Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair) novel Chapter 678

The pressing issue at hand was how Thomas intended to delay the engagement.

The Marquis of Grovehill's family would undoubtedly push hard for a resolution, and it would depend on how Thomas handled the situation by dragging things out.

According to their speculation, Jaina would become a pawn for Eleanor if Thomas refused. There were two options—either Jaina would be married off as a concubine to Henry, or wed to an elderly man as a secondary wife or a concubine in his household.

As for asking Thomas to agree to the engagement first, that wouldn't work either. Thomas clearly had no interest. Alice might have liked the idea at first, but once she realized it was a setup, she certainly wouldn't agree.

Even if the two families ultimately saw eye to eye and genuinely wanted to arrange a marriage, Jaina's representative for her family should be Jacob, not someone from the Marquis of Grovehill's family.

Jacob would never allow his sister to be mistreated again.

After the emotional rollercoaster, Jacob contemplated this issue and spoke first.

"I don't care what happens to me. Even if you ask me to, I'd gladly give my life for her sake. But she can't be treated that way. She's an innocent girl, and shouldn't be casually compromised due to a scheme that would tarnish her reputation."

Having regained what he thought he had lost, he couldn't allow his sister to suffer even a little injustice.

Carissa replied, "We never thought of doing that, Jacob. For now, we can only wait and see how Thomas delays things. We should send someone to Stonebridge County immediately to investigate this so-called rescue that Eleanor had carried out. If it turns out there was no such saving grace, Jaina can leave Harmony Palace without a second thought. We at Hell Monarch Estate will protect her."

Soon, it would be time for the Emberfest Festival. After that, Eleanor would lose her standing in the capital.

But if the matter wasn't cleared up, Jaina would always regard Eleanor as her savior. It was crucial that the inquiry be swift. If Eleanor fell from grace and asked Jaina to undertake some risky endeavor in gratitude for her supposed rescue, Jaina would certainly comply.

Jacob cried, tears and snot mingling on his face. "It's been 18 years! I didn't know if she was dead or alive, what kind of suffering she endured, or how people might have mistreated her! It's all left to my imagination, and the more I think about it, the more horrific it becomes! Every time she crosses my mind, it feels like a thousand needles are stabbing my heart."

Rafael understood that kind of pain. As harsh as it sounded, when someone died, the grief only lasted for a year or two. Sometimes, it hurt when they crossed one's mind, but it was never an agony that was this relentless.

"Come, have another glass. After this, we'll sleep," Rafael said, pouring Jacob another glass. "I'll drink with you."

Jacob waved his hand as he cried. Even though he felt a pleasant buzz from the wine and his thoughts were swirling with a mixture of joy and sorrow, he knew he had responsibilities to attend to.

"I can't drink anymore. I can't! The shopkeepers from all over will be coming tomorrow, and I have to arrange everything that needs to be done. Autumn is upon us, and there's so much to do. Lady Carissa needs to plan things, and I can't delay any important matters," he said.