Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1137

Isaac was silent for a long moment. He took a deep drink from the wine bottle, then tucked the Night Pearl away, wrapping it carefully before placing it in a small box. The glow faded, leaving only the faint light of the moon and a sky full of stars. Violet hadn't expected Isaac to have such a background. Carissa had never mentioned it before.

He had always been someone who lingered in brothels, either listening to the courtesans sing or playing music for them himself, a carefree and roguish sort. How could he possibly be a nobleman's son?

As Isaac remained silent, Violet's mind began to form an entire drama about a family rivalry behind closed doors.

He had said that he was born in a way that benefitted his dad. That surely meant he was well-loved, but a concubine's son gaining favor was a challenge to the legitimacy of the first wife's children.

As for what kind of woman his mother was, that remained unclear, but one could surmise she didn't seem to have much influence. Otherwise, how could Isaac have ended up wandering the streets without a home to return to? "Was it Evelyn who didn't want you to go back? Was she afraid you'd compete for the inheritance?" Violet ventured cautiously.

"They don't even know I'm alive," Isaac said, a carefree smile on his lips. "It's probably for the best. The Earl of Silverstone's family seems prosperous on the outside, but it's full of danger. They're better off not knowing I survived. If I had gone back, I would've had to face the mess they made there.

"But in just a few days here in the capital, I learned of my sister-in-law's troubles. I couldn't just ignore it. She might be the lady of the house, but to the Earl of Silverstone's family, she's still an outsider. A lot of responsibilities shouldn't be hers to bear."

Violet listened to him ramble on, trying to make sense of his words. After a moment, she asked, "So, you want to help Madam Zoey?"

because I can't help that it weighs

how could you help? Your mom probably doesn't even acknowledge you. If you stepped in, she'd be wary of you and afraid you'd come back to claim

But if my sister-in-law were smart, she'd secure a future for herself. The capital isn't the only place to stay. She should take her children and find somewhere else to go. That's what we in the martial arts world would do. But she won't listen. So, I don't waste my time

curious and asked, "Is Viola your younger or older sister? She has blood ties to you, so why don't you care

should I get involved? It's all

He pulled out the Night Pearl again, holding it up to Violet's

said seriously. "Not even my seniors and juniors in the guild know.

then maybe you shouldn't tell anyone at all. I can't

Isaac reminded, his voice tight with

was unruffled. "You saved me, so I'll repay you. Anything you want in the capital-food, drink, women anything I've got you covered. Just tell me which establishment you want, and

you used to boast about how discreet you

don't talk. And when I do talk, how can I

"If you dare tell

crossed her

I'd have kept your secret. But now? Impossible you've got the guts, go ahead and throw me." She straightened her body slightly, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight. "A dark