Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)

Violet looked at Carissa, and asked, "If they're not targeting Aurora, could they be targeting you and the marshal's household?"

"I don't know," Carissa admitted.

She hadn't been able to analyze it yet. After all, she only knew that a few individuals with a heavy aura of bloodlust had entered the capital, and there was no other information.

"I need to have Rod strengthen the defenses of the estate. Tomorrow, I'll take Ryan to the academy and have Rod station people outside for a few days until those individuals leave."

No matter what, caution was paramount. With Rafael and Jacob not in the estate, it was better to take extra precautions rather than rely on luck.

That day, Travis began setting up defenses. With five hundred soldiers stationed in Hell Monarch Estate under the king's nose, Salvador might feel some trepidation. However, their actual utility was significant.

Setting up the defense was quite straightforward. They worked in three-hour shifts, and there were more than enough people for the job.

Since there was no curfew in the capital at night, Travis personally took charge at night, given that nighttime was often when crimes occurred. The likelihood of several people storming the estate in broad daylight was quite low.

Early the next morning, Carissa and Violet took Ryan out after the carriage was ready. It was Ryan's first day at the academy. Though he claimed not to be nervous, a hint of anxiety was evident on his face.

Ryan was dressed in a blue outfit, with his hair styled and secured with a blue silk ribbon, presenting a clean and somewhat scholarly appearance.

Frederick had chosen Ryan's study partner, who was the grandson of Frederick's cousin. Born on New Year's Eve, he was named Evan and was the same age as Ryan.

Evan carried a book bag containing ink, brushes, and paper.

Ryan's gait was slightly awkward, but he wasn't worried about being mocked. He had endured scorn and abuse in his days as a beggar, which had made him emotionally resilient.

Violet glanced at the overcast sky and said, "It looks like it's going to rain. We need to hurry, or we'll be stuck in a traffic jam at the academy."

Carissa was still standing by the carriage and scanning the surroundings. She saw nothing unusual, and then lifted her skirt to get in. "Do we have an umbrella?"

"Yes, I've got it all," Violet said, checking the items. "I've got a packed lunch and a storybook too. We can read it while waiting for him to finish class at the academy." Carissa told the coachman, "Alright, let's go!"

The carriage was spacious and quite comfortable. However, just as they were nearing the academy, it began to rain. Fortunately, it was only a light shower and wouldn't cause much delay. Since they had left early, they arrived at the academy without encountering any traffic jams. At the large entrance, only a few carriages were lined up.

Carissa opened her umbrella and

stepped out of the carriage first. She

then carefully lifted Ryan down,

while Evan jumped down on his

own

At his age, he was full of

energy and excitement.

As the rain grew heavier, Violet tossed another umbrella down from the carriage. "Don't get wet. We didn't bring any extra clothes to change into." "Got it, Aunt Violet!" Ryan called out loudly.

"Good boy, Ryan!" Violet said with a smile, waving at him. "Go on. We'll wait around here for you."

Evan held the umbrella and took Ryan's hand, and they dashed into the academy. Carissa called out, "Don't run too fast. Be careful, and don't slip."

As soon as she finished speaking, there was a loud "thud", as if someone had fallen.

Carissa turned toward the sound and saw a woman in plain white clothes lying on the ground, having fallen from a nearby carriage. A maid was rushing to help her, but since she was holding an umbrella in one hand and trying to support the woman with the other, she slipped and ended up falling on top of her. The woman let out a muffled cry of pain.

The coachman ran over, but as a man, it wasn't appropriate for him to help them up. He could only offer his coat for the maid to hold onto in an attempt to help the woman up. But with the woman's legs trapped underneath, the maid struggled to get up and only ended up pressing the woman down further.

Carissa ran over, grabbed the maid to steady her, and then bent down to help the woman up.