Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

tampered

with.

The next day, Greta and Dustin realized they had been drugged the previous night. There were clear signs that their belongings had been searched. Though their bundles had been repacked, their cautious nature meant they could tell immediately if anything had been "It's a good thing," Greta said, her eyes flashing with a cold gleam. "They must be planning to take us back to the capital, which is why they searched us. Once that's done, the rest will be easier."

She turned to Carmen. "During the rest stops, try to spend time alone with the Hell Monarch and make it clear, subtly, that you're skilled in martial arts. He favors women who are proficient in combat." Carmen nodded and pressed her hand to her forehead. "I feel a bit dizzy."

"It's normal," Greta said dismissively. "We were all drugged. You'll feel better soon."

Looking at Carmen, Greta continued, "Remember, seize any opportunity to get close to the Hell Monarch. It was a miscalculation that his princess consort arrived before us. The grand princess' letter came too late."

"The Hell Monarch's princess consort left the city in the evening. It's only normal that Mother didn't know about her departure," Carmen remarked.

With her hands clasped behind her back as if she were strategizing, Greta replied, "Yes, having the princess consort around makes things more complicated. But even so, the plan remains unchanged. Whether by persistent efforts or other means, we need to ensure the couple has conflicts and grievances. Ideally, you would become a concubine of the Hell Monarch."

was just past nine in the

do my best. You can trust

as you complete your mission,

understand!" Carmen's eyes were resolute. "I'll make sure to

to follow instructions and criticized others for being useless. She only learned to obey after

is she now?"

expression haughty. "You don't have to worry about her. She

sister caused trouble at Gracehold Estate. Will

treat your mom, and her meals have improved. Whether she can leave the dungeon depends on your own abilities." Carmen nodded obediently. "I

group continued

members showed no interest in Carmen's situation. They were observant, and they waited until both Rafael and Carissa had a

caring for

of many things She only knew that a woman needed saving and would be accompanying

and