Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 135

In coffeehouses across the capital, storytellers spared no effort in embellishing Carissa's military achievements, portraying her conquest of the cities as a grand tale of heroism. As a result, the common people grew to admire Carissa immensely, completely forgetting the harsh words they had once spoken about her after her divorce.

Heather finally understood why she had been confined to her quarters. When her daughter got married, Carissa had sent people to offer congratulatory gifts, which Heather had declined. At the time, she had complained to those around her, saying that Carissa, being a divorced woman, had no business sending gifts-it was bad luck.

Upon hearing of this, Harvey was furious and slapped her. "She's your niece! If your sister in heaven knew what you did, would she not be upset with you for being so heartless? It's one thing for strangers to show Carissa disdain, but you're her aunt! You're truly..."

Harvey was a leisurely prince with no real power or responsibilities, which was why he remained in the capital. He had never concerned himself with Carissa and Barrett's divorce, nor did he dare to interfere, as any royal edict regarding marriage or divorce was beyond his jurisdiction.

He was unaware of Carissa's attempt to honor his daughter with congratulatory wedding gifts. Had he known, he would have accepted the gifts to avoid offending Carissa, though he might not have given them to his daughter.

"It wasn't that I disliked her, I was afraid you and your family would hold it against her. I acted out of a moment of poor judgment," Heather cried, feeling both anxious and regretful after being slapped. "You didn't even know she went to war, which shows you never bothered to check on her. You claim to have acted out a moment of poor judgment, but it's clearly a lack of compassion," Harvey countered. Heather defended herself, "But we were confined to our quarters!"

"You could have sent someone to check on her. Not everyone in the household was confiner Harvey's face turned a deep shade of red. "Your sister treated you so well. You and your sister had a close bond that everyone admired. After such a heartless act, will Carissa still acknowledge you as her aunt when she returns?"

was not genuinely about familial bonds, but rather about maintaining good relations with those in power. Having made significant contributions, Carissa now held a

interest in making enemies with any officials who wielded power-especially since Carissa's divorce had been granted by the king himself. Plus, Hector had been posthumously elevated to the title of duke, which could be inherited. The Duke of Northwatch's family would surely thrive in the future under the new

Carissa had made such achievements on

Hector to a duke was merely a formality to

1/2

+15 BONUS

actions and wanted to quickly try to make

about this. When Carissa returns in triumph, I'll make sure Leona visits her. They were very close when they were young. Otherwise, Carissa wouldn't have sent

couldn't even attend the New Year celebrations in the palace. Clearly, the king holds a grudge now. Just wait and

Her actions had indeed been a moment of poor judgment. She didn't despise Carissa- they were relatives, so it was obvious there

simply wanted to avoid further

tears as she spoke to the old maid who was applying ointment

sister were once very close. When General Warren sought permission to marry General Yates, you, as Lady Sinclair's aunt, should have gone to the

it was a royal edict. How could I