Her Graceful War Song

However, two days later, an invitation arrived. The Earl of Silverstone family's matriarch, Evelyn Turner, was coming to visit the next day with Viola.

When Lily reported this, she said, "Perhaps we should just avoid seeing them. We don't know what they want. If they're here to inquire about the Warren family, they should have done so long ago, not after the wedding has been arranged and the bridal gown is already in preparation."

Carissa agreed that it might be best not to meet them, and asked, "How was the invitation worded?"

Lily replied, "It says they're coming to congratulate us on our young lord's return, but that's just an excuse. Lord Ryan has been back for a while now. Why didn't they visit sooner?"

Carissa thought for a while, and said, "You should respond by saying that Ryan is still recovering from his injuries, and is not in a condition to receive guests. Once he has fully recovered, I will take him to visit them."

Lily nodded in agreement, and went to deliver the message.

Carissa indeed found it inappropriate to meet them. It was clear that they were interested in the Warren family, a matter she had no say in. It was best to avoid the visit.

After the response was sent, two more days passed, and the first snowfall of the winter began to fall. The snow was light, just enough to cover the yard with a thin layer of white frost before it stopped. Carissa continued to take Ryan to the orchid garden. The orchids had started to bloom, with delicate pink and deep purple petals dusted with a layer of frost, creating a beautiful scene.

Ryan was very happy. Although his cheeks were flushed red from the cold, his face was full of joyful smiles.

He placed his hand on his throat, and tried to speak to Carissa. Despite several attempts, he couldn't make any sound. His small face grew redder with frustration. eside him, and said gently, "It's alright. Take your time. There's no

Carissa knelt

need to rush."

Ryan nodded, though his eyes showed some disappointment. He had been able to make sounds before, but he couldn't for the past few days, which made him anxious.

However, his disappointed expression quickly transformed into a smile. His cold little. hands patted his aunt's cheek gently. He smiled widely and shook his head vigorously, trying to show her that he didn't mind and wasn't upset.

Carissa took his hands, and said, "Sebastian said you will get better. The medicine you've been taking recently is quite strong, and has driven the toxins into the veins of your neck. Once you've coughed up some black blood, you'll be able to speak again. There's no need to rush, okay?"

Ryan nodded emphatically, though he was truly anxious. After all, the twenty-fourth day of December was the day his aunt was to marry the prince. He wanted to get better and say many, many words of blessing to his aunt!

Furthermore, there would surely be many guests on that day. He didn't want to be laughed at for being mute. Even if people didn't mock him openly, they might still do so in their hearts.

After enjoying the orchids for a while, they headed back just in time for Rowan to come for a bandage change.

Carissa asked, "Rowan, how is Ryan's leg? Is it healing properly now?"

"Yes, the bone has healed well. It won't grow crooked. Once it's completely healed, he'll be able to walk smoothly. Just give it a bit more time. There's no need to rush," Rowan replied as he applied a medicinal poultice and wrapped it with bandages. The splint was no longer necessary.

"Thank you for your hard work," Carissa said

Rowan laughed. "Please don't be so polite, my lady. If you're too polite, we might feel embarrassed to charge for our services."

Carissa chuckled softly. "That won't do. Sebastian's medicine is expensive, and he has come personally several times. You, too have been coming almost every other day. I would feel uncomfortable if we don't pay for the consultation and medicine."

After finishing the bandaging, Rowan stood up and looked at Carissa. "I was just joking. My mentor said that payment is necessary, but we only charge one silver coin. Any more is not needed. My mentor was so pleased to see Lord Ryan recovering that he hasn't slept for three days and nights."

Carissa, naturally, couldn't give just one silver coin. Sebastian's dedication and care deeply moved her.NôvelDrama.Org: owner of this content.