Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1632

That brief ripple in my heart did not last. Life went on, steady and orderly, just as it always had.

Some people were like a bit of sunlight in one's life. They brought a touch of warmth, but then the sun set, and they were gone.

It wasn't until several months later that Cari came to see me. She said Samuel had made a report to the Royal Citadel, claiming someone had been following him. After looking into it, the officials discovered Mr. Claude had sent men to keep watch on him.

Naturally, Cari went to speak with Mr. Claude, who admitted it. He said he was worried Samuel might cause me trouble again and only sent men to keep an eye on him for my sake.

But from that conversation, Cari also learned a few other things.

It turned out that before becoming the top scholar, Mr. Claude had once brought his mother to the capital, as he intended to sit for one of the previous rounds of the examinations. His mother had already been unwell, but her final wish was to see her son succeed. With no other choice, he brought her with him on the journey.

However, the long trip worsened her condition, and she collapsed at the inn where they were staying. The innkeeper, afraid she might die there and cause trouble, turned them both out into the street.

Mr. Claude carried his mother from one lodging to another, but no one would take them in. For two days, they slept outdoors. It was autumn then, and the weather had turned chilly. The cold only worsened her illness. He finally took her to a medical establishment, but the physician, seeing how grave her condition was, refused to treat her.

I was passing by with my maid when I saw him kneeling and begging for help. I sent my maid to ask what was going on. Upon learning the situation, I arranged for them to stay in a small house I often lent out to travelers

his mother couldn't be saved, and he missed that year's autumn examination. However, he always

charity over the years that it was hard to keep track. That house was often used to shelter strangers who were stranded or in need. At the time, I had simply thought him a

Claude saw me as a benefactor, but truly, all I did was give a few orders. To be treated

Stark with her soup kitchen. No need to offer himself in marriage," I said with a

marry you. If he couldn't tell the difference between gratitude and affection, do you think my husband would trust him so much? And just look, he's had men watching Samuel all this while, afraid that scoundrel might trouble you again. That

just

debt."

wanted to marry me because he liked me? I

always believed I

was a duchess and

"How do you

someone, it shows in his eyes," Cari said. "Of course, I could be wrong. He could still turn

I

worry about right now," she added. "First, ask yourself if you like him. If you do, then it's worth wondering whether