Her Graceful War Song

Carissa stopped and turned back to me. "Her family treats her well. It's just that things didn't go smoothly when they were arranging for her niece's marriage. Thankfully, that niece is now married to a good man.

"I think Viola worries that, being unmarried at her age-twice wed, no less-she might invite gossip. She doesn't want to burden her nephews and nieces or trouble her sister-in-law."

I nodded, thinking of Zoey-the fierce woman who was also kind-hearted. She had one son and one daughter, as well as more children from her late husband's concubines. She had likely faced many challenges while arranging marriages for all her children. I imagined the amount of gossip and judgment she must have endured.

I truly cared for Zoey like a sister-in-law, and I felt for all she had gone through. "Think it over," Carissa said.

I nodded, then glanced outside, where there wasn't a soul in sight.

I couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you afraid that Prince Rafael might grow jealous, you being here alone with me? Does he not know?"

Carissa looked rather taken aback, as though she had not expected such a question from me.

She appeared intent on avoiding answering, as she was already turning to walk away.

But after a moment's pause, she stopped and said, "If we can't trust one another even with something like that, how could I have held command of the Mystic Army for so long? I keep nothing from him, nor he from me. So, yes, he knows I have come to see you."

Carissa stepped out, and I followed. I couldn't help but wonder if the regent was somewhere nearby, quietly listening to our conversation. After all, no man would like his wife to be alone with her former husband.

Yet, I watched as she walked straight out, unhurried and unaccompanied.

No attendants emerged from either side of the hall, and she made her way alone to the front courtyard. There, I saw Prince Rafael seated next to General Sullivan, engaged in quiet conversation. When he looked up and saw Carissa, he smiled and waved her over to join him.

I watched from a distance, feeling a strange mix of emotions.

Was this really what a healthy marriage looked like?

But I couldn't help but wonder-whether in the city or at Victory Pass, shouldn't men and women take care not to be alone together? After all, if anyone spoke about it, their reputations would be damaged. And with their high positions, they certainly couldn't afford any gossip to spread.

As I thought about it, I felt almost foolish. What right did I have to worry about them?

But to hear Viola's words through Carissa was truly unexpected.

I had five days to think it over. After that, Prince Rafael and Carissa would return to the capital.

Truth be told, thinking of Zoey made

my decision clearer. But I hesitated, unsure if my feelings were just a moment of impulse, so I didn't immediately give Carissa an answer.

Over the next few days, I gave it more thought. I realized that Viola might not want to be my wife again she probably just wanted to ensure she had a place and some security, to protect her nephews and nieces from gossip.

As for me... Viola was right.

In the past, we both made mistakes. We should let bygones be bygones, and there was no harm in simply being companions.

So, when Carissa returned to the capital, I asked her to deliver a letter to Viola for me, along with a banknote. It was most of the savings I had accumulated over the years.

Six months later, Viola arrived at Victory Pass with a merchant caravan. She had sent word ahead, telling me when she would arrive.

I rode out to greet her.

Though it had been many years since we met, we both appeared calm when we saw each other. She stepped out of the carriage and curtsied to thank me.

I was right about her intentions-she only wanted a name, a place. Her manner was both grateful and apologetic.

Viola spoke plainly: "I've been selfish all my life, and I remain selfish now. I hope you can bear with me. I didn't spend the money you sent with Lady Carissa. I've saved a little myself, and can make some embroidery to support myself."

"Money is just a material item. But Victory Pass is not as prosperous as the capital, so I hope you won't resent life here," I replied.

She smiled. "It doesn't matter. It's the same wherever you are. As long as the heart is at peace, that's enough."

She really had changed a lot. Even her appearance wasn't as sharp and harsh as before; she had become more tolerant and kind-hearted.noveldrama

'I don't know what the future holds. But for now, I suppose I'll just take things one step at a time.'