Her Graceful War Song

Carissa couldn't fight the royal guards. Otherwise, the king would be even more convinced she was causing trouble over Barrett and Aurora's marriage.

As she watched the king's retreating figure, she quickly said, "Your Majesty! My father was a great general of Starhaven, and my brothers were formidable junior generals who struck fear into our enemies. I may not be as capable as them, but I won't let personal feelings interfere with matters of the state. Since I divorced Barrett, it's a clean break. Please believe me this once!"

Salvador stopped, but didn't turn around.

"If you know that the Duke of Northwatch and the junior generals were great heroes, then don't do things that tarnish their names. I can grant you honor, and I can also take it away. Go back. I will pretend you weren't here today. Take care of yourself," he said coldly.

With that, he strode away.

Carissa lowered her hands in frustration.

Tarnish their names?

Did others, even the king, see her as someone who only caused trouble over personal issues? Did they think that Hector's daughter couldn't set aside personal feelings?

She had left home for the Pathfinders Guild when she was young. She returned to the capital two years ago, and spent the first year learning to be a proper lady from her mother.

In her second year, she served her mother-in-law and managed the Valor Estate.

At least in the capital, she had never done anything inappropriate. Yet because of the divorce, people saw her as petty and narrow-minded?!

With a heavy heart, she left the royal study. The royal guards followed her, ensuring she went straight home, fearing she might cause more trouble.

Back at Northwatch Estate, Frederick wasn't surprised to see the guards. He simply smiled and greeted them.

"Gentlemen, please come in for some tea."

"No need. We have orders to stay at the gate and not disturb Lady Sinclair," the guards said coolly.

Frederick didn't know what had happened, but he instructed the servants to bring tea and snacks to the gate. Then, he closed the door.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Once the door was shut, Frederick asked Carissa, "My lady, what happened?"

Carissa entered the main hall, removed her cloak, and sat down. She then sent for Holly and Lily.

"The king has people watching me every day now. I don't know how long it will last, but I have urgent matters to attend to outside. After I leave, the estate must operate as if I were still here. Hide my absence as long as possible. If it becomes impossible to hide, say I've returned to the guild," she said.

Frederick was an old servant of the household, and he understood that Carissa wasn't your typical noble lady.

"My lady, go and do what you need to do. I will look after the estate," he said.

Holly and Lily nodded in agreement. The frequent pigeon messages over the past few days indicated something was amiss.

"When do you plan to leave, my lady?" Lily asked.

Carissa's expression was resolute, her beauty mark appearing particularly vivid. "Tonight. Leaving the estate isn't difficult, but I need a horse. Find a way to get my horse to the countryside villa."

Her chestnut horse was fast and well-trained, She needed to reach the Southern Frontier battlefield quickly to inform the Hell Monarch, so he could prepare a strategic defense in advance.

"That's easy. Lady Heather's daughter, Princess Leona, will be getting married in two days. I'll ride the horse to deliver a wedding gift, then take the horse to the countryside villa. I'll buy another horse to bring back," Frederick said.

Carissa remembered her cousin's upcoming wedding. The date had been set when she was still at Valor Estate, and Heather had sent an invitation.

It was reasonable for her to give a wedding gift, as her mother had been close to her aunt. It was unfortunate she couldn't attend her cousin's wedding, but there was no choice.

"Good, let's do that," she said. "The royal guards won't restrict your movements. Lily, I'm close with my cousin. Go to the storeroom and pick some good things for her."

"Understood, my lady." Lily turned, and left immediately.

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