Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1613

Chapter 1613

When husband and wife now spoke of the past, they felt nothing but fondness between them. Especially Carissa, who once thought their marriage had been forced upon her.

Who could have imagined it would turn out so happy? Truly, the ways of the world were hard to predict.

Just then, someone came rushing in like a whirlwind. Before anyone could see clearly, she had already thrown herself into Rafael's arms.

"Dad, I adore the coming-of-age gift you gave me! Thank you so much! You're the best!" she exclaimed in a voice bright with joy and excitement.

"Still so impulsive? You're a young lady now, you ought to carry yourself with more grace," Rafael said.

Despite his words, there was nothing but warmth in his gaze. He gently fixed the hairpin in his daughter's hair as he added, "And you didn't like the ruby set? Your mother chose that herself with great care."

"I love it! I love everything!" Elise replied sweetly, her whole face lighting up with delight.

Rafael looked at her smiling face, and for a moment, it felt like a dream. The older Elise grew, the more she looked like her mother. When he first saw Carissa at Meadow Ridge, she used to smile just like that—bright and full of spirit.

But afterward, he rarely saw her smile that way. Even when she seemed glad, it was only a faint smile, as if joy never truly reached her heart. Thankfully, she had improved now. From time to time, she did laugh aloud, openly happy. Perhaps, with time, dust had settled over the wounds in her heart, softening them from view.

But even if hidden, those wounds would always be there. No feeling-no matter how deep-could make her whole again. Not a husband, nor a friend, nor even a daughter or a nephew could replace one's parents or elder brothers.

thought of that, his

Why are you staring off into the distance?"

told her to sit properly. Then, he said, "Your mother and I were just speaking of your marriage. We'd like to hear what you think about

"Are we so poor now that you must sell me

said with a frown. "Marriage isn't selling you off. And your mother and I were only speaking in passing. We meant to ask your thoughts, not send you off at once.

all," Elise said quickly, shaking

yet, or that you don't wish to marry at all?" Carissa asked

seven children, after all! But there's no need to

Carissa looked at her

"Seven children? Whatever for?"

didn't she? I think it would be lively. And

my grandparents and

reborn into our family. Then, we could look after them and spoil them in their

expected her to say such a thing and

And besides, they've long since joined the immortals. Why would they need to

once, agreeing to everything her father said. He had only said such things to comfort Carissa, lest sorrow creep back

her daughter over, gathering her into her arms and letting her

home. Other people's daughters left to marry, while her darling one wished to roam the rivers and hills, to see the wide world. The sky was vast,

was still beside her, Carissa