Her Graceful War Song

Isaac sighed. "The proposal was a bit impulsive. Looking back on it, it may have even been a bit opportunistic. She was in a low mood at the time, so though she agreed, I'm not sure she truly wants to marry me. Sage Everett scolded me when I got back to Meadow Ridge, and I've had time to calm down since then."

Carissa stared at him, surprised. "You've already told Sage Everett?"

"Yes, the very day I got back. I was caught up in the heat of the moment."

"Why did Sage Everett scold you? Was it because he disagreed?" asked Carissa, curious.

Isaac shrugged. "It wasn't even about agreeing or disagreeing yet. He just scolded me first. The usual stuff, really."

"How usual?"

Isaac avoided her gaze. "He called me ugly and told me to take a good look at myself in the mirror." Carissa couldn't help but laugh. "Sage Everett was kind to you, it seems."

She then relayed what Violet had said. Listening intently as the biting wind swirled around him, a smile tugged at Isaac's lips and his eyes gleamed with warmth.

"It's alright. I can wait. I'll wait slowly. A lifetime is a long time, after all," he said softly.

Carissa stared at him for a long moment, truly surprised. The carefree, charismatic Isaac-someone who never let anything tie him down-had fallen so completely for Violet, of all people.

He actually said he would wait a lifetime!

They spent four comfortable days in Meadow Ridge, visiting all the guilds, before Everett began to chase them out. Naturally, Carissa and Lulu weren't allowed to return alone. Everett had Winona send someone from Skywing Spire to quietly escort them. Then, he gave Isaac a long look and chased him out as well. Back in the capital, it was still the holidays, and the social scene was already busy. With people coming and going, paying visits, Carissa found herself more at ease with the social rounds than before.

She didn't inquire about Isaac and Violet's situation. It was clear neither was in a rush to marry, so there was no need for her to interfere. They would figure it out when they were ready.

On the seventh day of the new year, Zoey arrived with Luna. She also brought Courtney back to Hell Monarch Estate, as she would be studying martial arts under Cynthia with Roxana. Zoey had also started planning to do some business. This visit was to personally thank Carissa for introducing her to Janelle at the end of last year.

In truth, the Earl of Southstead's family and the former Earl of Silverstone's family were already familiar with each other, though their interactions had been limited. However, with Carissa's

introduction, Zoey and Janelle hit it off immediately. Smart and capable people always gravitated toward each other.

The former Earl of Silverstone's family had once been involved in business, but Zoey had only managed the accounts, leaving the operations and shops to be run by the family servants. Now, without the noble title to protect or any reputation to maintain, Zoey wasn't afraid to step into the public eye and take matters into her own hands. She was ready to roll up her sleeves and dive in.

When Zoey spoke of the future, her eyes sparkled with excitement. She shared with Carissa that Viola was also able to lend a hand now. Though occasionally still a bit muddled in her thinking, Viola listened when her sister-in-law gave directions.

Zoey sighed. "People can't change overnight. I'm happy with how far she's come. Who hasn't made mistakes? The only issue now is that others still gossip about her past, so I don't let her go out too much to avoid the rumors. It's tough on her, and it could make her lose her clarity again."

Carissa was quiet for a moment before she replied, "A woman's mistakes aren't easily forgiven, unlike a man's. They would simply say he's turned over a new leaf and it's all forgotten. Luckily, though, she has you."

Carissa's thoughts drifted to Heather, who was still imprisoned. She wondered whether Leona still held a grudge against her mother. But even if Leona didn't, Heather still wouldn't be released.

On the eighth day of the new year, work resumed in earnest. Still, no news came from the Southern Frontier. The uncertainty surrounding the war and Salvador's mysterious illness hung over the officials like two massive, crushing weights.

Those of lower rank had already started aligning themselves with the six department heads, particularly Malcolm, the Civil Minister and Patrick, the Minister of Justice.

Naturally, there were also those looking to cultivate connections with the Hell Monarch's household. Some even made their way directly to the Capital Guard headquarters to seek out Carissa. However, she refused to meet with any of them.noveldrama

On the second morning court session after the new year, Salvador once again coughed up blood, prompting an urgent return to the palace.

The court was thrown into turmoil. Two bouts of coughing up blood-what could the king's illness be?