Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)
Chapter 747

-25 BONUS

Violet was puzzled. “But why? Your mom is a daughter of the Lester family, and you’re their granddaughter. Why won’t they take you back?”

Carmen shushed her. “Keep your voice down. My mom might hear you.”

Violet suggested, “Let’s step outside to talk. I need to wait for Ivy anyway. She thinks you’re still at Lester Estate, so let’s go wait for her over there.”

They opened the door and stepped outside. As Violet walked a few steps away, she turned back to look.

“Is this cabin really where they let you stay?”

Carmen replied coolly, “It was originally rented out, but since it fell into disrepair, no one wanted to rent it anymore. They haven’t fixed it and said we can stay temporarily until the case is settled. Then, they’ll bring us back to the family’s residence.”

*Do you believe that?” Violet asked,

“I don’t. But for now, we have no other place to go. I plan to go out and look for work in a couple of Once I earn some money, I can replace a better place.”

days.

“You’re going to look for work? What kind of work?” Violet inquired.

Carmen walked slowly, her brows furrowed. “I was thinking of becoming a personal maid for a wealthy family. I have some martial arts skills, but with my background, no one might want me. So, I haven’t figured out my options yet. If it comes to it, I could perform at markets or carry cargo at the docks. I’m strong enough for that.”

Violet nodded in agreement. “Yeah, your martial arts skills may not be the best, but you have the strength. Carrying heavy loads can earn you some money, right?”

Carmen gave Violet a sidelong glance, feeling that she was sometimes too blunt when speaking.

*I’ve looked into it before, but it’s still better than working as a server in coffeehouses or taverns.”

Though Violet lived a life of luxury, she understood the struggles of martial artists. Carrying heavy loads was tough work, and those who did it often faced mistreatment. Even serving as a female bodyguard in a wealthy household came with its challenges.

“Don’t you have any special skills?” Violet asked.

Carmen initially wanted to say her martial arts skills were it, but she hesitated. It felt a bit ridiculous to boast about them in front of Violet.

After a moment of reflection, she said, “I can cook a mean pulled pork.”

“Since you’re not afraid to put yourself out there, why not set up a stall to sell pulled pork?”

“I don’t have the capital,” Carmen replied.

“I can lend you some. No interest–just pay me back once you receive compensation from the case,” Violet offered.

“Compensation?” Carmen’s eyes flickered with confusion. “What kind of compensation will we get?”

“I’m not sure of the details, but with Grand Princess Eleanor having caused you all this trouble, there should be something owed to you. And speaking of which, aren’t you from the Kingsley family? Why didn’t they take you in?”

“The Kingsley family can barely look after themselves, and the Lester family is the same. They’ve been closely tied to Grand Princess Eleanor for years and benefitted from her protection. While they claim to have suffered, they’ve been enjoying the safety that comes with it,” Carmen explained.

They stood not far from Lester Estate as they waited for Ivy

Violet took a moment to gather her thoughts before saying, “Cari asked me to tell you something. Be prepared for it, and don’t take it too hard.”

Carmen raised her chin and smiled bitterly. “What more can I not accept? Even my dad, whom I respected, has betrayed me. I always thought he loved my mom and that we were on the same side, but he was just using us. Go ahead and say what you have to say. I can handle it.“–

Violet looked at Carmen’s slightly bony shoulders and sighed.

“Well, whether you can handle it or not, I need to tell you this–sometimes, the world can be incredibly cruel. The Supreme Court has questioned one of Harmony Palace’s household physicians, Billy. He admitted that your sister ordered him to add a drug to your mom’s medicine to worsen her condition.”

Carmen’s eyes widened as she took an instinctive step back, anger flooding her features.

“That’s impossible! Absolutely impossible! Why are you slandering my sister? What ulterior motives do you have? What do you want from us? I’ve had enough! You’ve already shown me your lack of respect during the Emberfest Festival plans and your distrust in me.

“I know my status doesn’t merit your trust, but now you’re trying to sow discord between my sister and me? Do you think my sister is living in luxury? Can she even command the household physician?

“Putting that aside, her greatest concern has always been for our mom and me. Everything she does is for our sake. Yet you say she wants to harm our mom? What do you really want from us?!”