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Chapter 1178
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Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1179
Vera quickly pressed her hand to Jocelyn's mouth. "Stop shouting nonsense! How dare you speak of such vulgarities? If those words reach your uncle's ears, he'll scold you thoroughly."The Quinton family upheld strict traditions, and every action and word from the younger generation had to be proper.Jocelyn shook her head and slapped Vera's hand away. "How can he criticize us when his own behavior is so dishonorable? I don't fear him anymore!""Enough!" Vera scolded, her tone sharp. "You're being childish. Others might harp on your uncle's past, but we've been covering for him all this time. Remember, he's still the Civil Minister and his son-in-law is the king. So many people's careers depend on himâdon't forget that!"Jocelyn sniffled, pouting as she fell silent, not daring to speak ill of her elders again. "I just can't stand General Farrell! He's weak and cowardly. His wife had an affair with another man and caused a huge scandal, yet he doesn't even say a word.""This is th
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1180
The mention of "severe punishment" made Hailey and the others shrink back in fear. They stepped away, trying to put some distance between themselves and Jocelyn.Jocelyn felt nothing but resentment, her emotions swirling in a mixture of frustration and injustice. "I didn't do it on purpose," she sobbed, "but she brought it upon herself! Her aunt made such a fool of herself, yet she still stepped in to defend that old man, Thomas Farrell! Doesn't she feel ashamed?"Courtney, who hadn't cried when slapped, now let her tears fall at Jocelyn's words. She turned away and buried her face in a fellow student's shoulder, crying openly.The teachers were soon called in to handle the matter. Even Carissa was summoned.The students who had been part of the argument were now nervous, worried that they also might face punishment. The tension that had once been thick between the two groups had evaporated, leaving behind no trace of hostility.Once the full story was known, Rosalind's usually
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1181
Zoey arrived with Jane in tow. When she heard her daughter had been struck, she rushed to check on her. Courtney's face was swollen and there was a thin scratch across it. But seeing that Catherine had already treated the wound, Zoey quickly reassured her daughter with a few comforting words. Then, without delay, she headed to Elegance Grove to express her gratitude to Catherine.The two mothers, Vera and Zoey, took their seats. Carissa spoke first, explaining the situation clearly. Once everything was laid out, she sent for Jocelyn and Courtney to join them, accompanied by several students as witnesses to make it easier for the two women to question them.Vera's face darkened. She was upset with Jocelyn for being so unwise and for bringing such a matter to the academy. But more so, she seethed at Courtney's wordsâhow could she say that Thomas had no interest in her daughter? If word of it got out, such rumors could ruin her daughter's reputation!But in the end, it was Jocelyn who
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1182
Vera's expression grew darker. It was impossible that Zoey hadn't caught her veiled threat.Her tone hardened as she said, "There's no need to escalate this matter so much. I'm fine with an apology, but expulsion is too extreme. It's just a petty altercation between children. Expelling someone over such a trivial matter would only make people think Gracewood Women's Academy is blowing things out of proportion."Mrs. Prince, if you won't think of your own daughter, at least consider the academy's reputation. If word gets out that my daughter was expelled over this, it will only damage the academy's standing."Her earlier threat to Zoey had now subtly shifted to threatening the academy itself.Carissa's smile was cold and dismissive. "If we don't expel Ms. Quinton for hitting another student, that will be what damages the academy's reputation. We invited you here to handle this matter with some dignity, Mrs. Quinton."Those who need to apologize and make amends should do so, and the
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1183
Wrenching her arm free from her mother's grip, Jocelyn shouted, "I won't apologize! What are you going to do about it? If you're so bold, why don't you hit me back?"She thrust her tear-streaked face toward Zoey, her cheeks flushed, as if bearing a heavy injustice.Naturally, Zoey would never strike her, but a cold laugh escaped her lips. "Very well. In that case, I'll go to the Quinton family and ask Lord Gerald what kind of upbringing you've had there."She turned to Carissa. "Headmistress, it would be a great help if you could vouch for me when the time comes."Carissa nodded. "If you go to see Lord Gerald, I will speak plainly."Vera knew it would be disastrous if word of this reached Gerald. If he heard of it, their branch of the family would surely be reprimanded.With that thought, she gritted her teeth and said to Jocelyn, "Apologize."Tears streamed down Jocelyn's face as she stomped her foot. "Mom, I won't apologize! They're the ones bullying me and trying to kick me o
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1184
Zoey sat beside Courtney on a stone bench in the garden. The courtyard was filled with flowers and shrubs, but their growth was sparse. In the cold of winter, the plants appeared even more withered and desolate."Why did you defend your uncle... I mean, why did you speak up for General Farrell?"Zoey gently dabbed her daughter's face with a handkerchief, pressing lightly around the bruise. Thankfully, there was no blood and it wasn't a deep wound. If it had been, Courtney's face could have been scarred.Yet, the palm print was still so clear, making Zoey's chest tighten with worry.She was curious as to why her daughter had chosen to stand up for Thomas. Zoey had made sure to keep the household matters hidden from the children, especially when those matters grew messy. She thought she had kept things well-guarded, but recent rumors seemed to be affecting them. She wondered how much the children knew, or thought they knew, about the situation.Courtney lifted her swollen cheek. Her
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1185
Carissa left the academy with Zoey. Instead of riding her own horse, she had someone lead it while she sat in Zoey's carriage.Carissa had two things to tell her.First, she said, "Isaac selected some goods that weren't of the best quality and sold them. The money from the sales wasn't converted to banknotes, and it's all been stored in the cellar at Glimmering Tower.""It's what the Earl of Silverstone's family owes him. He should feel free to spend it. I've put some aside as well, just in case," Zoey softly replied."He won't spend it. He doesn't need the money," Carissa said.Then, she moved on to the second topic, explaining, "As for Celeste, His Majesty has confirmed her identity. He knows she's taken a woman from Lunvale as her godmother. As for the surname Spencer, it's from a branch of the Spencer family in Ebonflow. They do business in Lunvale as well."The person you found out she was conspiring with is likely from the Spencer family. It would be better if His Majesty m
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1186
Malcolm stood frozen in place, his face burning with a sharp sting, though no slap had been delivered. It was only then that he realized his recklessnessâhis impulsive actions had brought the matter of the students at Gracewood Women's Academy all the way to the royal court.With Salvador telling him to stay behind, he stood there, unmoving, until the court session ended.Left alone in the king's private study, Malcolm was instructed to wait outside. The biting cold of the winter wind cut through him like a blade as he stood there for four full hours, not once being summoned in.A swirl of emotions churned inside him, but the most prominent was anger. He was the king's father-in-law. Surely, even if his actions were misguided, Salvador should not have left him to suffer in the cold.By the end of the four hours, his body was nearly frozen, stiff from the cold. Derek, noticing his distress, brought him a small warming stove. The faint warmth provided a small relief from the icy grip
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Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1574
Once back at the palace, Salvador was unable to rise from his bed. Sebastian spoke briefly with him, hinting that he didn't have much time left. If there was anyone he wished to see, it should be done as soon as possible.The first person Salvador wanted to see was, of course, Victoria."That childâĶ When he saw me, he couldn't stop asking about you. You didn't love him in vain, Mom," Salvador murmured, his voice weak.Victoria sighed deeply. "How cruel... his life must be lived hidden away in the mountains, never able to leave. Is there truly no hope for his legs?""I believe there is no hope," Salvador replied softly, his lips pale and drained of color. "But as I was leaving, he said, 'Dad, once I've learned enough medicine, I'll cure you. I'll make you better.'"Victoria's heart ached. "What a good child."Salvador's gaze drifted to the ceiling, his voice barely a whisper as he repeated, "Yes, he is a good child."After speaking with Victoria, Salvador asked Rafael to bring in
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1573
Salvador had temporarily settled at Eldermere Keep. The place was filled with every kind of medicine, yet his illness had reached a point where no remedy could ease his suffering.Still, staying there brought him peace. It was as if he had finally set down a heavy burden and could now live as an ordinary father. He spent each day with his son, sharing simple moments together.Carissa was allowed to visit and spend some time with Connor. He asked her about Ryan, specifically inquiring whether he had made any new friends."Ryan has no other friends but you. He always thinks about you," she reassured with a smile, thinking the eldest prince might be jealous.Connor was quiet for a long while, his expression tinged with guilt. Finally, with a deep sadness in his eyes, he softly said, "I have friends now, like Otto. Ryan should have his own friends too. I always think about him, but... I don't think I'll ever see him again."Carissa gently patted his head and smiled. "The future is lon
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1572
After the sun set behind the mountains, the temperature began to drop. Salvador had been carried up the mountain, but now, he was carrying Connor on his back as they made their way back into the estate.Connor had his arms tightly wrapped around Salvador's thin shoulders, and he couldn't stop the tears from falling. This was a scene he had never even dared to dream of. Not only had he never imagined being carried by his father, but even something as simple as having his father gently pat his head had always seemed like an impossible wish.But his father was so thin; there was no flesh on his back at all. How had he become so frail?Carissa and the others waited outside the gates. Not even Galen had been allowed in. Only Salvador's most loyal attendants, those who had carried the litter, were permitted to enter. The others, of course, were kept away from Connor. They all believed that Salvador had come to Eldermere Keep solely to recover from his illness.The estate itself was full
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1571
Salvador didn't fare well along the long and tiring journey, his condition worsening with each passing day. Sebastian did what he couldâapplying needle treatment and using medicineâbut all he could offer was temporary relief. As they pressed on, the king's condition only seemed to deteriorate further.Fortunately, Salvador was a man of remarkable willpower. Despite his suffering, he gritted his teeth and carried on, unwilling to give in. He could not afford to back downânot now.Eldermere Keep lay in the southern province of Mendoria, where the climate was mild and temperate, perfect for someone needing rest and recovery. Even though it was now winter, the air was neither cold nor biting, more akin to the gentler days of autumn.The locals knew little of Eldermere Keep, though they often spoke of a physician's office that was the largest in Mendoria, as big as the one in the capital, also called Arcane Sanctum. There were other keeps, but this one was renowned for its abundance of r
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1570
Before Salvador left the capital, Rafael had already become regent and taken on the required duties. With his great military achievements, he had earned respect from both civil and military officials. At first, no one questioned his authority, and many even held him in high regard.However, with Salvador now ill and traveling incognito, rumors began to spread within the palace, warning people to be wary of the regent. The fear was that, as Cecil was still so young, Rafael might take advantage of the situation and eventually replace him.As often the case, such suspicion and rumors spread like wildfire, fueled by the mouths of many. Consequently, a number of officials lost their previous respect for Rafael. They even began to disregard his orders, paying them little heed and carrying out his commands half-heartedly.Noticing this troubling shift, Davis felt a sense of urgency. He decided to speak with Patrick, the Minister of Justice, who was also Cecil's grandfather and the father o
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1569
On the day of the first snowfall, a sudden idea struck Salvador. He hadn't attended court in some time, and now, seated on the throne, he declared his plans for a private journey to admire Starhaven's beautiful landscapes. As for the kingdom affairs, they had already been entrusted to Rafael, and that arrangement would remain unchanged.As Salvador appeared very thin and weary, many court officials tried to advise against the trip. But once he had made up his mind, there was no swaying him. He insisted that Carissa and Galen accompany him, along with Sebastian and Dorian.The very next day, they set off.It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decisionâSalvador had already discussed the matter with Rafael and Carissa beforehand. Sebastian had advised against it, but the king's mind was made up, so the renowned physician had no choice but to accompany him.While Salvador certainly wanted to see more of the kingdom, his true destination was Eldermere Keep, as he longed to see his son one last
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1568
Eustace waited patiently for Violet to finish her greetings before he could finally choke back his emotions."Rise, you little imp," he said softly, his voice thick with feeling.Violet slowly stood, her eyes brimming with tears. She tilted her head back, fighting to hold them in.At that moment, she regretted her decision. Why had she been so stubborn? Why had she insisted on getting married in the capital when none of her relatives were here?"Dad, once the wedding is over today, may we return with you? We can hold a celebration at home. Afterward, we can go to the guild and host another, if that's all right," Violet suggested.Eustace was pleased by the thought, but didn't want his daughter to wear herself out with so much traveling."Didn't you say you don't have many friends in Ebonflow? That's why you didn't want a grand wedding there," he reminded her."I don't, but you do, Dad, and so does our family. I can't be so selfish. I don't want you to be embarrassed because of m
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1567
Carissa had intended to spend more time talking with Violet today, but she had forgotten how many little tasks came with weddings. The hired bride attendants arrived to do Violet's hair and makeup, and before long, an hour had passed.Violet was already stunningly beautiful, but under the skilled hands of the bride attendants, she looked even more radiantâlovelier than the flowers themselves.Lunchtime came and went with only a light meal, and soon, the guests began arriving to see Violet off.As the groom's elder sister-in-law, Zoey wasn't supposed to be present but had insisted on coming. She said that since she was family to the groom, and as good as family to the bride, there was no problem. After all, it was a good day, and as long as everyone was happy, what did it matter?As Violet put on her wedding gown, a sudden wave of nervousness washed over her.Was she really getting married?Marriage meant taking on responsibilitiesâmanaging a household and having children. It woul
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1566
Isaac and Violet were finally set to marry in the golden month of October.In truth, Violet had accepted Isaac's proposal the year before, during the Starlight Harvest Festival. From that moment, she knew he was the one she wanted to give her heart to. When she agreed to marry him, she did so with all sincerity, trusting her feelings in that moment.It had taken a full year to arrange the wedding, but it wasn't because of the wedding gifts or dowry.Violet's dowry had been prepared by the Spencer family since her birth, gradually adding to it year after year. Now, they had even bought a house and a large estate in the capital. As for the wedding gifts, the Pathfinders Guild had long since prepared them on Isaac's behalf.Instead, the delay was due to differing opinions among the Spencer family, the Inferno Guild, the Pathfinders Guild, and Violet herself.Violet wanted to get married at Hell Monarch Estate, then have Isaac escort her to her estate in the capital. It seemed easier
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