Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

One day, they stopped to rest in a small grove by the main road. About a mile away, there was a clear, shallow stream. The weather was hot, so everyone rushed toward the water.

Carmen washed her hands in the stream, but she couldn't jump in and soak like the men. However, seeing them play so happily, she picked up a stick and started to dance by the water's edge. Although her movements lacked any deadly force, they were graceful and captivating. She danced on tiptoe, leaping and spinning, blending dance with martial arts in a visually pleasing manner.

Caught up in the moment, everyone jumped out of the water and began to show off their own martial arts skills.

Greta observed Rafael, noticing that his gaze lingered on Carmen with what seemed to be admiration. She exchanged a satisfied glance with Dustin. As expected, the Hell Monarch was indeed particularly attentive to women skilled in martial arts.

After a long while, Rafael finally withdrew his gaze. He looked somewhat guilty as he glanced briefly at Carissa, who was talking with Violet nearby. He then walked over to them.

Greta did not miss Rafael's guilty look. Despite the setbacks they had encountered, including the presence of his princess consort, the prince had indeed taken the bait.

As Rafael sat next to Carissa, Violet automatically moved away to talk to Carmen.

"I didn't expect you to be skilled in sword dancing," she remarked.

Carmen blushed slightly. "It's nothing more than a decorative skill. If it were of any real use, you wouldn't need to protect me on the way back to the capital."

"I also practice martial arts. When we return to the capital, come and see me. We can have a sparring match," Violet replied enthusiastically.

a cautious

see that Ms. Spencer has taken a liking to my mistress. She will certainly visit your

her a sidelong glance. "You're just a maid, but you're asking quite a

quickly bowed. "I apologize for my indiscretion. Ms.

I can't expect you to have adequate manners," Violet quipped, dismissing her with a hint of

She merely took a few steps back and stood with

Rafael and Carissa were speaking

have been a bit distracted when

shot him a sidelong glance.

Rafael turned his head.

Raf?

sense of joy at the nickname, as it suggested they had been married for many years. Previously, she had always called

between husband and wife.

awkward, as if it were something she found difficult to say.

his choices, and his dad, who had picked this name out of

but do you want me to call you

to be unaware