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Chapter 102
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 103
Rafael summoned Carissa to the command tent.A cup of hot coffee was placed before her, its steam hazy and blurring her vision. She picked up the cup, and took a sip. It was bitter—but on a battlefield, having any drink was a luxury.“Do you want to kill her?” Rafael asked.“I’ve considered it,” Carissa admitted candidly.“The scouts we sent have reported back. Westhaven has even hidden the fact that Starhaven destroyed villages. They're claiming that a fire destroyed the entire area instead, and everyone was burned alive. Do you know what that means?” Rafael continued.Carissa held the cup tightly. The warmth of the drink contrasted sharply with the coldness in her heart. After a long pause, she finally replied, “I understand. Westhaven wants to conceal the humiliation of their crown prince.”“Even if the king discovers the truth, he can’t punish Aurora publicly. At the very least, you can be assured that your grandfather won’t be implicated because of her,” Rafael said.Sinc
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 104
After Aurora's failed challenge, she faced considerable criticism from soldiers behind her back. The generals who had been punished for their trust in her now treated her with visible disdain.Fortunately, the soldiers under her command still held her in high regard, especially the three hundred who had fought alongside her. Their loyalty remained unwavering, largely because the victory at Fawnrun City had earned them a substantial reward. Despite the murmurs of outsiders, their loyalty to Aurora was steadfast. Moreover, they shared a secret they were bound never to reveal.After two days of emotional turmoil, Aurora slowly began to recover her composure. Though she had no achievements of her own, she took solace in the fact that as long as Barrett succeeded, it would also bring glory to them as a couple. When the time came, she planned to lead her troops alongside Barrett to fight and gain merit. After Barrett’s victories, she hoped he would speak on her behalf.Excitedly, she
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 105
Everyone was busy preparing for battle, and Carissa had been focused on training formations for several days.The fifteen thousand soldiers from the Mystic Army were divided into two groups: one for offense, and one for defense. Each group was further split into ten squads, making a total of twenty squads for both attack and defense.Carissa's battle plan was straightforward: start with five squads on the offense, then quickly rotate in five defensive squads. Once the defense was solidified, they would rotate back to offense, and so on. This method of rotation would push their advance.After several days of training, the results were already noticeable.The weapons were now in place: shields and short swords for the defenders, and long spears for the attackers. Rafael had announced that the siege would begin in just a few days. As the vanguard, the Mystic Army needed to finalize their assault plans.During this period, Barrett would lead ten thousand men to set up siege ladders
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 106
"So, did you marry me because you truly liked me, or simply because your mother chose me for you?" Barrett asked softly.Carissa replied, "That question is pointless.""I want to know," he insisted quickly.Carissa's brow furrowed again. "Barrett, you've never understood your place. When you were my husband, you didn't get it. You're Aurora's husband now, and you still don't get it."Barrett's eyes darkened as he looked at her, his tone turning cold. "So, you never really liked me. You married me only because your mother told you to. I knew it! I just wanted to have another wife, but you immediately went to the palace to request a divorce. You never had any feelings for me. You were the one who was heartless first, but you made it seem like I wronged you!"Hearing that, Carissa grew exasperated. "Whether I had feelings for you or not is beside the point. From the day I entered the Warren family, I served your parents without a single day of neglect. "I did my duty. I was dev
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 107
Siege warfare was the most brutal battle.From the walls of Simonton City, crossbow machines aimed at the soldiers below. As before, they relied on those skilled in Lightfoot Skill to scale the walls. However, this time, the walls of Simonton City had been reinforced and heightened. In just ten days, the Sandorian army had raised the walls by a meter, leaving only Rafael, Carissa, Violet, and a few others capable of reaching the top.Timothy struggled initially, unable to fly up. After several attempts, he finally made it, but an enemy spear thrust towards him as soon as he landed. He fell straight down, only to be saved by Violet, who kicked the enemy away and threw her whip, lashing it around Timothy to pull him up.With Violet rescuing Timothy, Cynthia immediately covered her, blocking enemy spears that reached out.Amidst the throng of enemies, Carissa and Rafael destroyed two crossbow machines. Carissa shouted to the Mystic Army, "Deploy the catapults!"Michael relayed th
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 108
Below the walls, Barrett was aiding in the siege when he noticed Aurora leading her troops behind him. Startled, he demanded, "What are you doing here? The marshal ordered you to stay in the rear with General Murray!""I told you, I'm here to help you gain merit," Aurora replied, her eyes flashing with determination. "Breaking through the city is a primary achievement. We can't let Carissa and her group take all the credit! Besides, when you present yourself before the military council and the king, you can mention that I fought in the vanguard.""But you shouldn't disobey military orders!" Barrett said, exasperated."It doesn't matter as long as you achieve merit," Aurora said fearlessly. She was going to receive lashes after the battle, anyway. That aside, she was confident Rafael wouldn't kill her. She was Starhaven's first female general, whom the empress dowager had acknowledged personally. She fought for the dignity of all women in the world!Moreover, she was unsettled b
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 109
Upon hearing Aurora's words, Barrett felt a chill in his heart. Furious, he shouted, "They don't need to sacrifice themselves! The Mystic Army is leading the siege! We're just supporting them. Even if you're here to help me, you could have them load stones instead of sending them to their deaths!"Michael no longer cared about the chaos, and commanded, "Mystic Army, up the ladders! If anyone’s not part of our unit, kick them down!"The Mystic Army, initially stunned, quickly regained their composure. They began climbing the ladders again, pulling down or kicking off anyone not wearing Mystic Army armor. People continued to fall, but they at least had a chance to survive without being speared.Seeing the situation coming under control, Barrett shoved Aurora aside. "Go cry somewhere else!"He rushed to the catapults, and instructed, "Keep loading the stones! Keep firing!"Aurora stood and wiped away her tears, her expression hardening. She ordered her soldiers to fall back, waitin
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 110
The battlefield had moved inside Simonton City. From the moment the siege began, the citizens locked their doors and hid inside their homes. The Sandoria soldiers had enslaved the people, and even abused women during their occupation. Despite knowing that the city would be a battlefield after the gates fell, the townsfolk fervently hoped the Hell Monarch Army would drive the Sandoria soldiers away.As the fierce battle raged, Aurora charged into the city with the main army and quickly fought her way to the front lines. Though she wasn’t the only female general, she was the only one wearing a custom battle robe specially made for her by the Ministry of Defense. Her armor featured a red headscarf, symbolizing her determination to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with her male counterparts.Despite the chaotic fighting, she stood out like a sore thumb.Liam spotted her, as did many Westhaven soldiers.The strategy to target her began. The Westhaven troops she pursued began a strategic r
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1554
Victoria couldn't hold back her tears upon hearing those words. Connor was a dutiful child, and it was unfortunate that Kylie remained blind to that.Night had fully fallen by the time they set off.Kyle and Isaac, accompanied by Sebastian's apprentices, escorted them. The journey had been well-prepared by Rafael. The carriage wheels had been altered, and several layers of soft padding had been laid inside.Sebastian had also ensured that Connor's injuries were properly secured, wrapping him in several layers. Each layer was padded with cotton, both to keep him warm and to reduce the damage from the bumps during the journey.The bitter cold had driven everyone indoors, leaving the streets deserted. Snow fell in a steady, gentle stream, blanketing the cobblestones in a thin layer of frost. The carriage wheels crunched over the icy coating, the soft sound a contrast to the stillness of the night.Salvador watched for a long time, well past the point when the convoy had disappeared f
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1553
Connor had endured for three days, a feat that even Sebastian had not anticipated. Given the severity of his injuries, it was highly unlikely that he would survive past the second day, yet he defied expectations and lingered on.As had been mentioned earlier, his survival meant that the internal bleeding had ceased. Though the journey ahead wasn't ideal, it was their only option. They had to set out.Over the past three days, Victoria and Salvador had scarcely slept, remaining by Connor's side the entire time.Connor was only awake for brief moments. When he was, his face was pale from the excruciating pain, leaving him unable to speak. But when he opened his eyes and saw his grandmother and father, it seemed to give him the strength to keep going.He had no idea how much his determination had moved everyone. For three days, each time he woke, he endured the pain, only to drift back to sleep after the needle treatment. Asleep or awake, the only thing that filled his mind and dreams
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1552
Keith sighed. "Lady Sylvia, surely Prince Cecil must be allowed to speak for himself. Even if he is innocent, it should be him who says so.""There's no need for him to speak. What I say is the truth," Sylvia declared firmly.Her gaze shifted to Carissa, her eyes glinting with an icy, cutting hostility. "I know what you seek, Lady Carissa. You wish to satisfy your duty and claim merits. And since I have never treated you kindly, you will believe that Cecil and I are guilty, even when the evidence is not so clear. But I won't allow you to succeed. I won't allow you to harm my son. I will make my stand with my own life, if necessary."As soon as Sylvia finished speaking, she reached for the scissors on the table. With a swift, deliberate motion, she plunged it into her own throat.Carissa had already been on alert, but she didn't expect the concubine's actions to be so immediate and without any hesitation. By the time she reached Sylvia, the woman had already removed the scissors, an
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1551
By the time they arrived at Laurel Palace, the sky had darkened.Laurel Palace stood in an isolated corner of the palace district, separated from the Cold Palace by only a single wall. The bitter wind howled through the trees, its wailing like the cries of restless spirits.As Carissa led Victoria's head chamberlain, Keith, along the narrow path, she took note of the wild grass lining the way. Most of it was dry and brittle, with only the occasional pale green shoot clinging to life. Winter in the north was unforgiving. It allowed no sign of growth, just as the abandoned Cold Palace permitted no trace of hope.Ordinarily, Keith did not accompany Carissa on visits to the other residences. But this time, at Victoria's command, he had insisted on following her to Sylvia's chambers. Carissa understood the queen dowager's reasoning. Keith had served by her side the longest—if there was scheming afoot in the harem, none could decipher it better than he.It seemed Sylvia had been waiting
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1550
Grace seemed momentarily taken aback, her grip tightening on the handkerchief. "What is it, Your Grace? Do not hesitate to speak plainly.""Not long ago, the harem was abuzz with rumors. First, it was said that Lady Sylvia was responsible for Lady Jeanette's miscarriage. Then, the rumor shifted, claiming it was Queen Kylie. You've overseen the harem for so long, Lady Grace. You must have some idea of where these rumors originated and who might have spread them, yes?" Carissa asked.Caught off guard by the question, Grace's sorrowful expression stiffened for a moment as she exchanged a furtive glance with Lyra. But she quickly masked the slip and regained her composure."The palace has always been rife with gossip. There is no need to dwell on such matters. Perhaps you might focus on the investigation into Prince Connor's murder, Your Grace?" she replied."The queen dowager has ordered me to investigate thoroughly, starting from Lady Jeanette's miscarriage. So, while the case of Pri
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1549
Carissa paid a visit to Jeanette.Though the concubine did not explicitly say that Sylvia was responsible for the loss of her child, she did remark, "Those who commit wicked deeds will always face retribution. No one can escape it."The words seemed not only directed at Sylvia, but also at Kylie.As Carissa prepared to leave after questioning her, Jeanette suddenly spoke up, asking, "Your Grace, was it truly impossible to save Prince Connor?"Carissa assumed Jeanette's words were born of sympathy for Connor. But when she glanced at the concubine, she saw no trace of sorrow in her eyes, only a subtle glint of something resembling satisfaction.It was an emotion she clearly tried to conceal but could not, as though Jeanette had achieved a long-sought revenge. Carissa chose not to respond, instead turning on her heel to leave.Kylie had caused Jeanette's loss, so it was no surprise that she wouldn't wish for Connor's recovery.Carissa couldn't fault Jeanette for her feelings. How c
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1548
Kylie had always looked down on Grace.The latter's family lacked distinction, and her beauty could scarcely be considered remarkable. Her rise to the position of higher-ranked concubine seemed nothing more than the result of fortunate circumstances, particularly her giving birth to Caden.Kylie guessed that Grace also must be aware of her limited connections and support, which was why she had long exercised caution and humility. However, there were times when she could not resist harboring a few selfish thoughts. Yet, she dared not plot too aggressively.Such had been the case when Grace had sheltered Jeanette—likely in an attempt to solidify her position and strengthen her influence in the harem by using the other woman as a pawn. Despite Grace's attentions, Jeanette had remained ungrateful, resenting the way she constantly placed Caden in Salvador's presence.Grace always had a habit of making things harder for herself, which was why Kylie had never held her in much regard.Now
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1547
Sitting in front of her vanity table, Sylvia suddenly recalled that the dress she had once asked her mother to order from Camila had been delivered. She had intended to wear it at the New Year's Eve banquet.The dress was a rich shade of sunset yellow, embroidered with delicate camellia flower blossoms. Charming and vivid, the hem of the skirt flowed in graceful waves, the brightness of its color giving it an air of both beauty and refinement.Sylvia asked Heidi to bring the dress over and help her into it. She gazed into the mirror, entranced by her own reflection. While doing so, she noted that although she looked a little haggard, she remained as stunning as ever. Her skin was still pale and smooth, free from the slightest sign of age or fatigue.Her slender, pale fingers traced the intricate embroidery as she murmured softly to herself, "Ms. Moore's needlework is indeed extraordinary. This dress surpasses even the finest dress I own. How truly exquisite."Heidi knelt at her sid
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1546
The next morning, Rafael announced Connor’s death, leaving the entire court in shock and mourning."His Majesty is overcome with grief and has fallen ill. For the next few days, matters regarding the kingdom will be handled by myself and Mr. Murray. The arrangements for Prince Connor's funeral will be overseen by the Royal Management Department and the Protocol Department," Rafael said solemnly.Malcolm staggered, barely keeping his balance. His eyes were bloodshot from a sleepless night. Even though he had mentally prepared himself, the news still hit him hard.The news reached the inner palace at the same time. Since returning last night, Kylie had been wailing inconsolably, demanding to see Connor. Upon hearing the dreadful news, she fainted once more. Thankfully, a royal physician had been stationed at Everspring Palace and was able to revive her.Once the queen was conscious again, her screams echoed throughout the entire area.At Iridescent Palace, Grace felt a mix of relief
