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.

would also slowly show a smile or a cold grin before erupting into

Helen nodded and said,

with a steady calmness. With Carissa around, she felt assured that Rafael

while later, Kiera and Ryan arrived

no exchange of words or glances between mother and

served Helen her favorite dishes, showing how

significantly brighten. She even enjoyed an extra bowl of

Helen suddenly felt a wave of emotion and was on

why, but she felt a mix of bittersweet

this what she had hoped for all along? Her children were by her side, quietly enjoying a meal together. There were no complaints from her son, no scolding,

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

"The rumors

is growing louder. I've heard that General Warren took her to Jadehill Estate to apologize, but the

running awa at

matters in the estate, as everyone knew that Carissa didn't

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

reflecting on

furrowed her brows and interjected, "How can she not care? If someone dared to speak about me like

easy to bully.

Madaly have them beaten