Her Graceful War Song

The journey home began in early September. The heat of summer had passed, replaced by a cool breeze.

Liam personally escorted the delegation, accompanying them all the way to Fawnrun City.

The return journey was uneventful-no more attempts on their lives, and everything proceeded smoothly. Once they crossed the rolling mountains, they entered Starhaven's territory.

They hadn't notified Dominic in advance, so Carissa didn't expect anyone to be there to greet them. But as soon as they crossed into Starhaven, they saw Barrett leading the Sullivan Army, waiting for them.

Relief was clear on Barrett's face when he saw they had returned safely. He rode forward, then dismounted and greeted Kendrick, Davis, and the others.

"Your Highness, Mr. Lloyd, esteemed lords, Grand General Sullivan sent me to wait here. I will escort you back to Victory Pass."

Davis raised an eyebrow. "How did Grand General Sullivan know we were returning today?"

"He didn't know, but he ordered us to wait here every day just in case," Barrett replied.

"Ah, I see." Davis nodded, impressed by Dominic's caution.

Kendrick, who had been feeling unwell throughout the journey, lifted the curtain of the carriage. Upon seeing that they had reached Starhaven's territory, he seemed to regain some strength.

"Let's set off," he said.

"Right away!" Barrett responded, quickly mounting his horse and leading the way.

Violet noticed how skillful he was even with one hand. It was clear he had trained hard.

She took the reins herself and spoke to Carissa, saying, "He's not entirely bad, you know. Your mother wasn't wrong about him. She just couldn't account for the deceit in people's hearts."

Carissa knew Violet wasn't praising Barrett. Her friend was still upset that he had let Melanie down. Now, she was just trying to find a way to make everyone feel better.

Carissa said nothing. No matter Barrett's character, Melanie had only wanted the best for her daughter back then.

That time in Melanie's life had been the darkest. She had only acted on instinct, striving to secure her daughter's future. She must have considered countless possibilities, but one could never predict the true nature of people, especially when malice was deliberately hidden.

As the group continued on their way, walking on Starhaven's land, a deep sense of safety settled in everyone's hearts.

Upon returning to Stormwatch Keep, Dominic and the others personally came out to greet them. Knowing that everyone was tired and hungry, he quickly arranged for a meal ensuring they were well-fed and had a chance to rest before catching up.

After eating, Carissa bathed and changed, then headed straight to find her grandfather and uncles, not wasting even a moment.

Dominic listened to her story, clapping his hands with a smile. "Good! From now on, Victory Pass will no longer be a desolate, barren border town, but a thriving hub for trade between the two kingdoms. The people here have suffered for so many years. Now, they finally have a chance at a better life."

As for the division of borders between the two kingdoms, he had no objections, seeing it as temporary. For now, the priority was improving the lives of the people.

If the war continued endlessly, the cost would eventually be passed down to the common folk-increased taxes and heavier military duties, with the blood and sweat of the people paying the price.

Hearing that Faelan had been present to mediate the peace talks, and that the men who had dined at Spring Pavilion were part of his delegation, Dominic chuckled.

"In hindsight, they're the only ones who could move about freely within Starhaven's borders. Pity I never got the chance to meet them in person."

Carissa smiled gently. "If it's meant to be, we'll meet them someday. There's no need to feel regret, Grandpa."

She refrained from mentioning the three- to five-year timeline, as she didn't want to add to her grandfather's speculation. After all, no one really knew what it meant.

With Kendrick needing some time to rest in Victory Pass, Davis wrote a report and dispatched it swiftly the capital.

Though Carissa missed Rafael, she was content to stay in Victory Pass for a few more days. An opportunity like this was rare, after all. With official business completed, Carissa felt lighter at heart. She and Violet spent their days enjoying the sights of Victory Pass, taking in the views of the borderland.

They also visited the orphanage. Shayla mentioned that before they left Victory Pass for Orivenia, someone had delivered a batch of books, intended for the children to read when they grew older.noveldrama

"I asked the bookseller about it, and he said a man in black clothing had bought them, instructing him to send them here," Shayla recounted.

Carissa's thoughts turned to Faelan and his men.

Could it have been them who sent the books? Had they still been in Victory Pass at that time? But after their meal at Spring Pavilion, they had dispatched people

all over the city in search of them, and there had been no trace.

The question lingered in her mind, but there was no way to confirm it. Even if she wanted to, she would have to wait the three to five years they had mentioned.