Her Graceful War Song

Carissa pinched his cheek playfully. "If you stop scowling in front of her, she won't think you're going to lecture her."

Rafael caught her hand and, with a playful peck on her lips, replied with a smile, "I can't help it—it's just my natural aura."

"You often smile when you're with me, don't you? You should smile more at her too."

Rafael nodded. "Alright, I'll do as you say."

Carissa went out to give instructions, telling the servants not to bring food to Helen's room. Instead, Carissa would personally invite her to the dining hall.

Helen was a bit fidgety, and asked several times how Rafael was feeling today.

Carissa reassured, "He's in a good mood."

Relieved, Helen followed Carissa to the dining hall. Rafael was already seated and, upon seeing her, stood up and greeted her. "Mom, you're here."

His tall, upright figure, combined with his habitual calm demeanor, conveyed the imposing presence of a seasoned general.

Then, in a show of obedience to his wife's advice, Rafael slowly smiled at Helen.

Helen was taken aback.

In her mind, she recalled the signs before the late emperor's outbursts-he would also slowly show a smile or a cold grin before erupting into fierce anger. Rafael increasingly resembled his father in this regard.

However, Helen nodded and said, "Sit down."

She settled into her seat with a steady calmness. With Carissa around, she felt assured that Rafael wouldn't exhibit any signs of anger like his father.

A short while later, Kiera and Ryan arrived and took their seats.

The meal proceeded in silence, with no exchange of words or glances between mother and son.

However, Carissa served Helen her favorite dishes, showing how attentive she was to Helen's preferences.

Thinking of this made Helen's mood significantly brighten. She even enjoyed an extra bowl of soup.

After the meal, as coffee was served and the servants cleared the dishes, Helen suddenly felt a wave of emotion and was on the verge of tears.

She wasn't sure why, but she felt a mix of bittersweet happiness.

Wasn't this what she had hoped for all along? Her children were by her side, quietly enjoying a meal together. There were no complaints from her son, no scolding, no reprimands, and no signs of impatience or resistance.

As they drank their coffee, they chatted about the current happenings. One of the matters that came up was what happened to Mary, the matriarch of the Marquis of Jadehill's family.

Luke said, "The rumors outside have

not ceased. In fact, the outcry against Aurora is growing louder. I've heard that General Warren took her to Jadehill Estate to apologize, but the current marquis refused to see them. After hearing that, Aurora in a fit of anger."

ended up running awa at Aurora

There were no longer any reservations about discussing the Warren family's matters in the estate, as everyone knew that Carissa didn't mind it.

Luke continued, "It is said that Madam Clayton is also dissatisfied with the Marquis of Jadehill's actions. She didn't take Aurora's words to heart. Madam Clayton said since the deed was done, let people talk as they please. She isn't bothered by it."

Carissa was reflecting on Mary's

noble demeanor when Helen furrowed her brows and interjected, "How can she not care? If someone dared to speak about me like that, I would

up. Madam Clayton is simply too easy to bully. If she is so easily bullied, what about herExclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Madaly have them beaten

descendants?"

Rafael replied, "Madam Clayton has lived to such an old age. She has probably heard and seen all kinds of things. She is a kind-hearted person, and she likely doesn't take such insults to heart." "That's not acceptable!" Helen retorted. "Madam Clayton clearly did a good deed, but is being called an old beggar. She is a noble lady with a title, and Aurora is nothing in comparison."

Realizing she had used harsh language, Helen awkwardly added, "Such lack of propriety. I don't know how that young lady from the Prince family manages that household."

Luke chuckled and said, "You may not know, but their household is in chaos. Madam Viola does want to manage the household. Unfortunately, Madam Aurora is also a rightful wife, and is difficult to manage.

"Since she is also General Warren's

rightful wife, she is harder to

discipline than a concubine. Moreover, Madam Aurora knows

martial arts, so Madam Viola's ne

attempts to impose rules have been unsuccessful. I've heard that the two maids she brought with her were beaten by Madam Aurora.

"General Warren comes home every day to handle these domestic troubles. With his time and energy spent in that manner, how can he focus on his official duties?"