Her Graceful War Song

The royal palace of Orivenia stood resplendent and imposing, its golden architecture gleaming under the night sky, exuding an air of solemn grandeur.

Upon passing through the first palace gate, the carriage rolled smoothly along the wide palace path, its spaciousness a stark contrast to the more cramped streets outside.

However, what stood out the most was the abundance of lamps. It seemed as if oil was no object, for the palace grounds were lit up as though the night itself had been banished. As they got out of the carriage and walked along the winding corridor, the large trees ahead were hung with many lamps. Anyone trying to hide in the trees wouldn't stand a chance; they would be seen immediately.

Liam led the way. As they approached a grand palace hall, two female attendants stepped forward. They exchanged a few words with Liam in the Westic before smiling and nodding to Carissa and Violet.

"Ladies, Her Majesty invites you to enter the palace," Liam said with a polite gesture.noveldrama

The two women led the way, guiding Carissa and Violet inside.

The hall was lavishly decorated, with two thick carved beams standing on either side. They towered as if reaching the sky, casting a heavy, oppressive atmosphere.

The new queen sat on an ornate armchair, smiling but showing signs of fatigue.

Carissa and Violet knelt respectfully before her, and Lisandra gestured for them to take seats. She gazed at Carissa with a soft smile.

"I heard you were the one leading the delegation here, Commander Sinclair. I've been eagerly awaiting your arrival, and now, finally, you are here."

Carissa's smile was warm and sincere. "I was also very happy to hear of your ascension, Your Majesty. My heartfelt congratulations to you on fulfilling your wishes."

As Carissa studied Lisandra, she was struck by how little had changed. Though she was now queen, Lisandra's demeanor was the same as it had been when she was the and princess. There was the same air of fatigue, the sam gravity in her presence.

Carissa understood that the life of a queen was likely as taxing as that of a grand princess—if not more so.

"It hasn't been easy to achieve my wishes," Lisandra said with a faint smile. "But at least now, some things are a bit more manageable."

The attendants began to serve refreshments, which were all local Orivenia delicacies. Carissa and Violet had already eaten, so they weren't hungry and only took a little taste of the food.

Lisandra's hand was clenched into a fist, resting on her temple as she regarded them both. "The reason I asked you to come tonight isn't for anything official. I simply wanted to catch up and share some private words."

Carissa nodded. Before the formal negotiations began, it made sense to set aside the politics and speak as women who shared a certain understanding. Once the talks began, there would be no room for personal matters-only the interests of their respective nations.

Lisandra descended from her throne and joined them at the table, her posture relaxed and less formal. She regarded Carissa and Violet, taking in their youthful faces, the strength in their gazes, and the resilience in their spirits. She didn't hide her admiration, her words full of warmth and genuine respect.

"I believe Orivenia will see more young women like you two. They will shine brightly, their names etched in the history of our land, just as yours will be."

Violet flushed slightly, caught off guard by the praise. "Your Majesty, you flatter us."

Lisandra shook her head with a soft smile. "It's no flattery, it's the truth. In September, Orivenia will hold the civil service examinations. Both men and women can participate. There will be no separate exam for women-they will have an equal chance. What do you think of this?"

This, after all, was a matter of Orivenia's governance, and the two women had little to add beyond their approval. They could only agree with Lisandra's wisdom, murmuring their respect for her decision.

Lisandra was unbothered by their reluctance to engage in a deeper conversation.

She smiled and said, "But you see,

the system has never been fair. From the start, it was always stacked against women. Unless a woman is exceptional, the local education officials won't even allow her to enroll. Women are also rarely recommended to sit the exams. Of course, they'll let a few through the cracks to appease me, but never the best of them. They're afraid."

Violet replied, "They're afraid that women might truly hold up half the world."

"Indeed, part of it is that," Lisandra said with a wry smile. "But the other reason..."

She trailed off, her expression turning solemn. A bitter edge to her voice betrayed a deeper frustration.

"Because I'm a woman, they fear

17.

that I'll elevate more women to positions of power. If a man sat on the throne, they wouldn't be so scared. They wouldn't guard their positions so fiercely, because men would defend the interests and status of other men. I've worked so hard to get here, and yet haven't gained what I truly desire. How can that be considered fulfilling my wishes? This path... It is still so long."