Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1205

The banishment of the storyteller from the gates barely marked the end of one problem before another arrived on their doorstep.

Matchmakers began appearing in turn, each eager to arrange a marriage for Rosalind. The prospects they presented were enough to make Rosalind's parents' blood boil. These were men so far beneath their daughter's station that even a passing glance in their direction would be enough to provoke a disgusted sneer.

It wasn't a matter of low status or humble origins-it was their disgraceful behavior. Some had long ago fathered illegitimate children from concubines, while others spent their days drowning in gambling halls, addicted to the thrill of the dice and cards, regardless of how deeply they sank into debt. Some were regulars at brothels, and others kept secret mistresses on the side.

These were the kinds of men who usually wouldn't dare approach the family for a marriage proposal. Yet now, they paraded forward, puffing out their chests as if offering Rosalind a great favor. They acted as if she had no other choice but to accept them, as if she were somehow indebted to them for their benevolent interest.

Trevor's fury was beyond measure. He stormed through the house, broom in hand, driving the matchmakers out with such force that the scandal only grew. The gossip was relentless. People in the city couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.

"They act like she has options! If someone's willing to marry her, it'll only be because her ancestors accumulated some good luck for their family."

"She's been sullied by that brutish man. Does she still think she has any worth left?"

"She's doomed to never marry. Let's see who would want her. She might as well shave her head and become a nun. At least then she doesn't embarrass other women."

The remarks came from all corners-some from men, some from women. Whether they spoke out of cruelty or personal spite, there was no sympathy.

had asked her to

seeking out her close friend, Cassidy. She thought they might gossip about the

Cassidy kept avoiding the topic, changing the subject several times,

to hear

denied it. "I

said, staring at her. "You were the one who used to torment her

the words. As the memories of how she had treated

didn't know. I never realized how monstrous and vicious I must

"What do you mean by that? Are you saying

covered her face with her hands, sobbing uncontrollably. It took a long while before she could speak

was trying to protect me when that man grabbed her. If it hadn't been for her, I would have been the one assaulted. The people would have been talking about me now

a chair, turning her head as though trying to make sense of it. "She...did something like that?" "It's true," Cassidy sobbed. "A

broke, her eyes

a bad person!"

so she

bad person. She saved me." Cassidy wiped away her tears, revealing red, swollen eyes. Her tears clung to her lashes, and more