Her Graceful War Song

Sure enough, within a few days, the rumors about Aurora ceased to spread.

The storytellers in coffeehouses and taverns had quickly changed their tune. They now claimed that while Starhaven soldiers had indeed been captured at the Southern Frontier battle, Starhaven's army had also taken many Sandorian soldiers as prisoners. In the end, both sides exchanged their prisoners, and there were no instances of mistreatment or abuse of the captives.

To outsiders, it might seem like a minor issue. However, those sensitive to the situation could sense that something was off.Content is © by NôvelDrama.Org.

The general populace was unaware that Westhaven soldiers had also been sent to assist Sandoria on the battlefield-such military matters were kept confidential. Even if a few knew, it was a minority, and the information would not spread widely unless someone intentionally spread it.

Meanwhile, Rafael's household army had been established, including over two hundred men from the Hell Monarch Army, whom Rafael had recovered from the king. These men had originally been Rafale's personal guards and hadn't received the court's rations, so Salvador granted his approval. And anyway, the two hundred or so men were not considered a significant number.

Additionally, there were over a hundred men from the Sinclair family's army. These hundred or so men had once been personal guards to Carissa's father, Hector, and had been gathered back into service. Jacob and Travis gathered more people and, along with the men already in the estate, assembled a force of five hundred troops.

The quarters for the household soldiers had been established in the open space of the estate, a significant distance away from the main house and the rear courtyard. The patrols and defenses within the estate were organized by Travis.

Apart from the household soldiers on daily duty, all others were required to undergo training with Travis. While referred to as training, it was actually a martial arts instruction. Most of these men had been to battle, but experience in combat did not necessarily mean proficiency in martial arts.

Though five hundred men were not many, they could become elite troops if properly trained, and thus could alleviate immediate difficulties.

As Carissa began taking charge of the household affairs, Luke summoned the heads of various estates and shopkeepers to Hell Monarch Estate to meet the princess consort. From now on, they would be under her management.

Carissa didn't just go through the motions; she asked each person detailed questions. It was clear that Jacob and Luke had chosen their staff well-all of them were skilled and respectful.

After the inquiries, she rewarded them with gifts and instructed them to manage their affairs diligently, promising them rewards at the end of the year. The estate managers and shopkeepers saluted in thanks before streaming out one after another.

Carissa buried herself in the account

books for several days, scrutinizing the records for any discrepancies. She tallied each item of income and expenditure, discovering that the estate was indeed vast and prosperous. The king had previously sought to suppress Rafael, which resulted in substantial rewards and grants of land.

After the battle at the Southern Frontier, additional mountain lands had been acquired. Luke had sent people to inspect these new lands finding that they were suitable only for farming and growing fruit. They had little other use and were situated in rather remote areas, making them difficult to manage.

"By the way, Grand Princess Eleanor suggested exchanging these mountain lands for prime farmland. I reported this to His Highness, but he refused the exchange," said Luke. Carissa looked up. "Exchanging prime farmland for mountain lands?"

"Yes," Luke confirmed. "We asked twice, but His Highness declined both times."

Carissa's lips curved into a thoughtful smile. "How intriguing. What does Grand Princess Eleanor hope to achieve with such a swap?"

"His Highness believes there must be an ulterior motive. He has already dispatched people to keep an eye on the people in Harmony Palace," Luke added.

Carissa nodded. "I got it. Next month is Mother's birthday. It's her first year out of the palace, so she will undoubtedly want to host a grand celebration."

"We've asked Lady Helen about it. She said it was fine to do a small one and invite just a few people," Luke said with a smile.

Carissa chuckled. "That won't do. There must be a proper level of decorum."

Recently, Helen had gone on a

shopping spree, buying expensive flowers and decorating the garden She even had the theater

refurbished, all in preparation for her birthday celebration. She was intent om making it a grand affair, so how could they only invite a few people?

"Please draft a guest list for me, Luke. I need to review who should be invited and who shouldn't," Carissa instructed. "Certainly," Luke replied respectfully before leaving.