Her Graceful War Song

After Rafael had gone to the Pathfinders Guild, Helen had once again summoned Carissa to the palace.

Following the events at Eleanor's birthday banquet, Helen's view of Carissa had changed. However, it wasn't enough to change her mind about accepting Carissa as her daughter-in-law.

Helen considered various approaches; she realized she had no effective means to sway Carissa through coercion, especially given how Carissa had dared to defy Eleanor. It was clear that strong-arm

tactics would not work.

Thus, Helen decided to appeal to Carissa's emotions and reason with her, hoping she would voluntarily withdraw.

Upon arriving at the Evergreen Palace, Carissa was greeted with a table set with an array of snacks and coffee. Helen was known for her haughty demeanor, but she managed to force a smile, though it was clearly strained and unnatural.

After Carissa paid her respects, Helen dismissed the attendants and began to chat with Carissa in a casual manner.

"I genuinely mean well for you," Helen began. "Rafael has deceived you. He already has someone he loves. He once swore he would marry no one but her, so he will never give you a place in his heart. What happiness can you expect from marrying a man who doesn't love you? You've been married once already. Why let yourself be played and deceived by another man?"

Helen expected to see heartbreak on Carissa's face, but was surprised to find no change in her expression.

Carissa replied calmly, "His Highness didn't conceal this from me. I've long been aware of it."

*28 BONUS

Helen was surprised. "Since you know, why still marry him? If he doesn't love you, and you don't have feelings for him, why go through with it? Is it just for the title of a princess consort? The Duke of Northwatch's family's reputation is already high enough. There's no need to trade your lifetime happiness for it."

"Lady Helen, why do you think that among so many women, he chose me?" Carissa asked with a smile.

Helen pondered this for a moment, and replied, "To him, as long as it's not the woman he loves, it could be anyone."

"Indeed, anyone would do," Carissa agreed. "But why is it me?"

This question left Helen momentarily speechless.

Helen couldn't understand why her son was so insistent on marrying Carissa. If he needed a wife to manage the household, there were countless noblewomen in the capital to choose from-women who were pure, dignified, well-educated, and of distinguished families.

Why choose a divorced woman?

Helene looked at Carissa, stunned, and asked, "You're right. Why indeed?"

"There are two reasons," Carissa began. "The first is that I am the one he loves..."

Helen couldn't help but scoff, "Don't be absurd! That's impossible. You haven't been in the capital for long, and have only met him a few times. How could you be the one he loves?"

Carissa knew full well that she wasn't his true love. She used this statement to lead into her second point, encouraging Helen to think deeper.

"The second reason is that he believes I am a suitable choice as the

216

Hell Monarch's consort, and also a die ca

1/This content belongs to Nô/velDra/ma.Org .

Carissa emphasized the word "safe, raging it out GARBY

For Helen, the concept was baffling,

Safety?

Helen frowned. What did that even mean? If the event en derdatt must involve something from the previous era of fowe Wyje areas outside her expertise.

Her mind wandered to the rumors she had heard from Gillies, NORG investigated and reported that Kylie had once summoned Catego to the palace, mentioning that Salvador wished to make her his conoline The news had seemed ludicrous then, Despite Cotterd's respSVANG background, military achievements, and good looks, she was a VOSSES woman, Even if she were to enter the palace, her rank would be limited. It was inconceivable for a divorced woman to be given such a high position.

If the rumors were true and Salvador had taken an interest in her, then by marrying her, Rafael would be effectively taking the king's women.

How could that be considered safe?

It would lead to endless trouble!

Helen scrutinized Carissa, contemplating the possibility of the first reason. She recalled how she had initially tried to arrange a montage for Rafael, only to be told that he already had someone he loved and would decide upon his return from his campaign.

However, when Helen later wrote to him, he replied that his beloved had already married, and there was no need for anyone to concern

themselves with the matter.

That was odd.

316

If it were Carissa, Rafael would have expressed his feelings before going to war. And if Melanie knew about this, she would never have married Carissa to Barrett.

It was indeed strange and puzzling.