Her Graceful War Song

The birth was not easy.

The baby gave Rosalind a hard time for five long hours before he was finally born. At first, he didn't cry. The midwife had to tap the soles of his feet a few times before he burst into a loud wail. The moment he cried, everyone's hearts settled

once more.

Thomas had been so tense with worry that when he finally relaxed, his vision went dark and he fainted.

Elise gasped. "I heard about that before. Mr. Jacob told me that Mr. Thomas once fainted in the delivery room and everyone teased him for it for a long time."

Rosalind smiled. "Yes, it's true. He was made fun of because of that. The baby in this story was indeed Alaric."

She went on to explain what happened after the birth. Because he was premature, Alaric was weak and often fell ill. He took medicine nearly as often as he took milk. Thankfully, by the age of three, he had grown stronger and begun training in martial arts to build his strength.noveldrama

The second child came much like Elise did-it was fate. After Alaric was born, Thomas had asked Sebastian for medicine to prevent more children. He took it himself and was told it would work for five years, after which he could take another pill if he wanted to stop having children altogether.

No one expected Rosalind to become pregnant again before the five years were up.

When Thomas learned she was expecting once more, he nearly fainted in shock. But this time, her health was better, and unlike the first pregnancy, she didn't suffer from morning sickness. She could eat, drink, and walk about. She didn't neglect the household or her lessons in the slightest.

Everyone said this child must be a daughter-a girl would be more gentle and less troubling for her mother.

Thomas, who had been anxious at first, grew hopeful. Since Rosalind was pregnant, he hoped for a little daughter, who would be so dear and loving. But alas, the hoped-for little lady did not come. Instead, they had another boy.

When the baby was born, the midwife came out to announce it was a boy, and everyone was happy. Boy or girl, a child was always a blessing.

The child was strong and healthy, heavy in Rosalind's arms-so different from his older brother, who had been as fragile as glass when he was born.

"That's so strange. Alaric was the frail one, so he ought to have been a scholar. Meanwhile, Ives was strong and hearty, so he seemed the sort to take up the sword. How is it they ended up the other way around?" Elise said with a laugh.

Rosalind smiled. "Because Alaric was weak, he began training his body with sword practice at the age of three. He never stopped since then. yes, on the other hand, went with me to the academy. Being surrounded by books and lessons, he naturally grew to love studying.

Now, the couple had two children-one took to books, and the other to the sword. Both were dutiful and well-behaved. Alaric had already joined the army, and Ives had passed the national examinations, ready to rise higher step by step.

As the two women spoke, Thomas had been listening outside for some time. He had just returned from the local authorities' office, where he had settled some matters, and happened to hear their conversation about the past.

He looked at his wife's happy face and felt the same joy reflected in his own. He often thought himself unworthy of her. He had once been married before, but that union had not lasted.

True companionship required two hearts that understood each other, to be in harmony and trust. Only then could it endure. Life was not the same with everyone; different people made all the difference, and happiness could make up for many hardships along the way

Many years ago, Thomas had received a sincere letter of apology from Viola, and had long since forgiven her. Viola's betrayal and departure had caused him pain for a while, but fate had more than made up for it.

Now, every day was filled with joy and contentment. He was certain that he and his wife would grow old together, loving each other for the rest of their lives.