Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Carissa was silent for a moment before saying, "Lulu, show our guest out."

Heather's anger flared. "Carissa, I haven't finished speaking yet, and you're already so eager to drive me away? I am your aunt!"

In her rage, Heather threw a cup to the floor, her chest heaving with emotion.

Carissa glanced at the shattered cup on the floor. The liquid spread beneath her feet, dampening the tips of her shoes.

She raised her head to meet Heather's gaze, her voice stern and cold as she said, "If you had vented your anger this way at Gracehold Estate, by smashing a cup in front of them and cursing Samuel for his heartlessness, I would have been glad for Leona and still respected you as my aunt.

"But didn't you see how aggrieved Leona was that night? Yet, you were only making excuses. When she asked if you would accept her back into the house if she got a divorce, a simple nod from you would have been a great comfort, even if you only advised her to endure.

"Her words about divorce might have been spoken out of momentary distress, but your refusal only deepened her pain and despair. Did you ever consider that?"

Heather's face turned crimson with frustration as she shouted, "She can't get divorced! Have I wasted my breath telling you all this? If I had agreed to accept her back, what would have happened if she really returned with a child in her womb? Did you ever consider her situation? She respects you so much-how could you be so cruel to her?"

with tears streaming down her face.

with putting up with some temporary distress? She's a duchess and a legitimate wife. Why should she fear a courtesan

will grow weary of her and return to Leona. If you explain that to her, she wouldn't be so adamant about getting divorced. She has always listened to you. If

as she turned her body

mother's, Carissa felt a pang of sympathy. Still, she couldn't help raising

are we afraid

through her tears, her

she buried her face in her hands. "We're terrified of being sent to our fief. You know where it is it's a harsh, desolate place.

head, her tone cold as ice as she replied, "You're afraid of facing hardship at your fief, so you choose to endure the humiliation of living

you expect Leona

serving in court. He's just a leisurely prince. No one cares whether he

you know? I don't want

protect us to some extent. Now that they're gone, we must keep a low profile in the capital. We don't even dare to employ household soldiers. So, please don't compare