Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

The royal palace of Orivenia stood resplendent and imposing, its golden architecture gleaming under the night sky, exuding an air of solemn grandeur.

Upon passing through the first palace gate, the carriage rolled smoothly along the wide palace path, its spaciousness a stark contrast to the more cramped streets outside.

However, what stood out the most was the abundance of lamps. It seemed as if oil was no object, for the palace grounds were lit up as though the night itself had been banished. As they got out of the carriage and walked along the winding corridor, the large trees ahead were hung with many lamps. Anyone trying to hide in the trees wouldn't stand a chance; they would be seen immediately.

Liam led the way. As they approached a grand palace hall, two female attendants stepped forward. They exchanged a few words with Liam in the Westic before smiling and nodding to Carissa and Violet.

"Ladies, Her Majesty invites you to enter the palace," Liam said with a polite gesture.

The two women led the way, guiding Carissa and Violet inside.

The hall was lavishly decorated, with two thick carved beams standing on either side. They towered as if reaching the sky, casting a heavy, oppressive atmosphere.

The new queen sat on an ornate armchair, smiling but showing signs of fatigue.

Carissa and Violet knelt respectfully before her, and Lisandra gestured for them to take seats. She gazed at Carissa with a soft smile.

heard you were the one leading the delegation here, Commander Sinclair. I've been

happy to hear of your ascension, Your Majesty. My heartfelt congratulations to you on

studied Lisandra, she was struck by how little had changed. Though she was now queen, Lisandra's demeanor was the same as it had been when she was the and princess. There was the

as

a faint smile. "But at least now, some

all local Orivenia delicacies. Carissa and Violet had already eaten, so they weren't hungry and

as she regarded them both. "The reason I asked you to come tonight isn't for anything official. I simply wanted to catch up and share

made sense to set aside the politics and speak as women who shared

them at the table, her posture relaxed and less formal. She regarded Carissa and Violet, taking in their youthful faces, the strength in their gazes, and the resilience in their spirits. She didn't hide her

more young women like you two. They will shine brightly, their names etched in the

caught off guard by the praise. "Your Majesty, you flatter

the civil service examinations. Both men and women can

was a matter of Orivenia's governance, and the two women had little to add beyond their approval. They could only

by their reluctance to engage in