Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Just then, the waiter brought out the food to be served, and Carissa fell silent. She watched as each dish was laid out before them.

Among them was her favorite-spicy stuffed peppers. Their vibrant red and green hues looked utterly appetizing.

There was a variety of dishes, both spicy and mild options, and the fragrant aroma soon filled the room.

Carissa was ravenous. She picked up her utensils, and addressed Rafael's earlier question.

"When we left, Frederick mentioned that over the years, Lord Henry had taken many concubines. Most of them died after giving birth. I thought, if a concubine dies, it could be due to an accident or childbirth complications, but for so many to die—it's hard not to be suspicious."

As she spoke, she picked up a stuffed pepper and placed it on her plate. She also served some to Rafael. "Try some of this. It's the star of all the dishes."

Then, she spooned a small amount of red chili and green chili onto his plate.

"Okay." Rafael looked at the bright red chili with a serious expression, not hurrying to eat. "Your suspicion is correct. Indeed, Henry's concubines were all cruelly mistreated and died terrible deaths." Carissa asked, "I didn't see any concubines around Grand Princess Eleanor today. Were all killed? And the children born of those concubines are missing too?"

Those who knew how to behave might have survived. After giving birth, they would offer their children to

suddenly turned bloodshot, and he grabbed his cup to drink, coughing as he said, "It's

his mouth. The handkerchief was overly conspicuous, and Carissa turned her face away, unable to

was neither a bird nor a bee,

remember who gave him

to find a way to steal it

took a bite of the stuffed pepper, savoring its spicy and smooth taste. It was truly soul-satisfying. However, her focus wasn't on the food but on his handkerchief. Casually, she asked, "This handkerchief of yours doesn't seem very well embroidered. Was it made

cheeks flushed from the spiciness, continued to drink water, gradually clearing the fiery sensation from his

handkerchief has been with me for a long time. I remember it was made by a young girl who was just learning embroidery. It was the first handmade gift I received, so I've kept it. I'm just a bit regretful that I can't recall who the

showed genuine regret,

likely never remember. She needed to practice her embroidery diligently in the coming days, and make

this handkerchief, has anyone ever given you a handmade gift?" Carissa asked

the food cool a bit before he ate. His manners