Her Graceful War Song

In the blazing heat of July, a letter from Westhaven arrived.

Westhaven's king, Edmund, had abdicated. Grand Princess Lisandra was now queen. She had taken the throne and assumed control of the kingdom, and its name was officially changed from Westhaven to Orivenia.

The new queen invited Starhaven to send an envoy delegation to attend her coronation and to discuss the long-standing border disputes. Lisandra had already ascended the throne, so attending the coronation was merely a formality. The true purpose of the visit was to negotiate the border issue.

When the Westhaven envoy delegation previously came to Starhaven, their primary goal was the border-an issue that had been put on hold due to internal unrest. It was also the matter that had weighed most heavily on Lisandra's mind. So, with her coronation behind her now, she wasted no time in reopening the talks.

At the morning court session in Starhaven, there was unanimous agreement that old grudges were behind them. Both kingdoms were now on equal footing, and it was time to stand firm where needed. The border issue might not be resolved quickly, but as long as war was avoided, it was a step in the right direction.

Salvador selected Kendrick for the diplomatic mission. Though he had no experience in court matters, his status as a prince made him a symbol of respect. He was to accompany the envoy delegation, which included the Defense Minister and the head of the Diplomatic Affairs Department, to Orivenia.

Carissa was also part of the group, serving in her official capacity as the commander of the Mystic Army, tasked with overseeing security along the journey. Rafael had recommended her for the role, as the delegation would pass through Victory Pass.

They would stop there briefly to gather information about the state of affairs between the two kingdoms and Orivenia's current situation. It would also be a chance for Carissa to reunite with her grandfather and his family for a few days.

When the official order from Salvador arrived, Carissa was thrilled. She immediately gathered Violet, Cynthia, and the others to go on a shopping spree. While she regularly sent gifts to Victory Pass each year, there was nothing like personally delivering them.

As for the choice of guards, she left that to Michael and Max. This time, her focus was on combining business with pleasure, as well as taking the opportunity to show her gratitude to her husband for securing this important assignment for her.

In truth, even if Rafael hadn't recommended Carissa, Salvador had already intended to send her. After all, a queen had ascended the throne of Orivenia. It would be a fine gesture for Starhaven to send a female official to congratulate her.

Salvador had even privately joked with Rafael, saying, "Since you need to rest, it's not such a bad thing if your wife is away for a few months. That way, you won't be so distracted and can focus on your health."

Rafael also jokingly replied, "True, I must take care of myself. Otherwise, how else will I ensure the continuation of the royal family?"

Salvador rolled his eyes at him with a smile. They could speak about such matters now without any bitterness between them.

Sebastian had once shared a thought with Salvador that he found quite wise. The older man had said that those who overthink often didn't live long.

Why did so few kings live to old age throughout history? Ruling a nation required constant vigilance and tireless effort, far more than the average person. The relentless stress took a heavy toll on both mind and body, weakening the immune system and making them vulnerable to illness.

If, even while receiving treatment, a king remained consumed by worries-fretting over state affairs, seething with anger over onenoveldrama

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different from pushing themselves step by step toward an early grave.

It was better to simply stop worrying about everything. Focus on what needed attention and trust the court officials to handle the rest. After all, wasn't that what they were paid for?

With that clarity, Salvador found that he had become much more at ease.

His main concern was the crown prince position. Connor had made significant progress, and the king was thankful to see the boy improving. It was good that Salvador could watch over his son just a little longer.

With that, what more could he wish for?

Being able to think this clearly was the result of many conversations with Sebastian. Though Salvador had always known these truths, hearing them from someone with authority felt different.

His life was in Sebastian's hands, so the physician's medicines were gospel, and his words, law.

The day before the envoy delegation departed, Salvador summoned Carissa to the palace, where he had Rafael and Sebastian by his side.

"I have a message for you to deliver to Grand General Sullivan. I am grateful for the sacrifices he and his family have made for Starhaven. I will never forget the Sullivan family, and I am certain the people of this kingdom will also hold them in their hearts. In the future, history will record Grand General Sullivan as

one of Starhaven's greatest heroes," Salvador said.

In other words, the earlier demotion and dismissal were only temporary. Dominic's

accomplishments would undoubtedly be recorded in history.

Carissa knew her grandfather didn't care about such things—his actions and

legacy would be judged by the people and future generations. But she was certain Salvador's words would bring him joy.