Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1276

Upon hearing his promise, Celeste's tears finally ceased. Yet, her fingers still clutched tightly at his garments, her body pressed against his chest.

Though her face was streaked with tears, her eyes had hardened into cold disdain, a far cry from the fragile, sorrowful image she had projected earlier.

She loathed this old man. She also despised every person who had used her beauty and her body for their ends. She didn't want to be a pawn in anyone's game, and she was weary of the role. She had never received a shred of genuine affection.

Yet, there was no other path for her. If she had to marry a lowly merchant or commoner, she wouldn't be able to endure that hardship. Though she had been used in the past, she had lived well enough. After leaving the capital and wandering for a few days, she realized she could never escape the life of wealth and luxury.

When that man came to her, she agreed without hesitation. At that time, it had seemed like her only escape.

Her background meant she could never be properly married into a wealthy family as the primary wife. Samuel had once professed his undying love for her, yet had never managed to secure her a legitimate position in society. In the end, she had remained just another concubine.

And now, thinking of that spineless coward, she felt nothing but revulsion.

In essence, Oliver was no different than Samuel. He had a virtuous wife, but he didn't treat her properly, indulging in pleasures while neglecting his duties.

Celeste didn't feel guilty toward Zoey. On the contrary, Zoey should be grateful to her for revealing Oliver's true nature—what a dishonorable man he was!

Despite her thoughts, the words that came out of her mouth were filled with sensitivity and vulnerability. "Though I know what my adoptive father says may not be true, if it is, I just want the three of us to stay far from the battlefield. Even if life is harder, as long as I have you and our son by my side, I will fear nothing."

"Alright, I promise you," Oliver replied, his heart growing more tender. "If war does break out, we'll leave here. I won't need any title, not even that of a marshal. Don't worry, I won't let you suffer. We have enough money. Wherever we go, we will live well."

Celeste clung to him, though resentment simmered beneath her composed exterior. The mission that had been assigned to her was not this—this was a compromise, a task born out of necessity, not choice.