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Chapter 1001

Author: Summer's Blaze
Helen didn't enjoy dining with her son. Their tastes were too different, and the conversation rarely went beyond a few words. But Victoria always insisted, reminding Helen time and time again that, once a month, she had to sit down with him for a meal. Otherwise, the servants would gossip and say that Rafael and Carissa were disrespectful.

Helen sighed. That was just how life was—constantly bound by all sorts of obligations, never able to follow one's heart's desire.

Gillian always said Helen didn't know how to appreciate her blessings, but she didn't believe there was such a thing as a truly carefree life. Even in the best of times, there were problems to worry about. Even the wealthiest, most powerful people had their burdens to bear.

She would enjoy the good moments when they came, and when she was troubled, she would keep to herself—she had every right to her worries.

Rafael and Carissa weren't the chatty types, so they would ask Violet to join them for meals. Violet had a knac
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  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1002

    Kevin wanted a martial arts mentor for two reasons. The first was because he genuinely loved martial arts. The second was because it was a means to an end, a stepping stone to his promotion.But he had plenty of patience. If it didn't work in three years, he would wait five. If five years passed with no success, he would wait ten. The longer he stayed at Salvador's side, the more experience he gained. If he didn't give up, he would eventually succeed.Of course, he had his sights set on specific goals—he aimed to be promoted to deputy captain and then captain within three to five years.So, when Salvador summoned him and granted him the position of deputy commander of the Nightsteel Guard, Kevin was completely stunned.He had never been caught off guard in court before—this was the first time.It was Ian who kicked him sharply, muttering with a laugh, "What are you daydreaming about? Don't you know how to thank His Majesty?"Kevin's trembling hands pressed against his chest as he

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1003

    The next day, Kevin brought his parents, wife, and children to visit Violet. He also brought along a generous selection of gifts.Violet had already heard about Kevin's promotion the night before—Carissa had been the one to tell her. At first, it didn't make much of an impression. After all, it was just a promotion.When she saw Kevin arrive with his whole family in tow to express their thanks, however, her mood changed. Everyone's faces were beaming with joy, as if they had stumbled upon a chest of gold. It was clear they were thrilled.Violet felt the joy of his promotion firsthand. When she learned more about it, she understood how rare it was. In the king's service, promotions didn't come easily. Unless someone accomplished a great feat, like saving the king, it could take years—one long year after another—to climb the ranks.However, faced with Kevin's family's deep gratitude, Violet felt undeserving. She hadn't contributed to his rise. This was all due to Kevin's hard work an

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1004

    Carissa had long accepted this reality. She turned to Travis and asked, "So, has anyone claimed her body?""Lord Klein said he contacted her family. Her parents are both gone, so her brothers-in-law are in charge now. They said a woman who was cast out and then drowned herself in the river was bad luck. They wouldn't take her back.""What about her husband and his family?" Violet asked. However, she regretted asking as soon as the words left her mouth. After all, why would they want to take her back once they had cast her out?"Her husband is marrying a new wife in a few days. Why would he help with her funeral?" Travis replied.Violet's brows furrowed in disgust. "He's marrying so soon? That scoundrel has no conscience."Carissa shook her head. "I'm guessing he had someone else lined up already."Violet's eyes suddenly widened. "But she was cast out because she had no children. Did she have a dowry? Doesn't that mean her family lost out?"Carissa sighed. "They were common fol

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1005

    When Hannah heard that the woman's last name was Lloyd, she couldn't help but sigh even more deeply.A simple coffin, two sets of clothes—one worn by Hollis, and the other for burial alongside her.Hannah had a kind heart. She learned that Hollis had been working for a ready-made clothing shop and earned a living by making embroidered pieces. Hannah bought the clothes for Hollis at the same shop. The shopkeeper had mentioned that both sets of embroidered clothing were made by Hollis herself.Hollis was born in March 34 years ago and passed away this March. Her birthdate and death date were only eight days apart.The death of a discarded woman barely caused a ripple, like a small stone thrown into a lake—just a tiny disturbance, and then nothing more. No one spoke of it again.However, there was a storyteller who shared the news of how Skye Embroidery had arranged for Hollis' burial. He also spoke about how indifferent Hollis' husband and family were regarding her death. Those wh

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1006

    Carissa furrowed her brow. "Why would she go to the workshop?"Skye Embroidery had been advertised as a place for women who had been abandoned or cast out—those with nowhere to go and struggling to make a living. Jessica should still be able to survive after her divorce. As far as Carissa knew, Jessica owned several properties and shops. Even after being cast out, she could continue living a comfortable life.The maid from the Lloyd family explained, "She said she had nowhere else to go and insisted on staying. She even insulted Madam Hannah and claimed that since the workshop takes in divorced women, she qualifies. If she's not allowed in, then the workshop is just pretending to help and is being hypocritical. Madam Hannah was so upset that she sent me to inform you and Ms. Spencer, Your Grace."The moment Violet heard that Hannah had been insulted, she couldn't hold herself back. "I'll go," she said immediately.Davis often called his wife a "mother tigress", but in truth, Ha

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1007

    Just moments ago, Jessica had been brash and loud. However, the sight of Carissa and Violet instantly silenced her.She clutched the hem of her dress, her chin raised slightly, unwilling to lower her head even in her fallen state. A pair of small, gilded butterfly earrings dangled from her ears. It was out of place with her shabby attire, as if it was all she had to maintain the last bit of dignity and respectability.She had come alone, without even a maid in tow."Your Grace, Ms. Spencer, you've come at just the right time," Hannah said.Her face was livid, ashen with anger. "I've dealt with my fair share of troublesome people, but I've never seen anyone cause this much of a scene! She wants to stay at the workshop and insists we change the name to her own. When I asked what she was cast out for, she refused to say a word."It wasn't hard to understand why Hannah was furious. When the workshop was first established, she and Carissa laid down strict rules. Any woman cast out fo

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1008

    Seeing Carissa and Violet exchanging looks, Jessica's temper flared. She didn't care whether Carissa was someone she could afford to anger anymore. "So, you're all just hypocrites! You don't actually want to shelter women who have been mistreated and cast out. Pretending to be kind-hearted—what a joke! I'll expose you for what you really are!" she shouted.Despite that, she made no move to stand up. Instead, she sat there, still glaring at Hannah with bitter resentment.Carissa watched her, confused. When Hannah's maid had come to report in person, Carissa had thought Jessica was simply here to stir up trouble. Now that she had seen Jessica in person, she wasn't so sure.Jessica seemed angry, but there was something about her demeanor that didn't add up. She was shouting, but hadn't even shifted in her seat. Was she so destitute now after being cast out?"I heard you even want to change the name of our workshop?" Violet asked.Her tone had softened a little, but she couldn't hel

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1009

    There was no need for Carissa or Violet to dig into Jessica's situation.For many years, Luke had been old friends with Giles, the head steward of Ironridge Estate. He met Giles for a meal the following day, and the whole situation became clear.It turned out that the previous year, the Marquis of Ironridge had taken a new concubine. Her name was Flora Crawford. Her father was a scholar, and she herself was well-read. She was initially engaged, but her fiancé tragically died two years ago in an accident, earning her the reputation of being a "widow-maker." She had been ridiculed ever since.Somehow, she crossed paths with Leopold, who took a liking to her and made her his concubine.According to Giles, the reason Leopold had taken Flora in was partly to support the management of the household. Emma had been ill for a long time and had almost died last winter. It wasn't until the weather warmed that she started recovering.Flora was skilled in managing the household. Since her arri

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  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1510

    In banquets like these, no one truly ate with much enthusiasm. Most dishes were merely tasted before being set aside, barely touched before servants whisked them away.But the Nerathians were different. They treated every dish with genuine respect, cleaning their plates entirely, no matter what was served. Their wine glasses, once filled, were immediately emptied again. The palace servants attending to them must have been exhausted, constantly refilling their glasses and replacing empty plates.Violet recalled their meal at Spring Pavilion. Just like tonight, not a single scrap had been left behind. She wanted to say something to Carissa, but the only sound in the hall was the clinking of cutlery and the quiet shifting of plates. Speaking now would be too conspicuous.Still, one glance between them was enough.Violet's thought was clear—the Nerathians' presence at this banquet must be tied to the negotiations. Carissa agreed.However, their exact role remained uncertain. Were they

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1509

    The banquet began in the late afternoon, with Liam personally escorting the Starhaven delegation to the palace again.As they had suspected, the coronation ceremony had already been held. This evening's gathering was mainly focused on the border negotiations. Upon entering, Carissa and Violet noticed that there were no other foreign emissaries present—only royals, nobles, and officials from various departments.While they showed no hostility toward the Starhaven delegation, they weren't particularly welcoming either. Since a translator was needed for communication, conversations remained minimal, limited to simple greetings.Just as they were settling in, Lisandra turned to the Starhaven delegation and remarked, "Today, we have guests from Nerathia joining us as well. They should be arriving shortly. I believe you will find that you have much in common."Davis' eyes brightened immediately. "Guests from Nerathia? Who might they be?"His excitement was understandable.The weapons t

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1508

    Lisandra continued, "The irony is, when I was a grand princess, I could call for women to join the ranks of government without hesitation. Now that I am the queen, I must move slowly, cautiously, balancing all the factions, weakening their hostility and wariness toward me. There are so many things to consider and so many forces at play. At times, I grow impatient, and I wish I could simply rid myself of those who oppose me."Carissa thought for a moment before replying, "In truth, whether one is a king or an official, man or woman, I believe their goal is the same, Your Majesty. It's to ensure the long-term stability of the kingdom and the peace and prosperity of the people. "When the nation prospers and war is no longer a threat, any reforms you wish to make will face less resistance. But for now, you must first secure your position, Your Majesty."Her meaning was subtle, but Lisandra understood clearly. The kingdom was still in turmoil, with various factions causing obstacles. Si

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1507

    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

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1506

    By the time they reached the capital of Orivenia, it was the 13th of August. A full month had passed since they left Starhaven.The afternoon sun shone brightly, and Kendrick lay back in the carriage as they entered the city.Since entering Orivenia's borders, they had endured seven assassination attempts. The last one had been particularly brutal, likely involving suicide soldiers. Many of the Mystic Army were injured, and even Violet had been grazed on the shoulder. Thankfully, it hadn't struck anything vital.Kendrick's fear was understandable. The attack had come when he was emerging from the washroom. The assassin's sword had pierced his chest, nearly plunging in completely. It was Carissa who noticed in time and swiftly turned, driving her spear into the assassin's chest before dragging him back with the hooked tip of her dagger, saving Kendrick's life.Though the injuries were minor, Kendrick reacted as if he had been mortally wounded. He howled in agony for half the night b

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1505

    Kendrick had been shaken by the attack, and the royal physician had already been called to prepare a sedative to calm his nerves.When Carissa visited him, it was a pitiful sight. His face was as pale as paper, drained of all color. His lips trembled, and he shakily asked if the assassins were gone.She reassured him, saying they had gone, and only then did his trembling subside slightly.The people around him had already informed him that the assassins were driven off, but he hadn't believed them. He needed to hear it from Carissa to feel any sense of security.Carissa reminded him to rest and recuperate before she left.Meanwhile, Davis was busy comforting the others. As the Defense Minister, he had seen his fair share of chaos and remained calm. Also, he trusted Carissa and the Mystic Army. He didn't think there was much to fear—at worst, they had just risked losing a head.It was Meadow Ridge's members who gathered together, speculating that the black-clad figures they had en

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1504

    At the break of dawn, the large procession set out for Orivenia.Carissa didn't feel much regret in leaving. After all, they would pass through Victory Pass on the way back, and she would have the chance to meet with her grandfather and his family again.Once they had left Victory Pass, the road grew rougher. Many sections were full of deep potholes or had been intentionally damaged, making it difficult for the carriages to move forward.However, Kendrick was determined not to ride a horse again. Even after days of rest, his legs were still sore from the relentless friction of the saddle. Walking was manageable, but sitting on horseback? That was pure agony.So, despite having earned his merit at Victory Pass for establishing an orphanage there, Kendrick insisted on traveling by carriage. When the wheels got stuck or the path became too treacherous, the Mystic Army soldiers dismounted and pushed the carriage forward, inching their way through the difficult terrain.Fortunately,

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1503

    Wallace gave the order, and Barrett was tasked with the job of investigating. He led a group to search the area.Barrett was aware that Carissa had arrived at Victory Pass. He had been there to greet the group. However, he had stayed at a distance, watching from afar without approaching. From that distance, he hadn't been able to make out any faces, only a vague silhouette that seemed to resemble hers.He had thought his actions unnecessary. After all, what business did he have with her? The affairs of the capital were nothing for him to involve himself with.While the diplomatic envoy rested in Victory Pass, they spent their time discussing strategies and rehearsing their approach. Everyone understood that while this negotiation might seem easier compared to the last, it was by no means a simple task.Lisandra had long kept this matter at the forefront of her mind and would not easily yield to any compromises.The Sullivan family also feared that someone might infiltrate the envo

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1502

    Spring Pavilion was full that day.The restaurant wasn't very big to begin with, and it usually had some customers. The black-clad men that lady brought had taken up all the remaining seats.Carissa, Violet, and Travis had to sit at a small table the owner had set up at the last minute, separate from the others.The man's voice, soft and apologetic, reached Carissa's ear. It was warm and pleasant. "These are my brothers-in-arms. We've been traveling since last night and haven't had a bite to eat. If it troubles you, I can have them wait outside and just pass them some bread each when we're done."Violet paused, surprised, but quickly shook her head. "No need for that. Please, let them stay. They can sit where they like and order what they wish."The man smiled kindly. "You are kind-hearted, miss. In that case, we'll order freely, and we'll take extra.""Alright… That's fine," Violet replied, casting a glance at the sea of black. The men were dressed in a way that suggested some

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