Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Carissa pinched his cheek playfully. "If you stop scowling in front of her, she won't think you're going to lecture her."

Rafael caught her hand and, with a playful peck on her lips, replied with a smile, "I can't help it—it's just my natural aura."

"You often smile when you're with me, don't you? You should smile more at her too."

Rafael nodded. "Alright, I'll do as you say."

Carissa went out to give instructions, telling the servants not to bring food to Helen's room. Instead, Carissa would personally invite her to the dining hall.

Helen was a bit fidgety, and asked several times how Rafael was feeling today.

Carissa reassured, "He's in a good mood."

Relieved, Helen followed Carissa to the dining hall. Rafael was already seated and, upon seeing her, stood up and greeted her. "Mom, you're here."

His tall, upright figure, combined with his habitual calm demeanor, conveyed the imposing presence of a seasoned general.

Then, in a show of obedience to his wife's advice, Rafael slowly smiled at Helen.

Helen was taken aback.

mind, she recalled the signs before the late emperor's outbursts-he would also slowly show a smile or a cold grin before erupting into fierce anger. Rafael increasingly

and

a steady calmness. With Carissa around, she

Kiera and Ryan arrived and took

with no exchange of words

her favorite dishes, showing

Helen's mood significantly brighten. She even enjoyed

meal, as coffee was served and the servants cleared the dishes, Helen suddenly felt a

but she felt a mix of bittersweet

by her side, quietly enjoying a meal together. There were no complaints from her son, no scolding, no reprimands, and no signs of

coffee, they chatted about the current happenings. One of the matters that came up was what happened to Mary,

"The rumors outside

In fact, the outcry against Aurora is growing louder. I've heard that General Warren took her to Jadehill Estate

running awa

matters in the estate, as everyone knew that Carissa

with the Marquis of Jadehill's actions. She didn't take Aurora's words to heart. Madam Clayton said since the deed was done, let people talk as they please. She isn't

was reflecting on

can she not care? If someone dared to speak about me like that,

Clayton is simply too easy to bully. If

Madaly have them beaten