Her Graceful War Song

The merchant ship docked, and Thomas led Elise and Selene ashore.

On the way, Elise asked, "Did you come alone this time? Did the boys come with you?"

Thomas smiled. "They didn't, but Rosalind did. We've been here for half a month, staying at Hearth Inn. This time, I came on your father's orders-partly to investigate the bandits and pirates around Port Liantra, partly to see if you had arrived safely. I also took it as a chance to take Rosalind out for a bit. The academy is on holiday for the New Year, so it was easy enough for her to take leave for a month or two."

Elise brightened. "Ms. Young is here? That's wonderful! Please take me to see her quickly."

Rosalind had been Elise's first teacher when she studied at the academy. She was clever but restless, never able to sit still. During her studies, she had been sent to Meadow Ridge several times, but was returned each time. Finally, she stayed at the academy until she was seven years old before trying Meadow Ridge

again.

Whether one studied books or trained in martial arts, respect for one's teacher was important. When Elise came of age, Rosalind had even given her a gift, though the ceremony had been too crowded to exchange many words.

Now, being able to meet here in Port Liantra was truly a blessing.

Hearth Inn stood in a rather quiet part of town. It was no grand inn, more a simple place for traveling merchants, most of whom stayed there for long stretches because the price was low. No matter how much the officials in Port Liantra might guess, they would never suspect that a general like Thomas had come and stayed at a place like this.

In the small courtyard of the inn, Rosalind sat reading a book. The weather was mild, and a gentle breeze carried the fresh scents of early spring. Warm sunlight spilled over everything, filling her with a peaceful comfort.

In the courtyard stood a tall cotton tree that was just beginning to bloom. The fiery red flowers were few, but their bright color stained the branches like flames.noveldrama

The innkeeper had told Rosalind that in about two weeks, the ground would be covered with fallen cotton blossoms. The locals liked to make soup from the cotton tree flowers, saying it was the best remedy to drive away chill from the body.

Rosalind thought that if she could stay until then, she would surely pick some of those blossoms to make soup. Using flowers in soup was practical, yet still poetic.

But the book in her hands was unread. Since her earliest lessons, books had been nearly her whole world. She had always found joy in flipping through pages, seeking life's truths and rules for how to live.

Yet, as the saying went: Reading thousands of books was not as good as traveling thousands of miles.

In recent years, her husband had been stationed at the capital's garrison. Occasionally, he took her out on short trips, but never far. This journey from the capital all the way to Southmere Eastmarch had opened her eyes.

Of course, she had read many records about different places, but nothing compared to seeing them with her own eyes.

"Ms. Young!"

A cheerful voice broke Rosalind's

thoughts. She looked up to see a

figure moving swiftly toward the courtyard. As the visitor entered, her steps slowed, and she approached with calm grace, like a well-bred young lady.

Perhaps Rosalind had been too deeply absorbed in her thoughts earlier, so her mind was still a little dazed. When she looked up and saw the person before her, she was suddenly reminded of that day at Harmony Palace, when Carissa had presented Kyle's painting of orchids in the snow.

At first, she had thought it a mere chance meeting. Little did she know that because of that young lady, her own life would soon change.

Rosalind rose to greet Elise with a smile. "Hello, Your Grace."

Elise bowed deeply. "Your student greets you, Ms. Young. I hope you are well."

Rosalind took her hand and looked her over. "Why are you dressed like this? Where have you been?"

Thomas' voice came from outside the courtyard: "We went to catch thieves." He strode in, his eyes full of gentle warmth as they met his wife's.

Rosalind understood his mission and felt some relief seeing him return safe and sound. "Come inside and have some tea and a little something to eat. The snacks here in Port Liantra are truly delicious."

Thomas came over, took the book she was holding, and habitually held her hand. "Good. I have business at the local authorities' office later, but first, I will stay and enjoy some snacks with you."