Her Graceful War Song

Violet’s eyes widened with astonishment. “Oh my! Let me take a good look at this honored person! Where are you off to, Your Excellency? Can I come along?”

Carissa playfully punched her friend’s shoulder. “You showed up just in time. There’s something I can’t do without you.

“Whatever you command, Your Excellency, I shall carry it out,” Violet replied teasingly as she curtsied.

Carissa rolled her eyes. “Can’t you speak normally? Do I need to give you a beating?”

Pulling out a handkerchief and waving it toward her friend’s face, Violet’s tone remained exaggeratedly sweet as she quipped, “Oh dear, you’re being so rude!”

Carissa grabbed Violet by the shoulders and tossed her over her shoulder.

She landed nimbly on her feet, flipping over with a laugh. “Now, now. What’s with the violence?”

Everyone burst into laughter, and Sydney remarked, “You’re just delightful, Ms. Spencer. It’s no wonder Lady Helen adores you so much.”

“Of course! Lady Helen loves me more than she loves herself,” Violet boasted with a haughty air, reminding everyone of Helen.

Carissa shot her an annoyed look. “Can we focus on the important stuff? I need to head out soon.”

Violet composed herself. “Alright. Everyone, step out for a moment. I need to discuss something serious with Her Excellency.”

The others stifled their laughter as they filed out of the room

Once everyone was gone, Carissa turned back with a beaming smile and asked, “So, do I look good?”

“I knew you’d be vain about this! You’re probably thrilled, aren’t you?” Violet grinned. “You look amazing- regal and full of spirit!”

Carissa studied her reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing herself. “I really do look good, don’t I?” Violet cupped her friends cheeks, practically bouncing with excitement. “Carissa, you’re truly remarkable! You’ve set a precedent for women in power! You bring glory to all the people in Meadow Ridgel Carissa couldn’t help but smile, though she tried to suppress it. “I never actually thought they’d give me a real position. To be honest, when the royal edict and appointment letter arrived yesterday, I didn’t feel much. But the moment I put on this uniform, I suddenly felt the weight on my shoulders. Yeah… I’ve got responsibilities now.”

Her expression gradually grew serious. She understood that this role as a commander wasn’t going to be easy, but she couldn’t afford to bring shame to her family.

Violet took Carissa’s hand. “Don’t worry about anything else. Focus on your duties. I’ll stay at the estate. When you need us, Rod and I will be here for you. Should I also ask Bun and Thia to come over? Alana and Leah are in the capital too–just let us know if anything comes up.”

Carissa shook her head. “No need to get them to come here, at least not for now. I’m worried the king

only wants m

me to help with this case and will dismiss me once it’s solved. No point in making them travel here for nothing. Besides, you and Claire are around to help.

“Have Claire keep an eye on Hartstone Estate and Edgeview Estate. Both Raf and I think they’re still forging weapons. If they can’t transport them, they’ll likely try to destroy or hide them. We need to figure out where these weapons and armor are being forged. The Supreme Court will investigate too, but Raf suspects the people making them might make contact with Prince Yuvan.”

“Leave it to me,” Violet replied confidently.

“And then there’s Celeste…” Carissa paused for a moment, then decided to tell Violet the truth, explaining, “You should go talk to Carmen. We deceived her with the whole October fifteenth plan, so she might feel a bit betrayed. She might think we didn’t trust her. Tell her to be careful of her sister. Celeste got involved with one of the physicians in Harmony Palace and tampered with Melanie’s medicine. It looks like she was trying to kill her mom.”

*She p

poisoned her own mom? That’s brutal!” Violet stared at Carissa in shock. “But why?”

“Only Celeste knows the reason. Either way, go and warn Carmen. Celeste has gone into hiding. She’s probably looking for a place to lay low. Right now, the only person she can rely on is Carmen, so heads–up before something bad really happens. Also, send some medicine to Melanie or have Ivy check on her. Her condition is probably getting worse. NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.