Her Graceful War Song

Wallace gave the order, and Barrett was tasked with the job of investigating. He led a group to search the area.

Barrett was aware that Carissa had arrived at Victory Pass. He had been there to greet the group. However, he had stayed at a distance, watching from afar without approaching. From that distance, he hadn't been able to make out any faces, only a vague silhouette that seemed to resemble hers.

He had thought his actions unnecessary. After all, what business did he have with her? The affairs of the capital were nothing for him to involve himself with.

While the diplomatic envoy rested in Victory Pass, they spent their time discussing strategies and rehearsing their approach. Everyone understood that while this negotiation might seem easier compared to the last, it was by no means a simple task.

Lisandra had long kept this matter at the forefront of her mind and would not easily yield to any compromises.

The Sullivan family also feared that someone might infiltrate the envoy and eavesdrop on their plans. If their strategies were known, Orivenia could counter them, putting Starhaven at a disadvantage.

Thus, Wallace had ordered Barrett to find out who those mysterious people were. At the same time, he had instructed Barrett to scrutinize everyone around the envoy, ensuring that no one had infiltrated their ranks.

After two days of investigation, Barrett had come up empty. No one had disguised themselves, and there was no sign of anyone sending messages out of Victory Pass.

The only lead Barrett had was that they had once eaten at Spring Pavilion. After leaving the restaurant, a few traders had seen them, but no one could say where they had gone or where they were staying.

It was curious, indeed. How could a group of 30 people in black simply vanish?

Victory Pass had many roads, all leading in different directions. However, only one high mountain pass connected the city to the outside. Even so, trade between the two kingdoms had been established, so it was unnecessary to risk crossing the treacherous mountains. The cliffs were too dangerous-one misstep could lead to a deadly fall.

Dominic had ordered further investigation into their city records, worried that something might have been overlooked. They couldn't simply follow the trail of 30 black-clad figures, as they could have entered in smaller groups or even dressed differently.

According to the descriptions Carissa and Violet had given, these men had terrifying features that could scare children into silence. People who looked like that were rare—if anyone had seen them, they would surely remember. But no one did.

Carissa herself was perplexed. How could 30 living people simply vanish into thin air?

Yet, there was nothing to be done. The next morning, they would be departing for Orivenia.noveldrama

Since their departure was set for the early hours of the day after tomorrow, there was little time to dwell on the matter. Tonight was for gathering together, for sharinga meat and a few laughs. They would treat the whole thing like a strange dream and move on.

And honestly, it did feel like a dream. Their encounter with that couple had been so brief, so fleeting, that now, when they tried to recall them, the memories were hazy at best. The only thing that stood out vividly was the man's toes poking out from his worn, dusty shoes.

On the evening's farewell feast, Barrett made an appearance.

The Sullivan family had not planned to invite him, but Davis had brought a message from Salvador, urging Barrett to take a more active role in handling military matters. It was clear that Salvador still held him in high regard.

So, Wallace decided to extend the invitation.

There was no reason to avoid him now, especially since past grievances had long since faded. To do so would only make it seem as if Carissa had not truly let go of the past.

However, out of respect for Carissa, Wallace went to speak with her first.

When he had finished, he looked at her with tenderness and asked, "If you don't want to see him, I can make sure he's not invited. I'll have Mr. Lloyd speak with him privately instead."

When Carissa thought of Barrett, she realized he no longer stirred even the faintest ripple in her heart.

"It doesn't matter," she replied. "If we are inviting the generals, he should be included. What happened between us is in the past. There's no need to go out of our way to avoid him."

Wallace laughed warmly. "Good. That's all I needed to hear."

At the start of the feast, Carissa noticed Barrett. He arrived late and quietly found

a seat in the corner, doing his best to go unnoticed.

She wouldn't have noticed him if Violet hadn't pointed him out. When Carissa's gaze shifted over, she caught him looking her way as well. Their eyes met for a brief moment before Barrett quickly looked away, his face paling slightly.

Throughout the feast, he remained silent. He ate when it was time to eat, and raised when it was time to drink. But with only one hand, his movements seemed a little awkward.

Every so often, he stole a glance at Carissa. The woman he once knew was now far beyond his reach.

Beside him, Davis murmured something in a low voice. Barrett listened carefully, then gave a solemn nod.