Her Graceful War Song

Carissa had been Amelia’s sister–in–law for a year and felt she understood the latter’s character fairly well. Cowardly and timid, she was the softest person among the members of the Warren family.

Carissa had some insight into the current situation at Valor Estate. Rebecca had yet to recover, Viola was pregnant and unable to attend to the older woman, and Aurora, who was practically hiding away in Blessed Haven, was even less likely to help.

That left Amelia as the only person who could tend to Rebecca.

When Carissa was in the Warren family, she had taken on that role herself. Though Rebecca had her demands, she didn’t make things difficult for Carissa, especially since her dowry gave her a solid standing.

But Amelia was in a different position altogether.

“Could it be that she suffered some injustice?” Carissa suggested.

Violet nodded. “She’s definitely facing some kind of injustice. It must be pretty severe if it drove her to run

at Valor Estate, she doesn’t

the

middle of the night. I heard from Lily that if Ahnella catt hold a

any other way out. Jacob has already sent people to search for her. I also asked Claire to look into the situation at the Warren family to see if they sent anyone to search–losing a lady of the house should make them anxious too.”

“That’s true. While they don’t value Amelia much, they really can’t afford to be without her right now,” Carissa agreed.

Still, an uneasy feeling lingered in her mind. Why had Amelia gone to sit outside Northwatch Estate? If she had been looking for Carissa, it made more sense for her to go to Hell Monarch Estate.

Though her appetite had waned, Carissa stayed to share lunch with Violet, who was eating heartily. After all, she had skipped breakfast entirely.

After a while, Claire arrived and reported, “The Warren family hasn’t sent anyone out to search, but Madam Charlotte did send some of her maids and servants to inquire outside.”

Carissa understood that Charlotte had stopped involving herself with the affairs of the main household. The fact that she sent someone out to search meant that something must have happened.

After thinking it over, she instructed, “Claire, see if you can find anyone from the second branch of the Warren family. If you do, ask them to return and convey an invitation to Aunt Charlotte to meet at Glimmering Tower. Just say that Violet would like to treat her to a meal. If you can’t find anyone, then forget it. Don’t go to Valor Estate for this.”

“Got it.” Claire took a sip of water before promptly getting up to leave.

Violet chimed in, “Should we head to Glimmering Tower, then?”

“Yeah, they have soft couches in the private rooms. We can rest while we wait.” Carissa–rose, revealing dark circles under her eyes that hinted at sleepless nights.

At Glimmering Tower, seeing Charlotte again stirred something warm in Carissa’s heart. During the most

USLUNUS

difficult times in the Warren family, Charlotte had beenthe only one who truly cared for her

The older woman’s eyes were slightly red as well. She genuinely missed Carissa but couldn’t go over to disturb her, nor did she want anyone to pick apart her motives She was also concerned about those who would whisper behind Carissa’s back about how she had left Valor Estate yet still kept ties with those who were supposed to be in her past Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

As Charlotte was about to curtsy in greeting, Carissa quickly stood up to support her hand.

“How are you feeling?”

Charlotte smiled. “Thank you for your concern, Your Grace. I’m doing well.”

She sized up Carissa, surprised at how natural the latter looked in official robes. Charlotte had never seen a woman wearing an official uniform before, but somehow, it suited Carissa remarkably well. She looked striking and commanding

“And you? Is everything well?” Charlotte asked.

“Quite well.” Carissa helped her sit down and introduced her friend, “This is my dear friend et Spencer.

I’ve heard of you, Ms. Spencer.” Charlotte smiled warmly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Same here, Madam Charlotte!” Violet responded with great respect. Anyone who treated Carissa kindly was a good person in her eyes.

Carissa continued, “Aunt Charlotte, I invited you here to ask about Amelia. This morning, she was found sitting at the entrance of Northwatch Estate. She looked like she had been in the cold for quite some time. What happened?”

Charlotte gasped in surprise. “She went to Northwatch Estate? Where is she now?”

“I don’t know. By the time Frederick found out, she had already disappeared. But he said something was off about her and that she had been crying. He suspected she had come in the middle of the night. That’s why I thought it would be best to ask you what really happened.”