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Chapter 1020
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1021
Wayne wasn't reassured and continued to advise Yuvan. "Your Highness, once your ambitions are realized, there will be no shortage of women for you to choose from. When that time comes, you might find Violet no different from anyone else.""That's enough." Yuvan's expression darkened.After uttering those words, an unexpected wave of frustration surged within him. It wasn't something he could control—the feeling swelled, crashing over him like a tidal wave until it spilled out."I have lived a simple, restrained life these years. I've kept my desires in check, suppressing my nature and not allowing any mistakes to show. It's not like I haven't been tempted over the years, but I ignored all of it because I knew indulging in pleasures would ruin everything. But Violet Spencer is different. She's the first woman I've desired who also happens to be useful. She's the perfect candidate to help me achieve my goals."Wayne was both alarmed and furious at Yuvan's outburst. For the first ti
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1022
Rafael chuckled. "Uncle Yuvan, how could you think I'd be upset with you? Unless, of course, you've done something to wrong me?"Yuvan laughed heartily, waving a hand dismissively in front of Rafael. "Of course not!"He was the first to stride over to his seat, sweeping his cloak aside as he sat down with an air of authority. "Please, sit. No need to stand on ceremony."He was dressed in a finely embroidered surcoat of rich brocade, featuring a golden thread pattern of soaring cranes. A faint touch of color stained his lips, giving them a subtle red hue, and his face radiated with a confident smile.Violet glanced at him, unable to shake the impression that he resembled a peacock spreading its feathers.Once everyone was seated, Wayne entered with Randall and Lucian. The two brothers had been genuinely happy to see Carissa and Rafael earlier, but now there was a noticeable awkwardness in the air. After greeting them, they sat down, their expressions stiff and uncomfortable. They e
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1023
Stephanie was initially a bit afraid of Carissa, but when she heard those words, she stood up in a huff and demanded, "Carissa, how can you slander me like this and ruin my reputation? What do you gain from this?"Immediately, Travis barked sharply, "How dare you call the princess consort by her name?"Carissa raised her hand, signaling for Travis to step back.She then looked up at Stephanie, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she said, "I see you're quick to speak harshly, but when your mom was treated so poorly, you didn't utter a word of protest. Why? If you were too scared to speak up, you should have at least served her properly. Don't forget, she gave birth to you."Stephanie was seething with anger. She was about to retort, but when Rafael's cold gaze swept across the room, her anger quickly turned to hesitation.She dared not speak further, though she muttered bitterly, "What does this have to do with you? If you're so capable, why didn't you do something about it? It's e
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1024
Yuvan inevitably reprimanded Stephanie and ordered her to return and reflect on her behavior, warning her not to embarrass herself any further. Fiona called for Sabrina and took her along as they left.The moment Fiona stepped out, she signaled her maid to follow Carissa and Violet. While the estate didn't have hidden chambers or prisons, it wasn't a place anyone could wander through at will. Molly was a fool, and Fiona feared she might be used for something she wasn't aware of.Wayne had been quietly observing Rafael. Although he was speaking with Yuvan, his expression clearly showed some displeasure, and his gaze occasionally drifted outside. It was almost like a young couple having a spat—annoyed but still unwilling to let go.And with the flash of anger Carissa had shown just before leaving, it was hard to pretend it was anything but genuine. Wayne was fairly certain that her purpose in coming to Edgeview Estate was to stand up for Avis and vent her frustration. This had likely
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1025
Edgeview Estate was hardly a place where anything could be hidden. If there was something, it would likely be nothing more than correspondence, but anything truly important would have been hidden away or destroyed. Getting into the study would be no easy feat, and causing a scene would only make matters worse.They had invited Violet here for a reason, though its true purpose had been unclear until now. Now, Carissa knew what that reason was.Before arriving today, she had planned to use this opportunity to find out how many people in Edgeview Estate were skilled in martial arts, and whether any of the suicide soldiers were hiding within the estate. If the suicide soldiers weren't here, she could allow Violet to return next time.Now that she knew Yuvan's intentions, she wouldn't let her friend take such a risk. The way Yuvan looked at Violet was revolting. His gaze was so lecherous that just thinking about it made Carissa feel sick.The maids filed in, placing various pastries on
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1026
Back at Hell Monarch Estate, Violet jumped out of the carriage and gave a few quick hops at the gate, shaking off all the bad energy that had clung to her. Her face was ashen with fury."What the hell was that? How dare he have designs on me? Doesn't he realize his son is older than I am? That shameless old fart!" she roared.Luke happened to be walking out at that moment. When he overheard Violet's words, he took a step back, his round face looking thoroughly confused.Why would someone be shameless just because they were old?Carissa, just as upset, pulled Violet into the estate. "Don't go to Edgeview Estate again. The way his eyes were all over you… Just thinking about it makes me feel like you've been sullied. It's disgusting."She couldn't tell if the man she saw tonight was still the ambitious man she knew—it was like he had turned into a completely different person. He was nothing but a pervert.Once inside the council hall, Rafael recounted to Jacob how Yuvan had been eye
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1027
Jacob noticed that Travis had gotten off-track and quickly intervened."Mr. Mullen, we can't use Prince Rafael as an example. Sure, men like that exist, but that's not what we're discussing right now."Travis put on a look of deep sympathy, as if he were offering sage advice, and continued, "Vivi says she doesn't want to marry, and I'm all for it. If she doesn't marry, she won't get hurt. Young love is intense, but after time passes, it just becomes gross."It's like iron with a coating of gold—when that coating falls off, the iron rusts and decays. Even with genuine feelings, it turns out like that. And then you have someone like Yuvan, who's all scheming and never tasted the sweetness of love. He's like an old thief. The minute a woman like Vivi steps into his life—someone who can heal his broken heart and also help him out—he becomes like a dog in heat and shows all his ugly sides."Jacob was utterly lost. After a long pause, he asked, "Is that something your mentor said?"If o
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1028
The next morning, when Rafael went to the palace to retrieve the approved documents, he casually remarked, "I heard from Carissa that the orchids at Edgeview Estate are blooming beautifully. They have a wide variety, and there are many skilled and unusual individuals in the estate. Even the servants and maids all seem to possess martial arts skills."Salvador paused, surprised. Ian had been secretly investigating Edgeview Estate for a while and hadn't been able to uncover what gave Yuvan the confidence to remain in the capital for so long.But now, Rafael and Carissa had uncovered it in just one visit?"We didn't find any guards at Edgeview Estate, but there's concern that suicide soldiers might be hiding nearby. They're highly skilled, making it difficult to detect them, so we didn't dare to intrude recklessly," Ian had reported.Salvador went quiet for a moment, then asked, "Were they suicide soldiers?"As soon as the question was out, Rafael smiled at him. "No."Salvador shot
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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
