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 partner who didn't get along

line of thought, Rafael could easily

my ideal partner married, I hadn't planned to take a wife. However, 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, which seemed as dark as a starless

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, it would be a disgrace

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

effort.

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 to disappoint

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

415 BONUS

She is already married, and

his bravery and strategic mind on the battlefield, he was so considerate

the difficulties women face. Even though he loved the woman deeply, he refrained from

men were like Rafael, the world would indeed be a kinder

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

If there are

Carissa responded almost