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.

ga

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.

was easy to end up with a mismatched partner who

line of thought, Rafael could easily guess her current

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, which seemed as dark as a starless

don't need a divorce from you. I have already divorced once. If I were to do it

fought the urge to leap. Instead, he pressed down on his crown with a restrained motion. He tried to

effort.

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. How could she bear

question was mentioned, Rafael's eyes glowed brightly. "She doesn't actually know my feelings. It was merely my one-sided affection. Before I went to the Southern Frontier, I went to her mother to

415 BONUS

for who she is, it's best. not to say. She is already married, and I wouldn't want to affect her." Carissa nodded in agreement. "What you say is very true. A woman's reputation is important. Since she

of respect for Rafael. Despite his bravery and strategic mind

women face. Even though he loved the woman deeply, he refrained from mentioning her to avoid tarnishing her

the world would indeed be a kinder place for

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

If there are

Carissa responded