Her Graceful War Song

On the fifteenth of October, the envoy delegation finally returned to the capital.

The Mystic Army dispersed on the spot, while Davis, Alden, and the other officials made their way to the palace to report to the king. Kendrick, who had been weak and unable to stand on his own, seemed to find strength now. He insisted that he accompany them to the palace as well.

As for Carissa, Rafael had been waiting at the city gates for her. Every day, he had someone stationed there. Sometimes, during his midday breaks, he would go himself. Today, he finally caught sight of her.

While Davis and the others were reporting at the palace, Carissa went to see Helen with Rafael. Seeing her daughter-in-law's fatigue, Helen urged her to hurry and bathe and change. With that, the couple returned to Orchid Hall.

When Carissa emerged in fresh clothes after her bath, her lips were oddly swollen. Joy stared at her, surprised. Without thinking, she glanced at Rafael. It seemed that when Carissa was bathing, Rafael had insisted on attending to her personally, though he clearly hadn't done a good job.

Inside the study, Jacob and Kyle were already waiting. Carissa shared the details of her trip to Orivenia-the attempted assassinations, Lisandra's predicament, and the cryptic warning from Faelan regarding the three-to-five-year timeline.

Rafael listened, clearly shaken. Orivenia was in such turmoil; his wife had been fortunate to escape unharmed.

Regarding Faelan's ability to move freely in and out of Victory Pass and the ominous statement about those three to five years, Kyle suggested they could write to Adrian. Their mentor was likely familiar with Faelan's group and might have an insight into what the statement really meant.

Once Carissa finished explaining, Rafael insisted that she rest and not talk any longer. He had intended to take the afternoon off, but just as he was about to do so, a messenger arrived from the palace, summoning him.

Carissa decided to go with him. After being gone for three months, she should pay a visit to Victoria. Plus, Sebastian was in the palace, and she wanted to bring the Snow Blossoms to him.

Once they were in the carriage and had spent some time together, Carissa finally asked about the three princes' education.

"Prince Connor has indeed made progress. He's been working much harder than before," Rafael replied, looking pleased.

"Does that mean the crown prince position is his for the taking?" Carissa asked.

"That seems likely. His Majesty is quite pleased with him. He's invited the prince to meals a few times," Rafael said.

Carissa thought this was for the best. So long as Connor worked hard, he would be the rightful heir, and there would be no contention over the crown.

Once inside the palace, Rafael headed to the royal study, while Carissa went to see Victoria. When the queen dowager saw her, noticing the dark redness of her sunburned skin she was deeply concerned. Yet, she kept her worries to herself, offering only praise instead.

If this was the path Carissa had chosen, then she, like any man, should endure the hardships that came with it.

Although Carissa had eaten at

home, Victoria insisted on feeding her a bowl of royal jelly soup before allowing her to seek out Sebastian. She had brought only one Snow Blossom with her, but when Sebastian laid eyes on it, his face lit up with intense joy.

"You brought this from Orivenia? You bought it there?" he asked, eagerly taking the flower and inhaling its familiar fragrance.

"It was a gift from Mr. Stellwyn. He sent a whole basket, but I only brought one to show you," Carissa explained, pleased to see his reaction.

It was clear the Snow Blossom was indeed a key ingredient for Snowdrop Pills.

Sebastian's smile widened at the mention of the basket. "In that case, His Majesty need not be so sparing with his doses anymore."

Carissa then explained the arrangement for trade between the two kingdoms, assuring him that acquiring Snow Blossoms wouldn't be as difficult in the future.

Sebastian chuckled bitterly, shaking his head. "Even Mr. Stellwyn knows that I've been buying Snow

Blossoms from Orivenia to make Snowdrop Pills. You see, we used to have an abundance of that herb."

"Only at the Southern Frontier, right?" Carissa asked.

"There have been other mountains where it was found, but the growth wasn't good and the quality was poor," Sebastian said, carefully wrapping the Snow Blossom in a piece of brocade cloth.

"Only the Southern Frontier and Orivenia produce the right quality. In the end, I had no choice but to buy from Orivenia."

He looked at Carissa, his tone turning serious as he added, "With so many Snow Blossoms, I can use stronger doses. Perhaps His Majesty will last an extra year or two."

Carissa immediately asked, "Does that mean five years?"

"It's not certain yet," Sebastian replied, his voice heavy. "We need to adjust the treatment and observe the effects before we can say for sure."noveldrama