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!"

turned around. "Do you need something, Marshal

face, noting the absence of his former

glad you're

grinned. "Thank you,

a soldier. Of all Oliver's

there was no ongoing war, their extended absence was not an issue, and Oliver didn't

relatives

for years and once thought they would never meet again, it was only natural to

was a common

Highness!" Oliver said, but Rafael didn't even turn his head. He simply waved his hand, and spurred his

However, the route he traveled for

pace was slow. Everett and

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

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