Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 173

Although she was touched, Carissa still refused.

"His Majesty's edict requires me to find a husband within three. months. I believe he intends to designate a successor for the title. If I were to marry you under false pretenses, His Majesty might not approve."

Rafael hadn't anticipated this response. It seemed she still didn't fully understand Salvador's intentis. After a moment's thought, he pressed his hand down in a calming gesture.

"You needn't worry about that. I will speak to the king. His concern about designating a successor is likely due to his fear of you finding someone as fickle and unfaithful as Barrett." Disparaging her former suitor was a petty tactic, but it likely seemed reasonable to her.

When Carissa heard Barrett's name, she remained unmoved. However, what Rafael said wasn't without merit. The title of duke was now backed by the Sinclair Army-the generals and soldiers. who used to follow Hector, and now Carissa. So, choosing a successor required careful consideration.

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Previously, when Salvador had conferred honors upon her father, he had mentioned that her future husband could inherit the title. He probably hadn't anticipated that she might earn the Sinclair Army's recognition on the battlefield herself. Now that it was known, a casual selection was out of the question.

The three-month period, which was supposedly for her to find a husband, was, in reality, Salvador's way of searching for a suitable successor. But Salvador would only consider whether the person was suitable for the title, not whether they were suitable for her or capable of spending a lifetime with her.

it was easy to end up with a mismatched

her line of thought, Rafael could

the king insists on granting me a marriage. Even though I'm his younger brother, I must comply with his wishes. Rather than marry someone else, it is better for my partner to be you," he said. Carissa gazed into his deep black eyes beneath his long lashes,

long pause, she finally said, "Your Highness. If we marry, and you find someone you like later, she would only be a concubine. I don't need a divorce from you. I have already divorced once. If I were to do it again,

urge to leap. Instead, he pressed down on his crown with a restrained motion. He tried to maintain a nonchalant demeanor, but his

effort.

woman. Living this way with you for the rest of our lives seems quite acceptable. At the very least, we can respect and honor each other as guests," he said. Carissa couldn't help but be curious. "May I ask who the lady is? Your clearly have a deep affection for her.

mentioned, Rafael's eyes glowed brightly. "She doesn't actually know my feelings. It was merely my one-sided affection. Before

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it's best. not to say. She is already married, and I wouldn't want to affect her." Carissa

felt a surge of respect for Rafael. Despite his bravery and strategic mind on

the woman deeply, he

were like Rafael, the world would indeed be a kinder place for

reaction, Rafael adopted a commanding tone similar to that of a military camp. "Carissa, give me a clear answer.

dawdle. If there are

Carissa responded almost