Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

The next day, Viola dressed with care. She pinned a peony blossom in her hair before heading out with Poppy. She had a specific destination in mind. If she found him there, it would confirm that Thomas still held her in his heart.

At the base of Richspire Peak, there was a stream. About halfway up, the stream flowed down a steep slope, forming a small waterfall. Whenever Thomas felt upset, couldn't figure something out, or struggled to make a decision, he would come here to practice his swordsmanship. He had brought her to this spot once before.

As they climbed, Poppy supported her. However, Poppy grew increasingly uneasy as they ventured further from civilization. "Madam Viola, where are we going? It's still so hot. Do you think you can handle it?" "We're almost there."

Viola felt exhausted, but it wasn't like she could ride a carriage up this mountain. It had been years since she had walked such a rugged path. She paused to catch her breath, casting a cold glance at Poppy. "No matter whom we see today, you mustn't breathe a word to anyone, understand?"

Poppy nodded nervously. Though she hadn't learned proper manners, she sensed that their trip to the mountains was not entirely appropriate, especially with so few people around.

What would they do if they encountered danger? Who was Viola even going to meet? The secrecy weighed on Poppy's mind, and she recalled Jane's words from the night before.

By the time they reached the halfway point, the sound of the waterfall reached Viola's ears, making her heart race.

Would he really be here?

Suddenly, the ground felt impossibly heavy beneath her feet.

What if he wasn't? She had spent all night thinking about him. If he were absent, wouldn't her actions have been ridiculous?

deep breaths, Viola made her way along the narrow mountain path. It had been years since she had last visited; now, there were even small trails, indicating that others had

rounded a bend, the view opened up before

waterfall. The sight ignited

Thomas was really here.

hair. Then, she took a deep breath and instructed

turned pale with fear. "Madam Viola, y-you can't do this! If the general

general." Viola shot her a cold glance. "If you don't say anything, no one will know. Just stay here

of

е

Sheathed his

the roar of

he

still hear

time as

the

in surprise.

they locked eyes, Viola moved closer, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She didn't wipe them away. Instead, she let them flow

figure. He retreated a few steps and