Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

When Carissa indicated that something was wrong, Violet naturally sought confirmation.

Violet approached Claire, asking her to assign someone to keep an eye on Harvey. Violet also instructed Claire repeatedly to avoid leaving any traces, and to ensure that no one discovered she was monitoring the people in Hartstone Estate. When assassins had infiltrated Valor Estate, Carissa had stepped in to help and had been summoned to the palace to explain the situation. Salvador had grown suspicious of Rafael, so everything must be done carefully. On the day Serena was to enter the Marquis of Ironridge's family, a sudden downpour arrived unexpectedly.

Through the heavy rain, a small carriage entered through the side gate of Ironridge Estate. Serena had brought no noteworthy dowry, and cast a resentful glance at Barrett before stepping into the carriage.

Once inside the estate, Serena greeted Jessica respectfully and served her a glass of wine, as was customary. However, Serena didn't even get to see the Marquis of Ironridge.

She didn't meet Margaret, either. The older woman merely sent her a pair of ordinary emerald bracelets as a token gift, and assigned her to Autumn Hall.

Originally, Serena had brought two maids with her. But within half an hour of arriving, the maids were sent back to Valor Estate. Jessica arranged for a few others to attend to Serena, but their attitude was far from respectful.

Serena was a concubine, but she received even less consideration than a typical concubine would, leaving her feeling deeply wronged. Yet, she understood that this was Ironridge Estate, and she had to endure. She could no longer behave as she had at Valor Estate, where she had been able to express her anger freely.

That evening, she bathed and dressed up elegantly, hoping Leopold would come to her room. After all, it was her first night in the household, and it was expected of him to make an appearance. She waited until midnight, but he still didn't come.

She took off her hairpins, crawled into bed, and finally cried out of frustration.

The next day, she learned that Leopold had spent the night in Emma's quarters.

Emma was Leopold's only secondary wife. She had borne children, and was now pregnant again. Given her condition, it was inappropriate for her to serve Leopold at night, yet he preferred to stay with Emma rather than visit Serena in Autumn Hall. After Serena's marriage, the Warren family seemed to have settled into a calm state.

the reason they were tasked with discreetly monitoring Aurora while also

felt a growing sense of foreboding, as if

situation was serious. If it was investigated, Valor Estate might be raided or the Warren family might even

who had led

trivialities of daily life, left him feeling utterly

one day, he found himself standing at Northwatch Estate's

first visit to the Sinclair family. He had been nervous, yet hopeful. He remembered making a powerful promise in front of Melanie-to never take

keep my promise, I'm willing to be

daughter of the

end, he had failed to keep his promise. He

gate and stood

pulled himself together, and strode off after

Frederick frowned.

the people in the Warren family could be. He hoped Barrett

sent someone

Estate to inform

visit to Northwatch

be cautious and avoid any association