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?"

they would offer their children to her and then serve as footmaids by her

bite of the pepper. After chewing briefly, he quickly swallowed. His eyes suddenly turned bloodshot, and he grabbed his cup to drink, coughing as he

a handkerchief to cover his mouth. The handkerchief was overly conspicuous, and Carissa turned

was neither a bird nor a bee, and it was all

he even remember who

needed to find a way

but on his

the spiciness, continued to drink

seamstresses. This 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

his eyes showed genuine regret, indicating he

never remember. She needed to practice her embroidery diligently in the coming days, and make sure he didn't notice

handkerchief, has anyone ever given you a handmade gift?" Carissa asked while serving him

ate. His manners were very refined, a stark contrast to