returned to the capital alone, with all his descendants serving in far–off territories.

However, Salvador was still understandably cautious of him, especially since the person backing Eleanor remained unidentified. Without proof, the king would be wary of all his vassals. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

That night, Rafael arrived at Willowbrook Estate with Carissa, carrying a gift to keep up appearances. The old prince certainly knew how to enjoy himself. After dinner, the household songstresses took turns performing for him, serenading him with music.

When Rafael and Carissa arrived, Hayden was reclining on a lounge chair, eyes closed, tapping a rhythm on the armrest as he listened. The songstress, her face veiled, played a string instrument as she sang. Her voice was as clear as a nightingale, sweet and Illting.

Her slender, fair fingers glided over the strings, each pluck and strum filling the room with pure, ethereal music, like streams flowing through high mountains. The music was enchanting, and it felt as if one’s troubles faded away after listening to it.

Rafael and Carissa listened to the song from the doorway, fully captivated despite not knowing what piece was being played. When the song ended, Hayden opened his eyes, and they stepped inside.

“Coming so late–hardly seems like you’re bringing good news,” Hayden greeted with a smile.

Rafael raised the gift in his hand with a grin. “Great–uncle, since when is a gift not good news?”

Carissa smiled and greeted Hayden politely, “Good evening, Great–uncle.”

Hayden’s eyes narrowed as he looked her over, a smile spreading across his lips. “Ah, here’s our kingdom’s first female official–bold and spirited, every bit a match for the men.”

“You flatter me, Great–Uncle,” Carissa replied with a smile.

“Sit down!” Hayden said with a wave.

The songstress bowed and took her instrument with her as she left. Meanwhile, servants streamed in, bringing coffee, pastries, sweets–anything they could possibly need. Having been on the move for hours, Rafael and Carissa happily took the opportunity to relax. They sipped their coffee and sampled the delicacies without reserve.

Hayden looked to be in fine spirits. He glanced at Carissa as he said, “I asked Rafael to bring you here ages ago, yet it’s only now that you come. Makes me wonder if you had any sincerity at all. There’s another reason for your visit today, isn’t there?”

Rafael chuckled. “Nothing slips past your sharp eyes, Great–uncle. Yes, we’re here today because of the treason case. Eleanor sent someone to your estate. Are you already aware?”

Hayden’s smile turned smug. “Whether I knew or not makes little difference. Here, the only thing she can do is eat and drink to her heart’s content. She can’t take a single step past the estate gates.”

“Well, that’s a relief,” Rafael joked. “Your estate truly is place of privilege.”

“A place of privilege Indeed, Hayden sighed. “When she arrived, she declared her identity right away and begged me to find an excuse to send her away. She said I was too old and complained that I smelled like an old man. Imagine that!

“My whole life, no one’s dared insult me like that. Outrageous! So, out of spite, I treated her to the finest food and drink, and now she’s gained a fair bit of weight. I’ll have her brought out to show you two just how well she’s been pampered.”

With that, Hayden called out, “Bring our plump lady out here, so she can perform her act for the prince and princess consort!”

Rafael and Carissa exchanged a glance, both a bit surprised. Declaring her identity and begging to be thrown out right after she arrived? Wasn’t the woman worried about her biological mom?