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."

entire family being wiped out. Yet, you still have the audacity to flaunt your success in front

claim to be so skilled and noble, so why did you scheme to retain my dowry? Your greed for credit is ugly, and your greed for wealth is even uglier-far more

supporting herself with both hands on the

Don't

who fight for men, so why are you here today? To ask me

marrying Barrett. Now, you know that your so-called love was nothing but a joke. You acted

Earl of Silverstone's family. Carissa's gaze grew colder. "Aurora, remember this well-my family died because of you. You should be thankful that I come from the Duke of Northwatch's family. If not for my family's values, I would have flayed you alive and ground your bones to

had grown heavier, blanketing the ground with fine, salt-like flakes. The snowfall raining down from the overcast sky intensified, swirling faster and thicker. "Pay for the vase, then leave Don't come back. If you do, I'll kill you," Carissa declared, her voice

than the snow outside.

moment, she felt true

carried a murderous intent that was impossible

uncertainly. "I don't

“Go and have the accountant draft a promissory note for fifty silver coins. Have Aurora put her fingerprint on it. Tomorrow, send

the corridor, taking deep breaths. She was shivering from the cold wind, but fine beads of sweat covered