Her Graceful War Song

When Lulu handed over the bag to Carissa, her hands were trembling.

No one wanted to believe the news was true because, during the initial headcount following the massacre, no one had been missing. The household's young servants and young masters and mistresses, especially the children, had all been accounted for.

Carissa's mind refused to accept it, though her heart clung to a sliver of hope.

The scene that haunted her was not just the severed head, but also the clothing of the body. Though it had been stained with blood, Carissa had recognized the outfit as Ryan's. It was the same one she had made for him when she returned to her family home and prepared clothes for all her nieces and nephews.

Carissa took the bag, her gaze vacant as she murmured, "Lulu, I'm just going to see for myself. I know it's probably not him, and I don't hold out much hope, but... but please fetch Ryan's favorite toy from Azure Hall. It's the slingshot I made for him, engraved with his name. I even painted the wood..."Content provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

"I know which one it is. I'll get it right away!" Lulu replied, hurriedly running off.

She stumbled down the stone steps, her legs giving way momentarily, but quickly picked herself up and continued limping away.

Soon after, Lulu returned with the slingshot and handed it to Carissa. She took the slingshot, her fingers gently tracing Ryan's engraved name. When she looked up after a long moment, she noticed that Lulu's knees were bleeding.

"Lulu, go take care of your wounds," Carissa instructed, regaining her composure.

"My lady, I'll accompany you. There's no need to worry about my injuries," Lulu insisted.

"No, I'll go alone. The horses here aren't as fast as Lightning," Carissa said, glancing at Frederick, Lily, and Holly.

Their eyes were filled with tears and carefully hidden hope. They dared not hope too much, fearing that it might lead to even greater disappointment.

As Carissa was about to leave, Lily called out, "My lady, wait a moment,

Lily hurried downstairs, quickly wrapping a starcake up and rushing back to hand it to Carissa.

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"Ht, in case... Here, take this for the journey.

Carissa understood what Lily meant. If the child beggar was really Ryan, then give him the starcake.

She accepted the starcake and placed it in her bag, then mounted Lightning. As she turned to look back for a moment, everyone stood at the door. Tears that had been held back for so long were finally streaming down their faces.

A pang of sadness gripped Carissa's heart, and tears slipped down her cheeks as well. With a quick squeeze of her legs, she urged Lightning forward. The horse reared up and, with a long neigh, burst into a full gallop.

As Lightning raced out of the city, Carissa silently prayed to her parents, second brother, and second sister-in-law.

"Dad, Mom, Nathan, Yvette, please watch over me.... Please let it be Ryan!'

The journey to Eldoria was at least 600 miles.

Lightning could travel at least 300 miles a day and 250 miles by night, but that was under extreme effort. On a typical day, Lightning could manage 150 miles, then rest overnight to recover. The next day, they could cover 120 miles, then 90 miles on the following day. By the fourth day, Lightning could run 150 miles again.

In this manner, they would reach Eldoria in about four or five days, though Lightning would be very exhausted. Once they arrived, the horse would need several days of rest to fully recover.

August was a time of crisp autumn weather, the perfect season for a horse's performance.

Carissa's heart raced with anticipation. She wished she could instantly be in Eldoria, beside Rafael, to see that child...!

If... if Ryan were really still alive, he would be nearly seven now.

In the blink of an eye, it had been almost two years since the massacre.

Carissa couldn't think about it, she couldn't think of anything. She had to consider the journey as one with no real purpose. She shouldn't hold onto any hope. It was essential n