Her Graceful War Song

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Lionel commanded everyone to step outside. Instantly, the entire house erupted in chaos as people hurried out. Some even nervously Identified themselves.

The woman knelt before him, a lilac cloak draped over a crimson dress that accentuated her delicate features, giving her an alluring charm. She had known something was amiss when her daughter was taken away today. Perhaps she had even anticipated her fate before that moment.

With Eleanor’s downfall, it was only a matter of time before they were discovered.

“What’s your name?” Lionel asked, his voice laced with barely contained anger.

“Casey Kingsley,” she replied, her voice slightly husky yet undeniably enticing.

Lionel fixed his gaze on her. “When was the last time you saw my dad?”

“Yesterday afternoon,” she answered. “He rested here for about two hours.”

Lionel stared at her in disbelief, feeling as if he had been struck.

Yesterday? His dad had been here just yesterday?

He was the Civil Minister and had likely spent his lunch break at the ministry’s rear courtyard, which meant

“He came at noon?”

*Yes.”

How often does he come?” Lionel asked through gritted teeth.

With calm eyes, Casey responded, “Once every two days.”

“That’s impossible!” Lionel roared.

She looked up at him, unflinching. “If you don’t believe me, ask anyone here. He comes to visit his daughter.”

Lionel swept his gaze across the room, noting that everyone had knelt before him. They had just Introduced themselves. There were eight maids, three young servants, two wet nurses, two guards, two coachmen, one head gardener, and four cooks. All of them were there to serve just this woman and her daughter.

Lionel exchanged glances with the two elderly maids he had brought along. They nodded, understanding the silent command, and began to escort Casey inside. Remarkably, she didn’t resist and moved with an unsettling calmness.

Lionel wandered through the estate, taking in the exquisite floral decorations and fine furnishings. Even the low table was intricately carved with beautiful designs. While it may not have been luxurious in the grandest sense, the attention to detail was undeniable.

In the garden at the back, a swing set adorned with vines and flowers stood, crafted with remarkable

elegance. Scattered around the yard were children’s toys, and he spotted some little girl’s clothes hanging out to dry. By estimation, he guessed that the child was probably about a year old.

He explored every room except the master bedroom, and with each inch he covered, his heart sank deeper.

As the two elderly maids emerged, Lionel firmly instructed the servants in the estate to keep a close watch on Casey, ensuring she didn’t step outside the house.

Once they were in the carriage, one of the malds spoke candidly, “She’s not pure, Lord Lionel. But when we return, I know how to handle it.”

Lionel felt a tightening sensation in his chest and his eyes prickled harshly. “Thank you for your hard work, both of you.

“It’s only human to make mistakes, my lord. Men who do so are countless,” one of the maids said.

Lionel placed his hands on his knees and stared at the ground. Yes, anyone could make mistakes, but he had always believed his dad wouldn’t. Now, the majestic image of his dad was crumbling in his mind.

He knew he would never forget this day.

Marjorie was nearly unconscious from crying. Her manage, once a source of pride that garnered envious glances over the years, had become a bitter joke. She had thought her husband loved her deeply, only to discover it was all a facade.

She had gone to the study, hoping for an explanation, but her husband had locked himself inside, refusing to see anyone. By the time Lionel returned, her eyes were swollen from tears.

“Why are you crying, Mom?” he asked, forcing a smile. “It’s all a misunderstanding. I just took the two maids to see that woman, and she is indeed untouched. Dad knew someone had been deliberately getting close to him, so he had her placed under watch to uncover whoever is behind this.”

“Really?” Marjorie suddenly looked up, her gaze darting between her son and the two maids. “Is that true? Did you verify it?”

“Madam Marjorie, we did check. The woman is still pure, and I saw that many people were present in her house, all tasked with keeping an eye on her,” one maid confirmed.

Marjorie trusted her son and the two maids, their words finally easing the weight in her heart.

“But why has your dad locked himself away in the study? Why won’t he explain anything to me?” she pressed, worry creasing her brow

Lionel suppressed his sorrow and smiled. “Dad is probably frustrated. He has been investigating for so long and couldn’t uncover her identity, while a mere woman like Carissa managed to do so. You know Dad dislikes her, Mom, I’m sure he resents the fact that she found out first.”