Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

The carriage jolted over the uneven road, and the hurried pace only made the ride more grueling for Kayla. After just half an hour, Carissa noticed Kayla's face had gone pale, her hand clutching her chest as if she were about to be sick. Carissa asked, "Are you feeling nauseous from the carriage ride? Should I have the driver slow down?"

"No, don't slow down," Kayla waved her hand dismissively. "We need to go as fast as possible. I wish this horse had wings to fly us to Westglade. Don't mind how frail I look, Your Grace I can endure hardship."

"Alright, then." Carissa reached into her bag and pulled out the dried fruits Lulu had packed. Finding some ginger candies, she said, "Suck on this candy. It'll help you feel better."

"Thank you!" Kayla popped a piece into her mouth. The sweet and spicy taste spread in her mouth, somewhat alleviating her nausea.

-

Meanwhile, Rafael had arranged for the carriage to be modified in Simonton City. It was now spacious enough for Lawrence to lie down comfortably. Soft padding was added to ease the pain from the bumps. The military physician sat in the carriage with him, fanning away the heat and monitoring his condition.

Oliver had provided the best horses for everyone else.

Having stayed out of sight for a while, Oliver finally came out to see them off. He avoided eye contact with Thomas, and Thomas did the same. There was almost no exchange of glances between them.

As Thomas was about to mount his horse, however, Oliver suddenly called out, "Thomas!"

"Do you need

looked at Thomas' tanned, clean-shaven face, noting the absence of his former charm. He

glad you're still

you, Marshal

himself onto the horse with practiced ease. The man sat upright with the poise of a soldier. Of all Oliver's brothers-in-law, Thomas was the one Oliver admired

escorting them all the way to Westglade. Since there was no ongoing war, their extended absence

the relatives had

they would never meet again, it was only natural to want to spend as much time

a common

his head.

to Meadow Ridge. However, the route he traveled for now was the

their pace was slow. Everett and Rafael rode side by

Frontier in the future. But if there is one, it will surely be a disaster under Oliver's command," Everett remarked. Everett had a sharp eye for people, and could read them with uncanny accuracy. He had only met Oliver a handful of times, but it was enough to see through him. Whether someone was weak, strong, cowardly, or

confidence of a marshal. His confidence was merely an act, and it was