Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

As the carriage rolled along, the strong wind and intense sun made the heat almost unbearable. Despite the sweltering conditions, the maid showed no sign of discomfort. She seemed quite resilient. Typically, a maid attending closely to her mistress would be delicate and avoid heavy labor.

However, this one was different.

Wasn't this little act of hers a bit disrespectful?

Thomas sighed and chose not to dwell on it further. They were accustomed to living on the edge, and such tricks were beneath their notice.

-

Inside the carriage, Carmen had removed her veil, revealing a face strikingly similar to Celeste's-beautiful yet distinctly cool.

With the maid outside, she spoke softly, "Lady Carissa, please save my mother."

Carissa responded gently, "But clearly, that wasn't your only reason for stopping us."

"You're right." Carmen shook her head, a hint of shame on her otherwise composed face. "My mother ordered me to ruin your relationship with the Hell Monarch."

She half-knelt and bowed, her eyes filling with tears. "Please have mercy, Lady Carissa."

should I help you?" Carissa asked, her

be as much a tool for manipulation as a sign of

and said, "I can offer you a trade. What

Carmen froze for

that moment, the maid lifted the curtain and peered inside.

replied, "I'm much

maid glanced briefly, and then let the curtain

look with Violet, trying to gauge

of whether Carmen's story was true or false, Carissa and Violet needed to discuss it further and find an opportunity. That evening, they stayed at an inn. After dinner, Carissa deliberately instructed Dylan, "Go and find out where we

Dylan nodded and left.

before asking, "Do you

wouldn't be appropriate. Our group is mostly men, and traveling together might harm her reputation since she's

all good people, and with so many of you, it would be safer for her to travel with you. There's safety in numbers." "You have your own guard, don't you?" Carissa countered. "Moreover, we'll

However, she

with the long journey ahead, having you with us would ease my mind. Besides,

"I see. Which family do you come from? If we know them, we might be able to lend you the money for the horses. You can repay us when we reach the capital." Before Carmen could respond, the maid had already bowed and answered, "My mistress is from the Lester family. We live at the