Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Seeing Margaret's pallid complexion, Carissa ordered for herbal tonic soup to be brought in. The soup was originally intended for her own use, as Rafael had advised her to keep up her health and prevent any lingering ailments from the battlefield.

Noticing Margaret's breath was more hurried than usual, as though she was seething with anger, Carissa said gently, "There was no need for you to make this trip if you're unwell. What happened last night has nothing to do with you."

Margaret drank the herbal tonic soup, clutching her chest for a long time. Then, she started speaking slowly, "I truly wish it had nothing to do with our household. But Jessica is still part of our family, and I saw what happened yesterday with my own eyes.

"She wanted to ruin Prince Rafael's reputation, only to end up ensnaring her own husband in the scandal. She brought shame upon herself, and left our family no choice but to bring Ms. Warren into our household as a concubine."

Carissa had anticipated this outcome. The Marquis of Ironridge's family valued its reputation above all else. Though Jessica had tarnished it over the years, Margaret had constantly been cleaning up after her. The younger members of their family were always cautious, guarding their actions and words to avoid bringing disgrace to their name.

For a family that had stood for over a century, preserving their honor was paramount. They would rather suffer in silence than let their name be sullied.

What's more, the fault lay with Jessica, Margaret's own daughter-in-law.

"The Warren family came today," Margaret continued, breaking her usual discretion.

She never aired her household's dirty laundry, not even a whisper-but today was different. The matter had occurred at Hell Monarch Estate and during Helen's birthday banquet, no less.

"Rebecca was adamant that my son had ruined her daughter's reputation. With so many witnesses present, they now claim their daughter's marriage prospects are ruined. They're even willing to lower their standards and have Ms. Warren enter our household as a concubine."

wanting to comment too much on the situation, offered gentle consolation, "It's

Your Grace," Margaret quickly composed herself,

with the matriarch of the Warren family had shown her

smiled slightly. "I've seen a lot, Madam Winchester. It's always difficult to deal with those

in her expression. "You must have had a hard time

Carissa replied gently. "If she lacked proper conduct

Margaret sighed, nodding. "Everyone

happened yesterday. She wasn't interested in my son. I've already reprimanded him-how could he be so foolish?

years in

learned caution or

е

lapse in etiquette. This time, it was just about taking a concubine, but what about next time? This serves as a lesson for him to

careless again."

aware of Margaret's level-headedness, and agreed, "That is true, especially when it comes

to the

wash over her. "I've already seen enough of that today The desperation to latch on,