Her Graceful War Song

Yes, Carissa had to go to Victory Pass. She had to stop Aurora from slaughtering the villagers and murdering Arthur, the crown prince of Orivenia-now still known as Westhaven.

Carissa had to do this for her kingdom and her family.

After Arthur killed himself because he couldn't stand the humiliation he had suffered, Westhaven's spies hidden in Starhaven's capital retaliated by annihilating Carissa's entire family.

Though she had formed a bodyguard team to keep her loved ones safe and avoid further trouble, she had to strike at the source to truly prevent the tragedy.

The border skirmishes between the two kingdoms were likely to escalate into war. This conflict had been carefully plotted by Leroy's faction within Westhaven, and Carissa couldn't change their decisions. But since war was inevitable, she would find a way to alter its course.

Back in her previous life, her seventh uncle had died defending the city. If she could change things this time, perhaps she might save him. And perhaps her third uncle wouldn't lose his arm rescuing Barrett.

So, after making proper arrangements at home, she would set off for Victory Pass, supposedly to visit her grandfather.

By now, both kingdoms were testing each other along the border. War could break out at any moment. However, Victory Pass was far from ready. Part of its forces had even been moved to the Southern Frontier.

This was because neither Starhaven nor Westhaven had fought a true war in years. Their conflicts had been brief, consisting of nothing more than scattered raids. The campaign to reclaim the Southern Frontier had become urgent, demanding swift and decisive action.

As long as Westhaven didn't send reinforcements, the battle to take back the Southern Frontier would go smoothly under Rafael's command.

Once matters at Victory Pass were dealt with, Westhaven wouldn't send 300,000 soldiers to assist Sandoria at the Southern Frontier. That meant the Starhaven forces at the Southern Frontier wouldn't have to worry about being overwhelmed by additional enemies.

Travis didn't ask why Carissa wanted to go to Victory Pass. So long as there was food and a place to sleep, he was content to follow.

Meanwhile, Carissa remained busy managing affairs at the estate, unaware that the rumors spreading through the city were growing worse by the day.

People said that the Marquis of Northwatch's family was using Carissa's engagement as a farce, and that they had no true intention of making a match. They only wished to see how much influence their family still held.

At a garden party hosted by Grand Princess Eleanor, many made light of it. They laughed, saying that those who had gone to ask for Carrisa's hand in marriage were fools.

Ordinarily, when two families considered a match, it would not be spoken of until an agreement had been made. Most people didn't even know who had gone to Northwatch Estate with a marriage proposal.

The only one known to have done so was Barrett, and that was only because his mother, Rebecca, had flown into a rage when she found out her son would not be securing a marriage match with the marquis' household.

Rebecca had cursed the Marquis of Northwatch's family most fiercely, calling them blind fools who looked down on others. As the Warren family didn't manage its servants well, the tale spread quickly.

So, when people laughed, it was Barrett who was the subject of ridicule.

In truth, he was not the only one who had gone to Northwatch Estate with a marriage proposal. Though others from noble families had gone too they said nothing and even joined in the mockery. But in their hearts, they resented the Marquis of

Northwatch's family for the slight.

Some mocked with bitter words: "That young lady from the Sinclair family? I hear she was sent off to learn swordplay when she was still a child. She's nothing but a rough and common sort. The Warren family may not be what it once was, but their ancestors were great generals. And she dares to turn up her nose at them?

"Let us see who will marry her now. If one of them earns glory in battle and she comes to regret it... Well, that will be her own doing."

The Sinclair family was now a family of widows, the elderly, and the weak. What were a few idle words? They wouldn't trouble themselves over such things.

Still, Carissa's second sister-in-law, Yvette, wouldn't allow those rumors to reach the ears of her mother-in-law. She was afraid it would cause Melanie to worry about her daughter's reputation.

It was during this time that Carissa spoke to her sisters-in-law, saying she wished

to visit her grandfather at Victory Pass, and asking for their help in persuading Melanie.

"If it's only to avoid gossip, there's no need. But if you truly long to see

Grandfather and the others, then I see no harm in going," Yvette said gently.

"I care nothing for what outsidersnoveldrama

say. But my father and brothers died on the battlefield. If Grandpa and Grandma have heard of it, they must be grieving terribly. They're not young anymore—I must go and see them with my own eyes before I can be at ease," Carissa replied.

Her heart aching upon hearing that, Yvette relented, softly saying, "Then, go. I shall speak to Mother for you."

Melanie hesitated only a moment before agreeing. For one, she missed her parents too. And besides, Sebastian had said Carissa's spirits were poor of late. Perhaps leaving the capital and spending time away would help her recover.

Melanie reasoned that a trip to and from Victory Pass might take no more than a year, perhaps less. There would be time enough to arrange a marriage upon Carissa's return.