Her Graceful War Song

That brief ripple in my heart did not last. Life went on, steady and orderly, just as it always had.

Some people were like a bit of sunlight in one's life. They brought a touch of warmth, but then the sun set, and they were gone.

It wasn't until several months later that Cari came to see me. She said Samuel had made a report to the Royal Citadel, claiming someone had been following him. After looking into it, the officials discovered Mr. Claude had sent men to keep watch on him.

Naturally, Cari went to speak with Mr. Claude, who admitted it. He said he was worried Samuel might cause me trouble again and only sent men to keep an eye on him for my sake.

But from that conversation, Cari also learned a few other things.

It turned out that before becoming the top scholar, Mr. Claude had once brought his mother to the capital, as he intended to sit for one of the previous rounds of the examinations. His mother had already been unwell, but her final wish was to see her son succeed. With no other choice, he brought her with him on the journey.

However, the long trip worsened her condition, and she collapsed at the inn where they were staying. The innkeeper, afraid she might die there and cause trouble, turned them both out into the street.

Mr. Claude carried his mother from one lodging to another, but no one would take them in. For two days, they slept outdoors. It was autumn then, and the weather had turned chilly. The cold only worsened her illness. He finally took her to a medical establishment, but the physician, seeing how grave her condition was, refused to treat her.

As it happened, I was passing by with my maid when I saw him kneeling and begging for help. I sent my maid to ask what was going on. Upon learning the situation, I arranged for them to stay in a small house I often lent out to travelers who had nowhere else to go. I also sent someone to fetch Ivy from Arcane Sanctum.

Of course, in the end, his mother couldn't be saved, and he missed that year's autumn examination. However, he always remembered the kindness I showed to him and his mother.

When Cari told me all this, it took me a moment to recall it. I had indeed done such a thing, but I had done so many acts of charity over the years that it was hard to keep track. That house was often used to shelter strangers who were stranded or in need. At the time, I had simply thought him a dutiful son and wanted to help.

Mr. Claude saw me as a benefactor, but truly, all I did was give a few orders. To be treated with such gratitude felt undeserved.

"If he wishes to repay kindness, let him donate some money and help Ms. Stark with her soup kitchen. No need to offer himself in marriage," I said with a smile.noveldrama

Cari tapped me lightly on the nose. "Silly girl. He must truly like you if he wishes to marry you. If he couldn't tell the difference between gratitude and affection, do you think my husband would trust him so much? And just look, he's had men watching Samuel all this while, afraid that scoundrel might trouble you again. That alone tells you his

feelings aren't just about paying a

debt."

He wanted to marry me because he liked me? I blinked, taken aback. The thought felt strange.

I had always believed I was

someone whom no one could truly love. The men who came to propose to me were drawn by the fact that I was a duchess and the cousin of the regent's princess consort. None had ever said they wished to marry me simply because they liked me.

Still dazed, I asked, "How do you know he isn't lying?"

"When a man truly likes someone, it shows in his eyes," Cari said. "Of course, I could be wrong. He could still turn out to be another Samuel. People can pretend, and sometimes it takes a while before the truth comes out."

"That's true," I said softly.

"But that's not what you need to worry about right now," she added. "First, ask yourself if you like him. If you do, then it's worth wondering whether he's being sincere."

"I don't dislike him," I admitted. "But I wouldn't say I like him. And marriage...

that's not something I've even considered."

"In that case, don't trouble yourself over it. No need to let it weigh on your heart,"

my cousin replied with a gentle smile.

"It doesn't," I replied with a smile of my own.

But that night, I realized I hadn't been honest with her.

I dreamed of him coming to my door to ask for my hand. It wasn't the first time Mr. Claude had appeared in my dreams. I suppose... deep down, longed for someone to love me, to stay by my side. It was just that I

had always lacked the courage to reach for it.