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Chapter 1006
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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
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1010
Carissa smiled sweetly when she saw Rafael had returned so early, her eyes crinkling with warmth. "Have you settled all the cases?""Not yet, but I didn't feel like staying up tonight," Rafael replied, his gaze meeting hers. Without realizing it, the hard edges of his face softened. A smile tugged at his eyes as he walked over and sat down next to her.Jacob glanced back and called for some drinks. "My throat's about to catch fire. Get some cold fruit juice."Violet laughed and asked, "What kept you so busy today, Jacob? Your voice is hoarse.""Had to go round up the shops, negotiate with some people," Jacob said, giving a respectful nod to Carissa before sitting down.Violet was uninterested in those details, so she turned her attention to Rafael. "You said you know something about Jessica. What's going on with her?""Her finances were never solid to begin with," Rafael replied. "During the investigation into the treason case, it was discovered that all the money her shops m
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1011
Carissa thought back to how Jessica had been so desperate that she had to pick up a few coins. It was clear she was now at her wit's end.However, the situation had grown increasingly complicated. While Jessica's original intent was merely to get back at Flora's mom, the outcome was far more severe—Flora ended up losing her child.As if that wasn't enough, Jessica later pushed Serena into a lake, fully aware that the latter couldn't swim. This meant Jessica's actions weren't accidental. Her malicious intent toward Serena was clear."I know it's wrong, but I can't help it—I find it a bit funny that Serena got pushed into a lake," Violet said with a solemn face.She quickly muttered an apology and prayer under her breath, hoping to redeem herself spiritually.Carissa frowned slightly. "What I don't understand is how Jessica could be so stupid. She's no longer a duchess and she's not even respected at Ironridge Estate. Her mom's imprisoned and her dad's dead, yet she's still causing
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1012
Before Carissa could visit Margaret, rumors about Skye Embroidery spread like wildfire the very next day.It was said that both Carissa and Hannah were hypocrites. When a discarded woman came seeking help, they refused her and made things difficult for her.Many had already harbored hostility toward Skye Embroidery, believing that sheltering discarded women was a challenge to social order. If a woman had been cast out, it was assumed she deserved it. Even being jealous and unable to bear children were considered crimes.With the rumors swirling, the workshop was suddenly the target of widespread criticism. The public was filled with scorn—some called them hypocrites, others suggested they had ulterior motives, and some even accused them of trying to make money off the situation.That evening, Violet slammed her fists on the table. "How could Jessica cause such a stir on her own? I don't believe it."Furious, she stormed out of the room. Carissa called after her, "Where are you g
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1013
Since their arrival in the capital, Yuvan had repeatedly asked Molly to make contact with Violet. Though they hadn't been in touch for years, they were blood relatives. The more they interacted, the more their familial bond would naturally grow.Carissa couldn't compare to that.Little did Yuvan know, Molly was incompetent and fond of throwing temper tantrums. After a few failed attempts at connecting with Violet, she was unwilling to continue and claimed her cousin was judgmental. She also said that as she was now a princess consort, she wouldn't stand for such nonsense. Besides, if the two were to rekindle their relationship, Violet should be the one to make the first move and come to her.This attitude baffled and angered Yuvan. To get to the bottom of things, he sent someone to investigate whether there had been any hidden bad blood between the two cousins.He learned that there was nothing. When they were younger, they had gotten along well enough. It wasn't until Violet joine
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1014
Violet pointed a trembling finger at Molly, her eyes burning with fiery rage."Molly, I'm warning you—if you continue helping Jessica spread rumors about Skye Embroidery, I'll tear your tongue out," she spat, her voice low and dangerous.With that, Violet turned in a dramatic motion and stormed out of the room.The entire time, she didn't spare Yuvan a single glance.As the guards outside gathered, Yuvan turned and raised a hand, signaling them to step back. Violet let out a cold snort and swept past them without looking back.Yuvan watched her retreating figure, her red dress like a flash of fire. She moved with purpose, confident and unafraid—this was the Spencer woman he had truly wanted to marry."Your Highness, she hit me! How could you just let her go?" Molly covered her face and started crying, her cheek red and swollen, tears streaming down like rain.Yuvan withdrew his gaze from Violet's back and looked at Molly. The warmth and tenderness that had once been there had va
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1588
Having failed to convince my mother, I went to my father. However, his response was even more severe.They thought I opposed the marriage because I hadn't spent time with Phineas. They were also convinced that since the match was already being arranged, it would be best for him to take me out and build some rapport between us.I didn't want to go, but my mother's maid forced me into the carriage. The maid was also told to watch me closely to ensure I didn't speak out of turn.Phineas looked all polished up, with shiny hair and a face like he had powdered it that morning. He initially showed me some respect, but soon enough, his true nature began to show. He made crude comments about my appearance, saying that if it weren't for my looks and the fact that I was from the Spencer family, he would never have considered marrying me.His condescending attitude made me uncomfortable. If that had been the worst of it, perhaps I would have simply let it go. But on our way back, he pinched me
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1587
Startled, I quickly turned around. Not far behind me stood a man, half-hidden in the shade of a tree. He wore a simple black outfit, his figure thin and unkempt, with dark circles beneath his eyes.It was him—the scholar from the bridge who sold paintings, the one Mr. Klein had called a hopeless case, a student who had dropped out to care for a woman."You're speaking nonsense," I exclaimed, wide-eyed, a shiver running through me at the thought of his strange words. "I've never heard of any water demons here. You're just trying to trick me."Though I had no fear of death, I was uneasy at the thought of demons, particularly if they were going to trap me beneath the mud."I'm not lying to you." Cassius stepped forward, his frail frame seeming even more fragile against the breeze. "If you look around, you'll see no one is here. Why else would such a lovely place be devoid of visitors?""That's because the people who come here are not tourists. They come to pray, and they leave once t
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1586
After a while, my cousin and her maid returned to find me. I asked the maid to hand thirty copper coins to Cassius. He smiled and thanked me kindly.I thought our meeting was just a chance encounter and I would never see him again. However, to my surprise, during Grandma's birthday celebration a month later, I saw him again.Our family was hosting a grand dinner, and Leonard Klein, a renowned scholar, had come with his apprentices. And there Cassius was, standing among them.In Ebonflow, the rules for social gatherings weren't as strict as in the capital, with women being allowed to be in the front hall during a banquet. Of course, Cassius didn't recognize me. After all, I had been wearing a veil when we first met, so he had only seen my eyes.He didn't stay long. After presenting Grandma with a beautiful painting, he quickly excused himself, saying he had business to attend to at home.Once he left, Mr. Klein spoke of him with a tone of regret, explaining, "He's a clever young man
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1585
Anyone who knew me, Liana Spencer, spoke of me with scorn. Even strangers who heard my story would spit on the ground and say I had no shame.Everyone knew that running away with a man was worse than theft or murder. It was a disgrace no family could easily bear.Many asked me the same question: Did I regret it?I never regretted marrying him, but I did carry guilt in my heart. Because of me, the Spencer family's name was dragged through the mud. My brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews had a much harder time finding good matches because of my choices.As a daughter of the Spencer family, I lived in comfort from the moment I was born. I wore fine dresses, ate the best foods, and was showered with love. My parents doted on me, while my brothers spoiled me terribly.But there was something wrong with me.By the time I was fourteen, I still hadn't gotten my monthly courses. We consulted physician after physician, and I drank countless doses of bitter medicine, day and night. Yet, no
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1584
Snow fell softly in the dead of winter, blanketing Victory Pass in white. At that moment, the world seemed to have been made pure again.For years, I wore nothing but a tattered priest's robe. I carried a broken bowl and wandered from place to place, asking for food. I stopped only briefly at temples along the way to rest for a night or two and kneel before the statues to beg for forgiveness.I could have stayed at the first monastery I was sent to. Life there wasn't easy, but it wasn't so hard either. I had warm meals and shelter from the cold. But I knew if I stayed in comfort, I would never wash away my sins.Only by suffering, by staying on the road and bearing the cold, the hunger, the pain, could I find peace in my heart.And so, I came to Victory Pass.My sandals had long since fallen apart. Thick calluses had grown on my feet; I could walk barefoot over rocks and barely feel a thing. Even with every piece of clothing I owned layered over me, the winter cold still cut throug
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1583
It was during the Verdant Hunt that Connor fell out of favor with Dad, who scolded him harshly before we left the hunting grounds. Once we returned to the palace, Connor fell ill. Ryan and I were both terribly worried, but Mom was delighted.She held me close that evening, her smile sharper than usual. "After this, your father is sure to be tired of your brother."She told me I must work harder than ever, and to listen closely to the royal chancellor and my uncle."Study better than anyone. Earn their praise. And most importantly, outshine your brother," she said.My heart felt torn. Mom often spoke of the rewards that came with being crown prince, and I won't lie, I was tempted. However, those were all distant things.At the time, I was close to Connor, Ryan, and even our youngest brother, Cecil. We all got along so well. How could I possibly hate my older brother?Those thoughts tangled inside me, day after day. I lost focus. My studies slipped. I made mistakes during riding pra
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1582
Before I took the vows and entered the monastery, my name was Caden.From the time I was young, I often heard the same praise whispered around me: "This child is sharp beyond his years—clever, quick-witted, the finest of the three princes."I heard it so often that I came to believe it myself. At times, I even felt proud. But whenever I let that pride rise too high, Mom would bring me back to earth.She would look at me, her eyes soft but filled with something I couldn't quite name—pity, perhaps. And then, she would sigh and say, "What a pity you were born of my womb. If not, you might have risen above that foolish one. But fate favored him, not you."That "foolish one"—I knew well enough who she meant. I had heard her say it so many times in private, though never once in public.It puzzled me greatly as a child. Mom clearly disliked my eldest brother, Connor, more than anyone. Yet, whenever he came near, she would smile warmly and speak kindly. She would even flatter him, calling
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1581
Two childhood friends were now each giving their all on very different paths.Clarence had started with herbs, then medicine, and in time, healing became his entire world at Eldermere Keep. At first, it was merely something to pour his heart into, because he knew he would never be allowed to leave the mountain and open a medical hall of his own.But then Ryan came, and afterward, sent Clarence a letter.That letter changed everything.For the first time, Clarence began to hope that maybe, just maybe, he could go down the mountain after all. And once that hope took root, he threw himself into his studies with more energy than ever before. He barely slept, rarely left the apothecary, and sometimes forgot to eat.Because of the pain he had once endured, he focused his efforts on curing injuries and chronic pain. Of course, a good physician had to know more than one thing, so he studied every field without neglecting any.There was a fire inside him now. A quiet flame that had not bur
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1580
"Elise, must your mouth run on without end?" Carissa frowned at her daughter, who had been chattering away beside Ryan from the moment he stepped through the door.The little girl's face was flushed from the sun, her hair tangled into a messy nest that made it clear she had only just returned from playing outdoors. She hadn't stopped talking since Ryan came back from his travels, pestering him with questions about what he had seen and done.Elise turned to Carissa with wide eyes, looking up with a face so innocent it could soften stone. She truly had inherited the best features from both her parents."Mom, I haven't seen Ryan in such a long time. Every moment without him felt like an eternity. We've been apart for so long, so of course I have a lot to say to him."Carissa's frown deepened. "And who taught you to speak in such a ridiculous manner? An eternity—where did that come from?""Sage Isaac said it to Aunt Violet. He went back to Meadow Ridge for a few days and said it to her
