Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)
Chapter 231

Margaret looked into Carissa's clear and singere eyes, realizing that her words came from the heart. She didn't blame the Marquis of Ironridge's family for this matter. With this understanding, Margaret felt relieved.

Setting everything else aside, the Marquis of Ironridge's family had no desire to make enemies without cause. When it came to either Rafael or the Duke of Norwatch's family, Margaret was especially reluctant to be at odds with them.

At the very least, based on their military achievements, they were people worthy of respect. The Marquis of Ironridge's family should befriend such individuals, rather than foster animosity or harbor grudges against them.

Margaret sighed. "You're wise and understanding, Lady Sinclair, but I still feel deeply guilty. If it hadn't been for the minister of the Astrology Department clarifying things, you might have borne the label of being negligent towards your parents for the rest of her life. For anyone, that would be a nearly devastating blow."

However, Carissa shook her head slightly. "Madam Winchester, it really wouldn't have been much of a blow to me. It's nothing more than a few idle words."

Nothing more?

Margaret looked at Carissa in astonishment, thinking the latter was intentionally dismissing the matter with a show of nonchalance. But seeing the calm and unaffected expression on Carlssa's face, it was clear she truly didn't care.

After a moment of deeper reflection, Margaret understood why Carissa said it was nothing.

What Carissa had endured over the past few years made these idle rumors seem trivial in comparison.

Her father and brothers perished in battle, then her entire family met with a tragic end. Even though Margaret had no blood relation to Carissa, thinking of these events and looking at the strong, radiant girl before her, she couldn't help but feel a pang of

sorrow.

Those days must have been unimaginably difficult for Carissa. And yet, despite it all, she didn't fall into despair or succumb to the bitterness of the world. Instead, she chose to carry on her father and brothers' legacy, taking up the Rose Spear to fight on the battlefield.

-25 BONUS

The spirit of the Duke of Northwatch's familly stood strong and unyielding.

Margaret suddenly regretted not having more contact with Carissa in the past. The younger generation of the Marquis of Ironridge's family could certainly learn a thing or two from her.

Today, Margaret had come prepared with a gift-a golden bracelet adorned with interlocking pearl pattems. She instructed her attendant to open the box and present it to Carissa. Margaret even stood up, intending to help Carissa put it on.

The bracelet was inlaid with six gemstones-rubies and sapphires-that glittered briliandy. It was clearly a valuable piece, far from something that could be easily purchased elsewhere, and the craftsmanship was on par with the best from the palace.

Carissa quickly stood up and politely refused, "I can't accept this. It's far too precious. I really can't."

"Lady Sinclair!" Margaret grasped Carissa's hand, her expression solemn. "You must accept it. This bracelet was never meant to belong to me. It rightfully belongs to your family."

Carissa was taken aback. "It belongs to my family? What do you mean, Madam Winchester?"

Margaret sighed softly. "It happened over three years ago. That was the only time I ever had an interaction with your mother."

Hearing that it involved her mother, Carissa quickly urged Magaret to sit down and explain slowly.

Margaret settled back into her seat and began recounting the events that had taken place at The Golden Tower.

"At the time, I had ordered this bracelet from The Golden Tower. After paying the deposit, it was agreed that I would pick it up in three months. But when I went to retrieve it, I found your mother there, holding the bracelet in her hands. The shopkeeper informed me that your mother had already paid the full amount.

"Naturally, I was furious-though my anger was directed solely at The Golden Tower. After all, I had reserved the bracelet, so they should never have sold it to someone else. Moreover, I wasn't even late. I came exactly when we had agreed."

Hearing this, Carissa found it odd. The Golden Tower was the largest jewelry store in

the capital-how could they have done something like that? Especially to the matriarch of the Marquis of Ironridge's household, who was a person of considerable status.

How could they sell something she had ordered to another customer?

"So, this bracelet was originally yours? The Golden Tower