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.

to end up with a mismatched partner who didn't get along

Rafael could easily

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

"Your Highness. If we marry, and you find someone you like later, she would only be a concubine. I don't

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

effort.

rest of our lives seems quite acceptable. At the very least, we can respect and honor

merely my one-sided affection. Before I went to the Southern Frontier, I went to her mother to ask for her

415 BONUS

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

surge of respect for Rafael. Despite his bravery and strategic

though he loved the woman

were like Rafael, the world would indeed be a kinder

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

there are any

Carissa responded almost instinctively,