Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

"Madam Viola!" Zoey's maid, Jane, called out as she hurried over. "What are you doing here?"

Viola turned away, her face pale as she murmured, "I heard he's now a third-rank major general."

"Who are you talking about, Madam Viola? It's best not to gossip about others," Jane replied.

She had spent many years by Zoey's side and knew exactly who Viola was referring to. She sought to remind Viola to tread carefully.

But Viola seemed oblivious to Jane's warning, saying, "The king only made my brother a major general before he left for the Southern Frontier. A major general is the main commander responsible for defending a region. Which region would he be stationed at?" Jane's tone turned serious, "Madam Viola, you should be more concerned about your husband. He's here today too."

Her heart filled with bitterness, Viola appeared not to hear Jane's words, continuing, "What merit did he achieve to earn such a reward? Lady Kayla's husband was granted an earldom, and now she has a noble title of her own. He received a third-rank major general title. What great achievement does that represent? Wasn't it just delivering messages? On what grounds? What about those soldiers who truly fight on the battlefield-don't they feel disheartened?"

Jane grasped her arm tightly, her nails digging in to pull Viola back to reality. "Madam Viola, mind your words. We're at the Quinton family's residence."

The sharp pain in her arm jolted Viola, bringing her back to herself. She felt a mix of shame and anger.

"Who told you to follow me?"

"Madam Zoey was worried you might get lost, so she sent me to accompany you," Jane replied calmly.

get lost? Or is it that she fears I won't know my place? She's worried I'll embarrass myself and tarnish the reputation of the Earl of Silverstone's family,"

Madam Zoey doesn't think that way either. If you find the crowd too noisy, I can keep you company while you take a walk in the garden. The breeze today is nice. It will clear your mind and remind you of your identity as a member

you're going to follow

her felt mocking, as if she were the subject

out of the

Jane quietly reported to Zoey, who frowned when

Barrett was still in the courtyard.

That was quite embarrassing,

е

there

people at the entrance.

demeanor on the outside. Privately, she instructed Jane to find Poppy

anything happens, report back immediately.

to the estate, he hurried straight to Grace Mansion, where he

terrible headache and thought it best

pale face, Barrett's irritation softened into concern. He sat down beside her. "You should have mentioned that you weren't feeling well. It's not proper to just walk out like that without informing