Her Graceful War Song

Carissa, accompanied by Violet and Cynthia, waited in Willow Pavilion.

A servant led Hadrian, Katherine, Janelle, and their attendants through the garden, stopping just outside the pavilion to announce their arrival.

Supported by Violet and Cynthia, Carissa personally stepped forward to greet them. Hadrian, Katherine, and Janelle quickly offered their greetings.

"There's no need for such formalities," Carissa said with a warm smile. "Please come in and take a seat." As she spoke, she took a subtle glance at the three of them.

Over the years, she had met countless people. With just a look at their expressions, posture, and demeanor, she could usually discern quite a bit about them.

The Earl of Southstead wore a long black cloak over a richly embroidered tunic adorned with golden- threaded patterns of flora and fauna. A thick gold-trimmed front closure fastened the garment, and a heavy string of polished onyx prayer beads rested against his chest.

He looked both noble and devout. Yet as he stood, his body instinctively leaned toward his daughter. The smile on his face carried a hint of deference, revealing that he wasn't particularly skilled in social dealings. On the other hand, Katherine wore a rich crimson surcoat fastened at the front, layered over a white ermine-trimmed mantle. The color brought a healthy glow to her complexion, and her figure was pleasantly full. Were it not for the fine lines at the corners of her brows, one might hardly guess her age. As a couple, they had lived past half their years, yet they still carried an air of inexperience-people who had relied on a father in their youth and a daughter in their later years.

In contrast, Janelle stood with effortless confidence. She wore with a quilted doublet, giving her a crisp, polished appearance.

fitted gown of deep lake blue, layered

Her features leaned toward delicate beauty-gracefully arched brows, gently rounded eyes, a fine, straight nose, and a sharply tapered chin. Such softness might have clashed with her commanding presence, yet on her, it blended seamlessly.

"You've chosen an excellent setting, Lady Carissa." Janelle's voice was bright and cheerful, yet perfectly measured in decorum. "I come here often and have always been especially fond of Willow Pavilion." From the first words she spoke, she made it clear this was a pleasant and amicable meeting. Carissa returned her smile. "I'm glad that all of you like it. I had initially intended to invite you all to Hell Monarch Estate, but our cooks are no match for those at the Glimmering Tower. Besides, the Glimmering Tower is a business run by my mentor, so I thought it might be nice for you to try some of the new dishes they have here."

"In that case, we shall gratefully accept," Janelle said with a gracious nod. "We'll be sure to enjoy the meal.

Laughter rang out from within Willow Pavilion, leaving the eavesdroppers outside disappointed. This... This wasn't tense at all!

According to everyone's expectations, Carissa should have been questioning Janelle's ambitions of marrying into the Hell Monarch's household. Or at the very least, the Earl of Southstead's family should have been demanding justice from Carissa.

Even if the gathering didn't erupt into a full-blown argument, there should have been some form of rivalry or underlying tension. How could things be so harmonious?

Inside Willow Pavilion, two tables had been set, each laden with an array of exquisite dishes.

Hadrian felt uneasy the moment he saw them. This was a genuine invitation-Carissa truly intended to host their family. Yet, only the three of them had come. Would that be seen as disrespectful?

Katherine was even more flustered. Hastily, she stammered an explanation, saying that their estate also happened to be holding a banquet that day, and no one else could spare the time to come.

The moment she spoke, she regretted it. Wasn't that just admitting that their own banquet had been deemed more important than Carissa's invitation?

The couple exchanged a desperate glance before turning to Janelle for help.

But Janelle didn't bother to explain. Instead, she smoothly shifted the topic, praising the Glimmering Tower's renowned cuisine the presentation, the aroma, the flavors, all unparalleled.

After all, they had come to taste new dishes.

As for everything else? It was best left unsaid.

Besides, Carissa had extended the invitation with such grace, and countless eyes outside were watching. Janelle knew she had gained an additional layer of support today.

From now on, who would dare to casually bully her just because she was a woman?

Janelle took a discreet glance at Violet and Cynthia as well. She knew of Violet's status, but Cynthia was unfamiliar to her. When she heard the introduction-that Cynthia was from one of the Meadow Ridge guilds-she immediately offered a polite word of admiration,

Throughout the conversation, Janelle maintained eye contact with Carissa, her gaze soft and respectful. Avoiding eye contact would seem timid, but staring too directly would be impolite. She balanced it just

right.

When Carissa inquired about her

business, Janelle seized the

opportunity, speaking in a lively,

humorous manner about her

experiences. Had she told the same stories with a different tone, they would have been tales of hardship and relentless struggle. But by framing them with wit, she conveyed not only her challenges but also her resilience and unyielding spirit. noveldrama

Carissa made no lengthy remarks in response, only saying lightly, "If you ever run into trouble, you may come to me."

With just those few words, Janelle suddenly felt as though all the past insults and struggles had been worth it.

For years, she had fought alone-no support, no allies, no safety net, not even an escape route. She had pressed forward with sheer determination, weary in both body and mind.

No one had ever said such words to her to offer her help in her times of need.

The words she had heard most often were, "We all have our own difficulties, Lady Janelle. You'll just have to endure."

For a moment, she felt her eyes sting with unexpected tears.