Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1214

On New Year's Eve, Ryan wore a bright red woolen cloak, its edges lined with soft white fur, a thick hood atop his head. His lively, cheerful demeanor matched his outfit as he eagerly waited for the Klein family's carriage to arrive.

Jacob had already prepared many gifts, many of which Ryan had personally chosen.

The night before, Frederick had come over from Northwatch Estate to deliver the account books. Ryan had stayed up all night, carefully reviewing them. Jacob told him there was no rush to go through them, and then went to ask Carissa for some leniency.

Carissa told him it would be good for Ryan to learn how to manage the accounts sooner rather than later—after all, he would need to take charge of everything in Northwatch Estate eventually.

While Ryan examined the books, his study partner Evan stayed by his side. However, Evan was heading home to celebrate the New Year and wouldn't be accompanying him to Highcrest Estate.

Carissa's greatest joy was that Ryan, though meticulous and steady beyond his years, still possessed a childlike innocence. Perhaps some of it was a mask. After all, he had endured many hardships—but even if it was, that was fine.

Sometimes in life, one had to play the fool to get ahead.

Though Ryan was eager to visit the Klein family's household for the holiday, Rafael wasn't around this year, and Carissa was going to spend the New Year alone. He took her hand.

"I'll be back by the second day of the New Year. I won't stay too long. I'll come back to keep you company, Aunt Carissa."

Carissa gave his nose a playful tap. "Stay a little longer. I'll be busy, and I'll be fine without you hanging around."

"I'll be here too, Ryan. So, don't worry. Visit your uncle and his family and have fun," Violet added with a smile, draping her arm over Carissa's shoulder.

"Right, Aunt Violet and Mr. Isaac will be around." Ryan looked at Violet and Isaac, then at Jacob, Lulu, and the others. "And there are so many other people around. Now I can relax."

He stood there, hands behind his back, with a smile that made him look like a little grown-up.

Seeing him like this reminded Carissa of her second brother, and a pang of bittersweet longing tugged at her heart. If only Nathan and Yvette could see how clever and well-behaved Ryan was! They would be so proud.

Helen, however, shot her a sharp glance. "What do you know? I do love Ryan, but I'm doing this not only for him but also for Carissa. Though no one dared openly cross me in the palace, how many people secretly tripped me up? How many times did I suffer in silence?

"But now, with Carissa as my daughter-in-law, Josephine and Dakota respect me completely. They know the rules. Normally, my sister wouldn't intervene in small matters, but Carissa is different. If anyone dares to wrong me even a little, Carissa will make sure they pay for it."

Gilliam kept smiling and agreed. "Yes, of course."

Once the Klein family had taken Ryan with them, Carissa began preparing to bathe and change her clothes, as she needed to head to the palace.

On this day every year, the formalities were endless and tedious. In the past, the dull rituals never seemed like much when she went with Rafael.

But now, thinking of going alone…

It was yet another day of missing him.