Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Aurora recalled everything that had happened on the Southern Frontier battlefield. Reflecting on the events now, she recognized that she had indeed fallen into a trap. She had suspected many things, but had been unwilling to believe, instead coming up with numerous excuses and reasons.

The biggest reason she clung to was that Rafael aimed to elevate Carissa, thus erasing Aurora's achievements and declaring in advance that she would receive no credit.

But Carissa was here, laying everything bare and dissecting it piece by piece.

Aurora had no place to hide. She could only shuffle to the door, curl up there, and mutter, "No, it wasn't like that."

then

Carissa stood before the memorial plaques, her figure shadowed by the candles behind her, making her expression indistinct.

Her voice was soft and haunting as she said, "Aurora, you're still alive. You should be grateful.

"Yet, my family will never return, all because of you. Tell me, is it a wonder that I hate you? I've endured for so long. I didn't want to harm you, but why did you come to me? You achieved merit at Victory Pass. Before the truth reached me, even if you and Barrett had married, I would have respected you for being a woman willing to fight for the kingdom."

came at the cost of my entire family being wiped out. Yet,

and noble, so why did you scheme to retain my dowry? Your greed for credit is ugly, and your greed for

was supporting herself with both hands on the ground as

Don't say anything

you take it? You looked down on women who fight for men, so why are you here

love was nothing but a joke. You acted so grand in front of me,

to marry the third lady of the Earl of Silverstone's family. Carissa's gaze grew colder. "Aurora, remember this well-my family died because of you. You should

heavier, blanketing the ground with fine, salt-like flakes. The snowfall raining down from the overcast sky intensified, swirling faster and thicker. "Pay

than the snow outside.

At that moment,

carried a murderous intent that was impossible to

and reached out uncertainly. "I don't have

for fifty silver coins. Have Aurora put her fingerprint on it. Tomorrow, send someone to collect the money." Frederick's eyes darkened as he nodded

sanctuary hall and leaned against a pillar in the corridor, taking deep breaths. She was