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."

you?"

Carmen's tears, but understood that they could be as much a tool for manipulation as

"I can

her. Carmen froze for a moment before quickly putting her

moment, the maid lifted the curtain and peered inside. Then, she

"I'm much better

and then let the curtain fall back into

a look with Violet, trying to

go on, they couldn't yet make a judgment. Regardless 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

Dylan nodded and left.

glance before asking, "Do you not wish to travel

be appropriate. Our group is mostly men, and traveling together might harm her reputation

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 be traveling not too far apart even if we separate. We can

refute this point. However, she seemed increasingly distressed and repeatedly glanced

said, "Lady Sinclair understand it's an inconvenience. However, with the long journey ahead, having you with us would ease my mind.

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