Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Carissa, accompanied by Violet and Cynthia, waited in Willow Pavilion.

A servant led Hadrian, Katherine, Janelle, and their attendants through the garden, stopping just outside the pavilion to announce their arrival.

Supported by Violet and Cynthia, Carissa personally stepped forward to greet them. Hadrian, Katherine, and Janelle quickly offered their greetings.

"There's no need for such formalities," Carissa said with a warm smile. "Please come in and take a seat." As she spoke, she took a subtle glance at the three of them.

Over the years, she had met countless people. With just a look at their expressions, posture, and demeanor, she could usually discern quite a bit about them.

The Earl of Southstead wore a long black cloak over a richly embroidered tunic adorned with golden- threaded patterns of flora and fauna. A thick gold-trimmed front closure fastened the garment, and a heavy string of polished onyx prayer beads rested against his chest.

He looked both noble and devout. Yet as he stood, his body instinctively leaned toward his daughter. The smile on his face carried a hint of deference, revealing that he wasn't particularly skilled in social dealings. On the other hand, Katherine wore a rich crimson surcoat fastened at the front, layered over a white ermine-trimmed mantle. The color brought a healthy glow to her complexion, and her figure was pleasantly full. Were it not for the fine lines at the corners of her brows, one might hardly guess her age. As a couple, they had lived past half their years, yet they still carried an air of inexperience-people who had relied on a father in their youth and a daughter in their later years.

In contrast, Janelle stood with effortless confidence. She wore with a quilted doublet, giving her a crisp, polished appearance.

fitted gown of deep lake blue, layered

Her features leaned toward delicate beauty-gracefully arched brows, gently rounded eyes, a fine, straight nose, and a sharply tapered chin. Such softness might have clashed with her commanding presence, yet on her, it blended seamlessly.

"You've chosen an excellent setting, Lady Carissa." Janelle's voice was bright and cheerful, yet perfectly measured in decorum. "I come here often and have always been especially fond of Willow Pavilion." From the first words she spoke, she made it clear this was a pleasant and amicable meeting. Carissa returned her smile. "I'm glad that all of you like it. I had initially intended to invite you all to Hell Monarch Estate, but our cooks are no match for those at the Glimmering Tower. Besides, the Glimmering Tower is a business run by my mentor, so I thought it might be nice for you to try some of the new dishes they have here."

Janelle said with a gracious

Willow Pavilion, leaving the eavesdroppers outside disappointed. This...

have been questioning Janelle's ambitions of marrying into the Hell Monarch's household. Or at

a full-blown argument, there should have been some form of rivalry or

Pavilion, two tables had been set, each laden with an array of

was a genuine invitation-Carissa truly intended to host their family. Yet,

Hastily, she stammered an explanation, saying that their estate also happened to be holding a banquet that day, and no one else could spare the

she regretted it. Wasn't that just admitting that their own banquet had

exchanged a desperate glance before turning to

she smoothly shifted the topic, praising the Glimmering Tower's renowned

they had come to taste new

It was best left

eyes outside

to casually

her. When she heard the introduction-that Cynthia was

respectful. Avoiding eye contact would seem timid, but staring

right.

Carissa inquired about