Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

As Carissa saw Sebastian out, he sighed and said, "Being captured by human traffickers is undeniably unfortunate, but escaping the massacre of your entire family is a great stroke of luck amidst the

misfortune."

Carissa didn't share his view.

Had Ryan delivered the candied apples to Valor Estate as planned, she would have personally ensured his safe return, though it would have likely meant staying a night at Northwatch Estate. If she had been there when the Westhaven spies attacked, she might have been able to save some of them, and the massacre might not have been so complete.

So, her hatred for the traffickers was deep and all-consuming. She hoped to see them utterly eradicated, and not a single one of them spared.

After sending Sebastian on his way, Carissa asked for a carriage to be prepared. She intended to take Ryan to the palace to meet the king and the queen dowager. Following that, they would visit the Klein family.

New clothes had been made for Ryan, as only a few of his old garments were left in the estate. During the funeral, many of his clothes were buried with his family, and only a few were left as keepsakes. Although Ryan's new clothes didn't fit perfectly, they were only slightly short. His facial injuries had healed, leaving only faint scars. After careful grooming, Ryan was dressed in his old finery, making it seem as though no time had passed and nothing had changed.

reality, it

lamed leg made it difficult for him to walk quickly-he had to hop awkwardly

them leave with tears in his eyes. The pain of broken bones was something he deeply understood; his own mobility was limited, though still much better compared to Ryan's suffering.

began to flow once more. She took his hand and guided him to sit beside her, gently stroking his cheek. "Oh, you're so thin... You've suffered so much." Ryan

compassion. He offered words of encouragement and bestowed some gifts. His gaze held

left. Once his health improves, raise him well. With time, he will surely grow into

eyes lingered on her as he said, "You've lost weight

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Chapter 253

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her gaze and murmured, "I

and asked, "Derek mentioned that the Klein family is skeptical.