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."

family being wiped out. Yet, you still have the audacity to flaunt your success in front of me, talking about how you disdain women

scheme to retain my dowry? Your greed for credit is ugly,

with both hands on the ground as she sobbed

please stop... Don't

men, so why are you here today? To ask me to tell Lady

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

he was going to marry the third lady of the Earl of Silverstone's family. Carissa's gaze grew colder. "Aurora, remember

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

than the snow outside.

moment, she felt true

intent that was impossible to

reached out uncertainly. "I don't

fifty silver coins. Have Aurora put her fingerprint on it. Tomorrow, send someone to collect the

a pillar in the corridor, taking deep breaths. She was shivering from the cold wind, but