Her Graceful War Song

Carissa and Travis had been training with the soldiers for several days now. Travis was quite taken with it, especially the offensive battle formations, which he thought were clever and oddly fun.

But for Carissa, these maneuvers were second nature. They were things so deeply ingrained that they felt like part of her bones. She could see the weaknesses in the drills and even offered suggestions.

Otis was the only one who knew her true identity, and he was initially suspicious when she approached him with her ideas. He thought she was simply trying to stand out, perhaps making trouble for the sake of attention.

He listened to her, albeit with impatience, as she explained a few improvements to the formation. But as she spoke, his eyes lit up.

By the end of it, he raised his thumb in admiration and exclaimed, "Truly, like father, like daughter! You are indeed worthy of being General Hector's child."

When she first heard those words, Carissa felt a little dazed.

It had been years since anyone had said such a thing to her. Back in her previous life, when she returned victorious from the Southern Frontier, people would say it often. When she led the Mystic Army as their commander, many had said it then too.

In those years, most people knew her as the daughter of the great General Hector.

Later, even after she became the regent's princess consort, many still called her Lady Sinclair, out of habit and respect. Long into her old age, when she had stepped away from court life entirely, there were still those who addressed her that way. Meanwhile, some still referred to her as Lady Carissa or Her Grace. She had carried each title and role with pride.

She had lived so long as Lady Sinclair and the regent's princess consort. To hear someone refer to her as Hector's daughter once more... it brought a strange ache to her chest. A pang of sorrow, but also pride.

After implementing her suggestions, Otis found that the changes made a real difference. Pleased with the results, he went straight to Dominic and offered high praise for Carissa.

Not long after, Dominic made a rare visit to the training barracks. He pulled his granddaughter aside and privately asked, "How did you come to know so much about battlefield formations?"

"I used to hear my father speak of such things. And my mentor taught me a little too. I remembered what I could," Carissa answered smoothly, without hesitation.

Dominic studied her face for a long while before sighing softly. "When most young ladies hear talk of war and strategy, they forget about it easily. But you remembered. You even dared to offer improvements. That tells me you have a true interest in these matters, right?"

Carissa hesitated. "I... I wouldn't say I'm interested, exactly..."

Dominic smiled gently. "There is no harm in having an interest. There have been women who served in the military before. I've heard of one in particular, General Aurora Yates. She distinguished herself by putting down bandits some years ago. Even the queen dowager spoke highly of her."

Hearing her grandfather speak so openly of women in the military, Carissa saw an opportunity and quickly asked, "Grandpa, if you believe women can serve, does that mean I might also—"

She hadn't even finished her sentence before Dominic's face darkened.

He cut her off sharply, "Absolutely not!"

Carissa's expression fell at once. All the eagerness that had risen in her chest faded away, hidden as she lowered her eyes. She had been tricked. As the saying went, all was fair in war.

Dominic's voice remained stern as he continued, "You're the only child your mother has left. If something were to happen to you, how do you expect her to go on? The border won't fall because you're not on the battlefield, and it certainly won't be saved just because you're there.

"Yes, you've trained in martial arts, but the battlefield is not about skill alone. It is a test of strength and endurance. You can wave a sword and throw a punch, but tell me, when it comes to killing, could you do it?

"And even if you could take a life, what then? When blades and arrows come flying at you from all sides, do you think you can dodge every one? Once, perhaps. Twice, maybe. But three times? Four?"

Having scolded her thoroughly, Dominic pressed further: "Enough of this. You're coming back with me today. I won't have you entertaining foolish thoughts and worrying your mother day and night. Her health is fragile, you must think of her." Carissa nodded meekly. "You're right, Grandpa. I mustn't cause Mom distress."

Then, she added, "But... Travis is very strong and skilled. I only meant to accompany him while he trains. Once the drills are done, I'll return home. Would that be agreeable?"

Dominic had already heard praise

for Travis from Otis. The latter spoke of Travis raw strength, sound

technique, and fearless nature, met

such strength could be properly directed, he might even be able to operate the ballistae on his own. He was worth training. noveldrama

"Very well," said Dominic at last. "You may stay with him for now. But when the time comes and I say you must go, you will obey without protest."

"Yes, sir!" Carissa straightened at once, her tone steady and respectful, which put Dominic much at ease.