Her Graceful War Song

Kendrick didn't wake until well into the afternoon the following day, his body heavy with exhaustion and hunger. When his eyes finally fluttered open, he felt as if his entire body had been shattered. Every muscle ached, and lifting even his arm seemed like a Herculean task.

The weariness sank deep into his bones, and he had no energy to move. His attendant, a trusted servant by the name of Avery, stood at his bedside, awaiting his attention.

He said quietly, "Your Highness, Lady Carissa has been waiting for you for half the day. She wishes to speak with you."

Kendrick had initially planned to stay in bed, have all his meals brought to him, and then drift back to sleep. He was simply too tired to move.

But when he heard that Carissa had waited so long, he immediately threw the covers off and commanded, "Prepare me, quickly."

Over the course of the journey, Kendrick had come to understand just how formidable Carissa was. As a woman, she had never once complained about exhaustion and led the entire group safely through several dangerous situations. Even as many others fell ill along the way, she remained strong.

He knew better than to take someone like her lightly-such people rarely wasted time with idle conversation, and when they spoke, it was for a reason.

Despite his hunger gnawing at him, Kendrick hurriedly washed up, drank a quick bowl of porridge, and then went to see Carissa.noveldrama

"What is it you wish to discuss, Lady Carissa?"

Carissa wasted no time explaining the matter of the orphanage. Kendrick listened carefully, his expression thoughtful. After a moment, he nodded, as if understanding everything at once.

"I see. Though I arrived yesterday and collapsed from exhaustion, I couldn't help but notice the simple furnishings here at Stormwatch Keep. Everything appears so humble and frugal. The grand general's family has served the kingdom loyally and should not be treated so poorly."

Carissa's lips twitched slightly. "Your Highness, you misunderstand. This isn't what I meant. The Sullivan family will not take a single coin for themselves from this. What we're doing is for the children—and for your reputation. These children will remember your kindness, even from far away in the capital, and everyone in the court will praise your good deeds."

She quickly added, "Of course, the Sullivan family will benefit from this too."

Kendrick's eyes widened slightly as he processed her words.

So, that was the plan. He could see the logic behind it. The Sullivan family might struggle, but they were not without support from the Duke of Northwatch's family and the Hell Monarch's wealth.

But Dominic had previously fallen out of favor due to the incident involving Aurora, and to some extent, it had damaged his standing with the people. This was a way to repair that—to win back their trust and goodwill.

Without hesitation, Kendrick nodded firmly. "Consider it done. I'll handle it."

He had a tendency to overthink things, and now his mind was racing with possibilities.

If this arrangement benefited everyone, then they were all in the same boat, weren't they? That thought made him feel like he and the Sullivan family were practically old friends already. Besides, Carissa was his sister-in-law-technically family, right?

Unaware of his thoughts, Carissa instructed Travis to accompany Kendrick to the local government's office.

Travis was no longer the naive country boy who had first entered Rafael's service, and he had learned much during his time alongside Jacob. He had become sharp and capable, now seasoned in the ways of diplomacy.

During their quick trip to the local government's office, Travis advised Kendrick to adopt the princely manner and keep silent. It would be fine to let Travis handle the talking.

"The truly authoritative don't speak much," Travis said, his tone calm but firm.

Kendrick found the advice reasonable. He had always feared his older brother Salvador, who, with just a glance, could impose an almost suffocating pressure on anyone in his line of sight.

In truth, Travis was worried Kendrick

would say too much and make

things worse. After spending time with the prince on this journey, he had come to understand the man's nature all too well. Kendrick didn't think before he spoke-promises rotted off his tongue as easily as breathing. If he liked someone, he would swear he would give them mountains of gold and silver without a second thought.

But if Kendrick went to Magnus and started making those same grand, careless promises, it could spell trouble. After all, Magnus didn't know Kendrick like Travis did.

As it turned out, things went surprisingly smoothly. Magnus was more than willing

to do Kendrick this favor-he was eager to curry favor with Kendrick, hoping to use the prince's influence to secure a transfer back to the capital.

Having previously served in the capital, Magnus knew of Kendrick's marriage to the Quinton family's daughter, And though Kendrick was

only a prince without true authors

the Quinton family held significant power. After all, Malcolm was in charge of the Civil Department. A simple word from him could send Magnus back to the capital.

Magnus acted swiftly. By the next day, a location for the orphanage had been secured-an old,

abandoned temple on the westerne

side of the city. Repairs began

almost immediately, and belie

any

work had even started, officials had already hung the official plaque for the orphanage.

Carissa and Travis, along with Violet, visited the site. While the building was indeed aged, it had potential. The property included front and back courtyards, with the rear garden large enough to grow vegetables and fruits.

As they were leaving the soon-to-be orphanage, Carissa and Travis noticed a man and a woman standing by the door, peering inside.

The pair looked out of place, their clothes worn and dusty. The man's shoes were so torn that one of his toes was exposed. At first, they seemed like mere curious onlookers, a couple of ordinary townsfolk drawn in by the commotion.

But as Carissa lifted her gaze to their faces, she froze, taken aback.

The man had a refined, commanding presence. Yet, his worn and tattered clothes didn't seem out of place on him—it was as if he was born to wear them. Beside him, the woman had striking features. Her bone structure was exquisite, though her eyebrows were thicker than most women's, not the delicate, arched kind they often painted. Instead, they gave her a bold, almost heroic look.