Her Graceful War Song

At Hell Monarch Estate, Carissa and Cynthia were busy teaching Roxana and Courtney martial arts. Mostly, it was Cynthia who took charge of Roxana's lessons, while Carissa kept company with Courtney, observing but not actively participating.

Work at the Capital Guard headquarters was actually quite busy, but time seemed to slow down, bringing a sense of calm to everyone's hearts. No matter how long this period without suspicion would last, they decided to cherish each day as it came.

But there was one thing that weighed heavily on Carissa's mind-Rafael's health.

Although he was gradually recovering, his vitality had been severely damaged. Working tirelessly every day, leaving early and returning late, with irregular meals and inconsistent medication, he wasn't able to rest properly, which was always a worry.

Bun came down the corridor and approached Carissa, saying, "Vivi says she won't be home tonight."

Carissa nodded, her expression unchanged. She didn't need to ask. She knew exactly what Violet was doing-returning to her old ways.

This matter was not something they would discuss in private. However, they had once said that since their hands were already stained with blood, they might as well let the blood of the wicked nourish their souls to an even deeper crimson.

So, whether Violet was helping the authorities find evidence or directly taking down evildoers who couldn't be convicted due to insufficient proof, Carissa didn't interfere.

They no longer talked about upholding justice as openly as they did in their childhood, even though it had always been their ideal. Now, as they grew older, Carissa no longer defined her actions in terms of righteousness.

The world was not as simple as black and white; it was full of gray. But the end result remained the same-seeing the guilty get their just punishment was all that mattered.

Bun sat beside her, watching Cynthia teach Roxana.

"Roxana is really something. Strong and full of energy, just like Cynthia was at her age. But honestly, Roxana has even more talent. She might just turn out to be the second you," he said.

Carissa looked over and saw Roxana moving with incredible speed. Her fists were a blur, yet each strike carried a palpable weight. Bun had given her the nickname Powerful Cyclone for her fierce strength.

Carissa smiled faintly, imagining Roxana's future. Would she become a female general, or a wandering hero, fighting for justice?

It was at that moment that Rafael returned. He sat down next to his wife and immediately pulled her into his arms.

Seeing the two of them, Bun stood up with a playful scolding look. "Only a day apart and you're acting like you've been apart for three years. It's enough to make my eyes sting."

Carissa rested her head on Rafael's shoulder, a smile blooming on her face. "Then, hurry up and go."

"Fine, I'm going. I won't disturb you," Bun replied, already heading over to join the girls for their practice.

Let the two of them enjoy their little moment together, while he kept the others busy.

"It's time for your medicine," Carissa murmured, shifting slightly to nestle closer, inhaling the cold, piney scent of his skin.

"I've already taken it. Sebastian had the apothecary prepare a dose for me at the palace," Rafael replied, his voice low.

Carissa lifted her head, suddenly cautious. "Then, His Majesty will know about your condition."

"He only knows that I... can't perform," Rafael said gloomily.

Carissa burst out laughing. "You told him that?"

"It was Sebastian who said it," Rafael replied, even more sullen. "When he brought His Majesty's medicine yesterday, he brought mine along too. His Majesty asked about it and Sebastian told him it was to help me regain my strength. Said a man has to maintain his vigor."

In truth, Rafael felt he could perform in bed without an issue. However, until the day Carissa and Sebastian approved, he wouldn't be able to do anything.

Carissa smirked, shaking her head. "How tragic. Does His Majesty think you're pitiable, or is he pleased with the outcome?"

After all, Salvador had once said he didn't want them to have children. Wasn't this exactly what he had wanted?

Rafael ran his hand gently through

her hair. His Majesty didn't say

much, just looked at me with a mixed expression. Half sympathy,

half something else. He stared at

me for quite a while."

Carissa reached into her sleeve and pulled out a candy, slipping it into his mouth.

"Take it slow, you'll get better."

Ever since her husband had

practically become a walking

medicine cabinet, she had kept littlenoveldrama

candies and dried fruits with her,

always ready to offer him something

sweet to mask the bitter aftertaste of the medicine he had to endure.

Rafael had eaten so many sweets lately that his teeth ached, but it was still better than the constant bitter taste lingering in his mouth.

The lamps flickered gently, casting a soft glow over the young girl diligently practicing martial arts, as well as the radiant woman leaning against her husband.