After the lively wedding banquet, Carissa returned to Hell Monarch Estate, only to be struck by an unexpected chill in Orchid Hall. Her thoughts turned to Rafael, who was far away in the Southern Frontier. She hadn't counted the days since they had parted, but it felt like an eternity.

She was about to head out to the Glimmering Tower as usual to see Adrian, but then she remembered that he had returned to Meadow Ridge.

A pang of emptiness settled in her chest.

She thought back to how Rosalind had seemed tonight. Carissa realized that when a woman got married, her heart was filled with so much joy, excitement, and bashfulness. The happiness just radiated from Rosalind.

Carissa thought back to her own two weddings-both had been too calm and quiet.

Lulu helped remove her makeup and was about to prepare a bath, but Carissa stopped her, pulling her down to sit beside her instead.

"Lulu, I've mentioned before that we need to talk about your marriage. Have you thought about anyone in particular?" she asked.

Lulu glanced at her, amused. "Did you enjoy the wedding feast so much you want another helping?" Carissa laughed lightly. "Am I really that greedy? I'm doing this for your sake. If you don't decide soon, you'll become an old maid. You're not planning to follow in Vivi's footsteps and decide not to marry, are you?"

Lulu shook her head. "No, that's not it. I'll get married. Even if I do, I'll stay by your side after."

Carissa reached out to tap the tip of her nose. "How is it that you're going to get married but not live with your husband? Instead, you'll stay with your natal family?"

Lulu's eyes immediately welled up with tears when Carissa said she was her natal family. Her voice trembled as she said, "My lady, you're my only family now. I have no one else. No matter what, I'll stay by your side. If a suitable servant or guard comes along, someone with good character and loyalty to the household, I'll marry him."

Tears rolled down her face as she spoke.

Carissa gently wiped away the tears, her voice soft. "No, Lulu. The most important thing is that you marry someone you love. When I saw the happiness and joy in Ms. Young's face today, I realized that the real meaning of marriage is being with the one you truly love. Of course, character matters too."

-

Lulu, still stubborn, replied, "Regardless, I just want to stay with you."

She didn't have a family or home anymore. Wherever Carissa was, that was where Lulu's home was. Carissa smiled warmly. "Alright, we'll make sure you stay in the capital."

"You mean by your side, my lady," Lulu reiterated with quiet determination.

Carissa gently pushed her toward the bath. "Go to the bath chambers."

At Redstone Manor, Rafael received a letter from Carissa and read it several times, unable to suppress the smile that kept creeping up on his face.

Carissa had written she missed him-she had actually taken the time to write it down.

She missed him!

Timothy and the others had been waiting outside for quite a while and were beginning to get anxious. They knocked once more. "Marshal Sanford, may I enter?"

Rafael folded the letter carefully, smoothing his expression to appear more serious. "Come in."

The reason they were summoned today was because Victor had been sitting idle-neither retreating nor advancing and that kind of stalemate couldn't go on forever.

So, they had made contact with the Wolf Chief of the grassland tribes, Balin Storm, hoping to form an alliance.

Originally, the tribes had been

reluctant to ally with any side. But Victor had been hoarding troops, and his supplies were running low He had been engaging in sneaky tactics-stealing sheep from the grasslands-which greatly angered Balin.

Anger aside, there was a sense of worry.

They understood Victor's situation-if he was defeated, he would be punished once he returned home.

So, his only option was to go all in. If he couldn't take Simonton City, he would have to take control of the grasslands.

Originally, Victor had only sent someone to negotiate. But now he had lost all sense of pride, resorting to stealing sheep and killing cattle. This couldn't be tolerated any longer.

They had to make a choice.

Just as this tension mounted, an emissary from the Hell Monarch arrived. Balin had readily agreed to meet and was willing to enter the city and negotiate. This showed genuine intent to discuss matters, as they knew the generals of the Southern Frontier Army couldn't leave the city freely, and Victor's current tactics were despicable. noveldrama

Because of this negotiation, Rafael called Timothy and the others to join him.

"They are willing to enter the city, so according to our customs, they are our guests now," Rafael said, looking at the gathered men. "General Farrell will handle their reception-prepare the best food and drink."

Timothy nodded. "Yes, Marshal Sanford. I'll make sure it's properly arranged."

Louis spoke up. "Sir, do you think an alliance with the grasslands tribes is possible? Could we get them to send troops?"

Rafael shook his head, his gaze firm. "No need for that. As long as the grasslands, tribes allow us on their land, we can pursue Marshal Crow directly. We must take his head As long as he breathes, he will never surrender."

The others nodded in agreement. Sandoria's troops were already demoralized and lacked the will to fight.

It was only Victor's stubbornness that kept them from retreating.

Once he was gone, Sandoria's forces would crumble.