Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 214

After Rafael had gone to the Pathfinders Guild, Helen had once again summoned Carissa to the palace.

Following the events at Eleanor's birthday banquet, Helen's view of Carissa had changed. However, it wasn't enough to change her mind about accepting Carissa as her daughter-in-law.

Helen considered various approaches; she realized she had no effective means to sway Carissa through coercion, especially given how Carissa had dared to defy Eleanor. It was clear that strong-arm

tactics would not work.

Thus, Helen decided to appeal to Carissa's emotions and reason with her, hoping she would voluntarily withdraw.

Upon arriving at the Evergreen Palace, Carissa was greeted with a table set with an array of snacks and coffee. Helen was known for her haughty demeanor, but she managed to force a smile, though it was clearly strained and unnatural.

After Carissa paid her respects, Helen dismissed the attendants and began to chat with Carissa in a casual manner.

"I genuinely mean well for you," Helen began. "Rafael has deceived you. He already has someone he loves. He once swore he would marry no one but her, so he will never give you a place in his heart. What happiness can you expect from marrying a man who doesn't love you? You've been married once already. Why let yourself be played and deceived by another man?"

Helen expected to see heartbreak on Carissa's face, but was surprised to find no change in her expression.

Carissa replied calmly, "His Highness didn't conceal this from me. I've long been aware of it."

*28 BONUS

If he doesn't love you, and you don't have feelings for him, why go through with it? Is it just

why do you think that among so many women, he chose me?"

and replied, "To him, as long as it's not

agreed. "But

question left Helen momentarily

so insistent on marrying Carissa. If he needed a wife to manage the household, there were countless noblewomen in the capital to choose from-women who

choose a

stunned, and asked,

first

capital for long,

wasn't his true love. She used this statement to lead into her second point, encouraging Helen to think

is that he believes I am a

216

consort, and also a die

1/

word "safe, raging it out

the concept was

Safety?

that even mean? If the event en derdatt must involve something from the previous era

to make her his conoline The news had seemed ludicrous then, Despite Cotterd's respSVANG background, military achievements, and good looks,