Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Carissa turned her face away, a smile on her lips. It was only natural that she would have asked Sebastian to investigate. After all, men with self-respect weren't exactly common in this world.

Rafael gritted his teeth. "You actually think I'd have those kinds of diseases? I've been on the battlefield all this time! You didn't really suspect me, did you?"

The soldiers swam back to shore as Carissa reached out to take Violet's hand, completely ignoring her husband's question. Greta noticed Rafael's frustration and Carissa's haste to leave, as if the two were in the middle of a spat.

The journey back to the capital was uneventful after that. By the time they returned, it was almost August.

The Ministry of Protocol had long been aware of their arrival schedule, and news of their return had spread like wildfire across the capital. Filled with the purest of sentiments, the common people were naturally thrilled to see their heroes return. Crowds filled the streets, all eager for a glimpse.

Before entering the city, Carissa handed her horse to Carmen, instructing her to return it another day.

"Thank you, Lady Sinclair," Carmen said respectfully. "May I ask where you live?"

"Hell Monarch Estate," Carissa responded.

Carmen's eyes widened in shock. "Hell Monarch Estate? Are you... the Hell Monarch's princess consort?"

She hurriedly prepared to bow in deference, with Greta following suit. But Carissa waved them off.

"No need for formalities. Just bring the horse back tomorrow."

Having said that, Carissa extended her hand to Rafael. After casting a brief glance at Carmen, the prince took his wife's hand and pulled her up with a firm tug. The two rode off together on the same horse.

but the real challenge was gaining entry into his estate. To do that, Carmen first had to

need to

friend, the betrayal from both a friend and her husband would hit her even harder, increasing the chances of causing a much

out a small sigh of

a horse, making sure he was seated comfortably. Meanwhile, Violet, Kayla, and Carissa sat

approved this arrangement. Thomas took charge of leading the horse to prevent it from becoming agitated by the noise and crowd. If anything went

young soldiers had thought the procession would be a simple formality, but they hadn't anticipated how overwhelming it

they passed

gates, a

could not be contained. In their frenzy, they broke through the lines, rushing forward to chase after the horses. They ran, shouting and calling out

followed.

hold back their emotions. Tears welled in their eyes as they waved to the faces in the crowd-these

everything felt worth

the way ahead. The streets were filled with the sounds of drums and fireworks, smoke billowing around

had a royal edict

madness of the crowd made it

couldn't hold the

it would be best to wait until they reached

and there was a circular platform in the middle. The officials led the eleven heroes to stand in that