Her Graceful War Song

The midday meal was light-Carissa had only a bowl of chicken soup before she went to the family chapel to pay her respects,

The Sinclair family was a prominent clan with their own sanctuary hall, where memorial plaques of Carissa's parents, brothers, and in-laws were enshrined, However, as a woman, she was not permitted to enter the hall to worship and could only bow her head outside, al

The only way for a woman to "enter" the sanctuary hall was after their death, through the placement of a memorial plaque. As Carissa was a daughter, she would marry out of the Sinclair family eventually and could never enter-only the women who married into the Sinclair family had that right.

Thus, after her father and brothers fell in battle, Carissa had a small shrine set up in the family chapel, where she placed their plaques to facilitate seasonal rites. After the massacre, she had also moved the plaques of her mother, sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews to the shrine.

Frederick had prepared the offerings: chicken, starcakes, and fresh fruits, Carissa entered the shrine, lit the candles, and gazed at the once-living individuals who had now become mere plaques.

After lighting the candles, she knelt on the floor and said, "Dad, Mom, Granduncle Theodore discussed with me the idea of adopting a child to inherit the title. However, the choice has not yet been made, and I'm unsure whether you agree with this decision. If you are watching over me from beyond, please give me a sign."

She was uncertain about the adoption. She hadn't personally selected any candidates-the thought of handing over the hard-earned title to another family's child troubled her deeply. Though they were all from the Sinclair family, they were not immediate family,

The lists provided by Theodore included children with living parents. The younger ones, without their parents, were pitiable, while the older ones had deep bonds with their parents. After inheriting the title, would they bring their parents to Northwatch Estate? If so, who would care about the Duke of Northwatch's family's reputation then?

It was one thing if the children were virtuous and loyal, but what if their characters were flawed? What if they used their title for evil, tarnishing the reputation of

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Carissa's deceased father and brothers?

Moreover, inheriting the title would mean choosing a successor to be like a son to her elder brother. All her nephews were exceptional and irreplaceable in her eyes.NôvelDrama.Org (C) content.

These considerations made Carissa reluctant to choose a successor for the title. The plaques could not offer any answers-they only provided a sense of solace while she knelt there, making her feel a bit more at peace.

She pretended that her parents and brothers were still by her side, and sometimes, such self-comfort could ease the pain in her heart.

After noon, she returned to her room to rest. Lulu then entered, leading Frederick inside.

"My lady, Prince Rafael sent someone with a letter, requesting you to read it immediately," Frederick said, handing the letter to Carissa. "The messenger said it was urgent."

Carissa quickly opened the letter, which contained only a few words: [Carissa, come to Eldoria immediately.]

It was signed by Rafael.

Carissa recognized his handwriting. The letter did not specify the reason for the urgency or what she should bring.

"Where's the messenger?" Carissa asked..

"He's downstairs in the kitchen, eating. He switched horses three times to get back here; he looks exhausted," Frederick replied.

Carissa immediately instructed, "Lulu, help me pack a few sets of clothes and other travel essentials. Once the messenger has finished eating, bring him here. I have questions for him."

"Understood, my lady!" Lulu quickly went further inside the room to gather the items.

Soon, after the messenger had eaten, he was brought to the side hall. Carissa was already dressed and ready. She looked up and saw that the messenger was Dylan. He appeared haggard, sunburned, and covered in dirt.

It was already mid-autumn, yet he was in such a state. He had clearly been on the road for quite some time.

"Deputy Ziegler, didn't you accompany His Highness to Meadow Ridge? Why did you go to Eldoria? What does His Highness need me to go there for?" Carissa asked.

Having just finished his meal, Dylan let out a burp. He stood awkwardly, likely due to prolonged horseback riding. Carissa quickly ushered him to a seat so they could talk comfortably.

"Thank you," Dylan said as he sat down. "His Highness did indeed take me to Meadow Ridge. We stayed there for three or four days and were on our way back when unexpectedly, in Greenbrook County, my purse was stolen. I caught the thief on the spot and intended to hand him over to the authorities, but I noticed several ragged beggars nearby fleeing in panic."