Her Graceful War Song

Carmen’s shoulders trembled as tears dripped down her cheeks.

Violet didn’t offer her any comfort. Instead, she turned to look down the alley.

Why wasn’t Ivy here yet?

After a moment, Carmen, her voice thick with emotion, said, “When I brought Mom back that day, she told me in the carriage not to trust anything my sister said. I think Mom already knew about everything, but I don’t understand why my sister would do that.”

Did Carmen finally believe Violet’s words?

Violet turned back to her, surprise etched on her face. “Your mom really said that to you? Then, she must know. As for why Celeste did it, your mom also probably knows. You should ask her when you get back.” Just then, Ivy rode into the alley on a donkey.

Violet waved her hand and called out, “Over here, Ivy!”

Ivy spotted them and approached, She was a bit confused as to why they weren’t waiting by Lester

Estate’s entrance.

“Why were you waiting here?”

“They’re not living at Lester Estate anymore. They’re over there,” Violet said. Then, she glanced at Carmen, “Don’t act out of impulse. Your mom’s condition is serious. Cari specifically told me to ensure she gets treated. You can disregard her good intentions, but don’t let your emotions jeopardize your mom’s health.”

Ivy looked at Carmen, whose eyes were red and swollen. “What happened? Does she not need treatment anymore?” Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

Carmen quickly wiped away her tears and bowed slightly. “Ma’am, please come with me.”

“Alright, you two go ahead. I’ll be leaving,” Violet replied, her pride flaring.

She didn’t want to argue with Carmen any further. She was aware her words could hurt, and she didn’t want to subject herself to any unfair treatment either.

Carmen tugged gently at Violet’s sleeve. “I’m sorry for how I acted earlier, Ms. Spencer. Please don’t be mad. I just… I just can’t accept this right now.”

Tears streamed down her face again as she spoke, and there was a shattered look in her eyes.

“In just a few short days, I’ve learned that my dad betrayed me, the Lester family doesn’t want me, and my sister wants to harm my mom. I just don’t understand why it’s come to this. Is the world truly so cruel? They are my family. Why would they do this?”

The alley was cold, the wind howling as it drowned out Carmen’s sobs. Her nose was red from crying, and Violet felt a pang of regret for having spoken so harshly moments earlier.

Carmen had grown up in an environment where she had no one to lean on. Even her martial arts master, Greta, was one of Eleanor’s people. Yet, Carmen had a strong will. She had managed to rise above her circumstances, which was admirable.

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If Violet were in Carmen’s shoes, she doubted she could survive such dire conditions, especially since Carmen had handed over her trust so readily to Carissa with that note. It was clear Carmen was someone who easily believed others, and people like that often ended up suffering.

Violet walked back with them.

After Ivy examined Melanie, her brow furrowed in concern. “Her lung condition is very serious. Has she been coughing up blood?”

Melanie managed a weak smile. “Yes, I’ve been coughing up blood for over a month now.”

Carmen stood anxiously to the side, her voice trembling when she asked, “Can she be treated?”

Ivy didn’t directly answer her question. Instead, she wrote a prescription. “First, we’ll start with medication. Here’s the prescription. The medicine isn’t rare. Any pharmacy should have it.”

Carmen looked at Ivy with hopeful eyes, silently urging her for reassurance, but Ivy didn’t meet her gaze. She pulled a bottle of medicine from her kit and placed it on the table.

*If the coughing gets severe, take one pill. It will help. But this medicine only alleviates the cough. You still need to take the prescribed medicine twice a day.”

Carmen recognized the emblem on the medicine box–it belonged to Arcane Sanctum, and their medicines were never cheap. She tugged at Violet’s sleeve and pulled her aside.

“Ms. Spencer, you said you could lend me some money. Is that still possible? I promise I’ll repay you.”

Violet reached into her purse and handed Carmen a banknote. “Here’s a hundred silver coins to start with. When you’re ready to do business, come back for another two hundred.”

“That’s too much! Just setting up a stall to sell pulled pork only requires a few silver coins,” Carmen protested.

“Take it for now. If you don’t use it, just return it. Besides, your mom still needs treatment and medicine.” Violet had seen how Ivy had avoided eye contact with Carmen, which indicated Melanie didn’t have much time left.

Carmen reluctantly accepted the money. “Alright, I’ll see Ivy out and get the medicine.”