Her Graceful War Song

If war broke out, Carissa was determined to fight. However, her grandfather had forbidden it, so she needed an alternative plan.

First, she had to join the army as a soldier. Though she was already training as a recruit, Otis had his eye on her and made it clear she would be sent away once training ended. As she wasn't officially enlisted, she wasn't considered a real soldier and couldn't set foot on the battlefield.

She and Travis discussed it quietly. They agreed that he should remain at the army camp for now, while she would leave and find a way back in under a different identity. Once she succeeded, they would meet again.

After staying at the army camp for a few days, Carissa announced she would return to the capital. Though the Sullivan family hated to part with her, the coming war made it too dangerous for her to stay.

Dominic had Wade escort her and Lulu out of Victory Pass. Meanwhile, Travis said he wished to stay and make a career in the army, which Dominic readily approved of.

Their farewell was a long and heartfelt one. Emotions ran high, and no one wanted to say goodbye. But not long after they left Sullivan Estate, Carissa claimed she was hungry and asked Wade to stop at a roadside inn.

She had no intention of returning to the capital.

If she wanted to rejoin the army, she couldn't go through the usual recruitment process, which required proper household records. Faking such papers would be a serious crime, so she needed another way. And for that, she had to convince her seventh uncle to help her get back into the army camp.noveldrama

Once seated at the inn, Wade gave her a sidelong glance. "Go on, then. What are you really up to?"

They had only just eaten before leaving, so he knew she wasn't truly hungry. This niece of his always had schemes up her sleeve.

Carissa grinned. "Uncle Wade, you know me too well. I do have a favor to ask. Promise me you'll help?"

"Tell me what it is first," Wade said lazily. "If it's anything outrageous, best keep it to yourself. I'd rather not be beaten to death by your grandfather."

Carissa's smile faded as she spoke seriously: "It's nothing outrageous. I just want to stay in the army. If war comes, I want to fight."

Wade stared at her. "And that's not outrageous? If I help you and your grandfather finds out, he'll break my legs."

His tone grew sharp as he continued, "War is serious business. Do you think it's the same as sparring with your friends at the Pathfinders Guild? When you lose there, you simply admit defeat and walk away. But in war, losing means death. This is not a game. Stop trying to stir up trouble here. Hurry back to the capital and stop causing your mother grief."

"I'm not trying to cause any trouble, Uncle Wade, Carissa said calmly. "I understand how dangerous the battlefield can be, and I promise f can take care of myself. I have my reasons for wanting to stay, but I can't share them just yet. However, I need to remain in the army as a legitimate soldier."

"What reasons?" Wade asked, narrowing his eyes.

"I can't explain everything now. Even if I did, you might not believe me. All I can say is that it was my mentor's command. And you know as well as I do that Sage Adrian never acts without reason. He wouldn't send me into danger without a proper plan in place," Carissa replied earnestly.

By now, she was quite good at lying without batting an eye. She knew that Wade held Adrian in great respect, which was why she chose to use the latter as her shield.

Sure enough, Wade's expression began to relax. He turned to look at Lulu, who had been sitting quietly by.

"Is what she says true?" he asked.

Lulu nodded. "It's true. It was all Sage Adrian's orders."

Lulu had no idea what was really going on. However, she had always stood by her mistress, no matter the circumstance. If Carissa said it was Adrian's orders, then it must be so.

"What kind of orders did Sage Adrian give?" Wade asked.

Lulu thought for a moment before replying, "It's probably some old grudge between guilds? After all, even Ms. Preston has been on the move, and others from Meadow Ridge have come too. They've already joined the army through the normal recruitment process."

Carissa didn't need to worry about what Lulu said. The latter could figure things out based on what she already knew. She was aware that Violet and the others had arrived days ago and joined the army through regular recruitment. They were currently undergoing fast-track training with the new recruits.

Hearing that Meadow Ridge had sent others, Wade began to believe Carissa somewhat.

Carissa saw her chance and pressed

on: "All I need is a proper identity, Uncle Wade. I promise not to do anything that would endanger the army or myself. I just need to remain here long enough to complete Sage Adrian's task. Once it's done, we'll leave. I don't mind joining the new recruits in basic military training either."

After all, new recruits were rarely sent to the front lines, unless the very worst came to pass.

At last, Wade gave in with a sigh. He agreed to help and arranged for her to enlist

in the army under the false name Jo Sinclair. She was placed in the new recruit camp. As for Lulu, she was settled into a nearby inn to wait.