Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)
Chapter 340

In preparation for her marriage, Carissa had acquired numerous new outfits.

Along with the engagement gifts from Rafael, her collection included many pieces of luxurious brocade and cloud satin. Her trunk was filled with clothing for every season-spring, summer, autumn, and winter —all in varying colors and with exquisite embroidery. There was even a separate trunk for fox fur and heavy cloaks.

Looking at the engagement gifts and dowry items now, she felt she had more than enough clothing for a lifetime. The garments she wore today and those freshly arranged in her wardrobe were intended for the coming days. They were mostly vibrant in color but remained elegant rather than gaudy.

Carissa found that blue hues suited her exceptionally well.

The outfit she wore tonight was a gentle shade of blue. Not a dark blue, but rather light blue with a hint of lavender, which highlighted her snow-like skin and complemented her beauty mark.

The outer layer made of cloud satin was incredibly soft, and its glossy surface shimmered with every movement. Though the garment was somewhat thin, the heated floor was enough to keep her warm. Carissa felt remarkably at ease. After her earlier bout of crying, her nose had been stuffy, but it had cleared up once she took a bath.

Word from the front courtyard indicated that Rafael had drunk quite a bit and would likely return to the newlywed suite soon. It was still only about ten at night, earlier than midnight, which was when Lily had anticipated Rafel would return.

Tonight's guests were truly making an occasion of it—how often did one see a wedding feast lasting this long?

It was a mark of great respect.

Lily quickly instructed the servants to remove some of the food and replace it with fresh servings. The food had not been originally intended for immediate consumption, but it was customary to have a full spread in the newlywed suite, symbolizing that the couple would always be well-fed and cared for in their future.

Except for the wine and the wine glasses, everything else was brought in fresh. The food was the same as before, but the chef had prepared these dishes fresh, keeping them warm in pots until they could be served again before Rafael arrived at the newlywed suite.

With everything in place, Dylan helped Rafael back to Orchid Hall.

Turning her head, Carissa suddenly remembered there was a ceremony they might have missed.

That's right, the First Light Revelry.

It was a tradition where the couple's friends and family gathered once more to extend their congratulations. The event was about well-wishing and included lively activities and games, giving guests a chance to receive special gifts from the couple.

Carissa remembered when she married Barrett. Despite his imminent departure for the battlefield, they had carried out the tradition, and people had made a ruckus in their newlywed suite, demanding rewards. It had been quite embarrassing at the time.

If Carissa had still had her old temper back then, she would have thrown them all out.

She quickly asked, "Lily, aren't we supposed to do the First Light Revelry in the suite?"

"His Highness forbade it," Lily replied calmly.

Carissa sighed in relief. "That's wonderful. That tradition is really quite annoying."

Aware of Carissa's memories from her first marriage, Lily quickly added, "Yes, that incident at Valor Estate was excessive. Those people General Warren's younger brother brought in were not reputable individuals. But enough about that. The prince is coming."

Dylan helped Rafael to the door of the newlywed suite but didn't dare to go any further.

Lily called for Carissa to assist her new husband, as Orchid Hall had not yet arranged for servants to be present. They were waiting for Carissa to choose the servants after her arrival. For now, only Carissa's few attendants and Lily remained.

The matchmaker and the staff from Elegance Atelier had already been sent away.

Carissa supported Rafael, who leaned heavily on her. If she were a weaker woman, she might have fallen to the ground. His body reeked of alcohol, indicating that he had been drinking a lot. Carissa had seen him drink extensively when they had gone out together to make toasts with the guests. With so many people present, the toasting had been relentless.

Dylan waved to Lulu, who came over.

He said softly, "His Highness drank a lot tonight. The Pathreplaceers Guild members and other factions continuously filled his cup. It was difficult for him to refuse. I've already had someone prepare a hangover remedy. It will be brought over shortly."

"He was forced to drink more?" Lulu's sympathy for Rafael grew.

She had spent time in Meadow Ridge and knew that when people there drank, they either drank moderately or were forced to drink excessively by relying on their inner force.

Tonight, Rafael had already been expected to drink heavily. To be forced to drink even more was excessive.

"Has he thrown up?" Lulu asked.

"He has thrown up once already. He rested in the outer courtyard for a while, then had his mouth rinsed and face cleaned before being sent back. He was in considerable discomfort. The rose wine from the Lunar Guild was unusually strong," Dylan replied.