Her Graceful War Song

Carissa mulled over past events in her heart, then sadly said, "I fear that her sudden worsening condition is not unrelated to me." Violet had initially intended to keep this from her friend, but since Carissa had already guessed as much, she decided to come clean.

"You're right. Lady Avis didn't know about your divorce at first, but Lady Fiona specifically told her about it. After hearing the news, Lady Avis coughed up blood and her condition deteriorated. These details weren't uncovered by the people from Skywing Spire. Rowan told me directly, asking whether or not he should inform you," Violet explained.

"I had a feeling," Carissa said, her voice filled with melancholy. "Aunt Avis arranged my marriage. Although she was the one who recommended it, my mother also made inquiries. The Warren family had indeed been quiet for years, with no significant troubles.

"With Amelia being ineffectual and weak, there was no oppressive sister-in-law to deal with. Also, the relationship between the main and second branches of the family remained superficially harmonious." Violet replied, "Don't dwell on it too much. Let's wait until we reach Verdant Monastery and see your aunt. We can make plans from there."

Violet was not skilled at offering comfort, always believing that to solve problems, the person involved must first stand up for themselves.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

No matter how low her status might have fallen, Avis was still Yuvan's rightful wife. No matter how powerful Fiona's family might be, and even though she had borne children, she remained a concubine. There was no reason for a concubine to overshadow the rightful wife.

"Yes, I understand that." Carissa nodded. "Now that I'm married to Rafael, my aunt should find some solace in that."

"Exactly," Violet agreed, leaning back against the soft cushion.

The standing collar of her cloak was trimmed with white fox fur, highlighting her face with a blend of strength and allure.

Carissa glanced at her. "Is there anything else I don't know?"

"No, just some of my own troubles." Violet's brows furrowed. "But it's not worth mentioning."

"Family matters?"

"My aunt returned home for a visit, and she brought that scholar with her," Violet said, her expression clouded with worry. "To be honest, I used to hate her. She brought shame to the Spencer family, and because of her, several of the women in my family, including myself, had difficulties finding suitable marriages.

"But before I came to the capital this time, I made a special trip home. I saw her with that scholar, and for some reason, I didn't find her as detestable as before."

"Oh? Why is that?" Carissa asked, intrigued.

She had known about Violet's aunt's situation for a long time. Whenever Violet spoke of her, her tone was always filled with bitterness.

Violet looked at her friend. "I'm not sure. Perhaps it's because the scholar treats her well."

"The Spencer family allowed them into the family residence?" Carissa asked.

"No, they rented a small place outside. The scholar is only a low-ranking.examination candidate now. After marrying my aunt, he effectively forfeited his future. After all, how could any academy accept him after he eloped with a woman from the Spencer family?

"Even academic officials would not recommend him, so he survives by selling books and paintings now. My aunt also makes some embroidered goods. They manage to get by," said Violet. "What about children? How old are they?"

"My aunt hasn't had any children. She is infertile due to her condition, but the scholar remains devoted to her."

Carissa nodded. "That is indeed rare."

Violet continued, "When I saw her, she no longer had the grandeur of the eldest daughter. She was dressed as an ordinary woman. But she didn't look aged. There was not a single white hair on her head and her complexion was good.

om her

appearance, it's obvious that she is

happy."

Violet looked thoughtfully at Carissa. "I've been thinking, with so many cold-hearted men in the world, like Barrett and Yuvan, it's truly rare for her to have found a man willing to stay by her side through poverty or wealth.

"Although I was angry at her for eloping and making it difficult for the women in my family to find marriage prospects, what fault did she truly have? She simply loved that person, and he wasn't acceptable to my grandfather.

"Eloping was the only way they could be together. When I consider that, I find I no longer hate her as much. If my grandfather had agreed to their union, they wouldn't have needed to elope."

"Are you saying that the fault lies with the world and the wealthy families' prejudice against poor scholars?" Carissa asked.

Violet sighed. "Yes, but my grandfather treated me very well, and I can't harbor resentment toward him. So, I'm deeply conflicted."

Carissa responded thoughtfully, "In

such matters, it's hard to judge right

or wrong when they don't directly affect us However, your aunt's willingness to forsake wealth, and the scholar's acceptance of his ruined prospects for her, shows they truly care for each other