Her Graceful War Song

Rafael continued to put food on her plate, but he avoided answering her question. Carissa suppressed her curiosity. After all, it wasn't a particularly important matter.

He smiled, and deflected by saying, "After Grand Princess Eleanor's birthday banquet today, I'm sure there will be many new topics among the noble families in the capital."

Carissa gave him a playful glare. "Yes, many noble ladies will have their hearts broken. When Lady Helen announced our engagement, many looked at me with disdain."

"There will be many who envy and resent me," Rafael said meaningfully.

At least Barrett would regret it. Even Salvador had been moved as well.This content is © NôvelDrama.Org.

"Not really. Who would want a woman who has been divorced?" Carissa said.

Rafael tapped her forehead lightly with the end of his spoon. "You're about to become the Hell Monarch's princess consort. Are you still belittling yourself?"

"Such is the way of the world." She tapped him back playfully, then quickly moved away, smiling. "I'm not belittling myself. I know how outstanding I am."

Seeing her smile so freely, with light shining in her eyes, touched Rafel deeply. Even if her happiness was partly a facade, her willingness to wear it was a good start.

The sadness that had once lingered in her eyes when she first arrived at the Southern Frontier had greatly diminished.

Carissa observed him, whose expressions shifted from relaxed to serious, and thought that perhaps everyone had their own pain. He was forced to marry someone he didn't love due to royal edict, while his true love was married to someone else.

She wondered who that woman was. If the woman knew she had missed out on such a fine man, would she regret it?

After the meal, they went their separate ways. During their farewell, Carissa felt they had grown closer. It seemed that after their marriage, they would be able to respect each other as friends. The next day, officials from the Protocol Department and Trevor accompanied Rafael to Northwatch Estate as he was to formally propose to Carissa.

Theodore and Solomon were also invited to Northwatch Estate, where they began the traditional courtship rituals, including the proposal, astrological signs inquiry, gift presentation, and setting the wedding date.

Trevor personally came to oversee the proceedings, which greatly pleased Theodore. He felt assured that Rafael was genuinely intent on marrying Carissa.

Theodore was deeply comforted. Not only had Carissa enhanced the Sinclair family's reputation through her achievements, but she was also marrying into the royal family. This would surely make those who had looked down on her and her family rethink their opinions.

The Astrology Department minister was also invited. After consulting the almanac, he declared, "They're a match made in heaven!"

With these words, Rafael decided to set the wedding date.

The Astrology Department minister smiled, and said, "It's already July. Preparing for a wedding within six months is already quite fast. The twenty-fourth of December is a good day. Although the preparation time is a bit rushed, it can be done if there are enough people to help."

Rafael was eager to marry Carissa as soon as possible, but felt that the wedding should be conducted with proper ceremony. He asked Theodore and Carissa for their opinions, and once they agreed, the date was set for the twenty-fourth of December.

Turning to Carissa, Rafael asked, "I still need to visit Meadow Ridge personally to ask for your master's consent. Do you want to come with me?"

Carissa shook her head, her eyes clouded with sadness. "I won't be going."

There was once a woman named Carissa at Meadow Ridge-a carefree and spirited woman.

Carissa had left herself behind there. Even though she had endured much during the divorce, she never returned. She only sent letters to her master and seniors, not wanting them to see her without a genuine smile.

Rafael understood why she didn't want to return to Meadow Ridge, and sighed inwardly. He maintained a calm exterior, and nodded. "Very well. I will go there myself."

Theodore was immensely satisfied. The fact that Rafael would attend to every detail of the engagement showed how much he valued the match.

The Warren family had been so arrogant before. Now, would they still be able to hold their heads high?