Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

After a brief chat, Carissa asked, "Can the earring be repaired?"

"My mother-in-law has already sent it to The Golden Tower for examination. It should be repairable," Kayla replied.

"Such a valuable item should be kept safely; wearing it out carries risks," Carissa said, noticing how much Kayla cared about the earring and understanding its significance to her.

"I usually don't wear it," Kayla said with a smile, though her eyes were misted with tears. "But it was Alexander's first day at the academy yesterday. I thought if I wore it, it would feel like my late husband was with me, sending our child to the academy together."

Her voice trembled slightly, "That was one of the things we vowed to do together when we got married. I know it's silly. But if I don't lie to myself sometimes, it's hard to get through the day."

Carissa's eyes were filled with compassion, half for Kayla and half for herself.

"You're strong, Your Grace. Unlike me, I know you wouldn't do something silly like lying to yourself."

Kayla's voice was tinged with sadness, but she seemed eager to talk to someone.

Perhaps it was because she hadn't confided in anyone for a long time. Or maybe because Kayla's husband had served under the Duke of Northwatch and perished with him and his six sons on the Southern Frontier battlefield.

and my talents are unremarkable. My character is reserved and I lack decisiveness. My husband, on the other hand, was a hero in his youth. He was

him when I was seventeen. I'm twenty-five now, and we've been married for eight years. We were often apart, which is why we couldn't have our own children. Fortunately, we have Alexander now. Although he's not

father. And I hope that someday, I can take him to the place where his father fell, so he can pay his respects and offer

looked at Carissa with tear-filled yet resolute

have

lead you there. However, once you reach the Southern Frontier, you can ask the locals. They have erected a monument in the

through her tears. "That's good to hear. I can rest easy now,

her tears, Carissa felt unsure of how to comfort

wouldn't want to see you in

he would be heartbroken. He told me once that seeing me cry hurt him too," Kayla said, wiping her tears away with a sad smile. "The memories are so vivid in my mind Every night, when I toss and turn, I find myself replaying every word he said over

glance, both feeling a pang of

of composure. I didn't mean to cause discomfort for you,

talk about it, doesn't it?"

a lot," Kayla replied, her eyes and nose reddened from

seemed like all her emotions had finally found a release, bringing her a sense of

Kayla left,

wasn't there for you during your hardest times, and it

heart.