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Chapter 1182
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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 recklessness—his 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
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1187
Back at the Quinton family's residence, Malcolm summoned the members of the fourth branch and unleashed his fury upon them."Malcolm, we were only following Her Majesty's wishes," Vera said, looking aggrieved. "I had planned to propose the third son of the Marquis of Glandale for Jocelyn's marriage, but Her Majesty insisted that we needed military support."She revealed the situation where Kylie had nearly arranged the marriage between Jocelyn and Thomas but had been stopped by Victoria.Her voice grew sharper, adding, "The Farrell family is too proud, don't you think? Do they think a Quinton family daughter isn't worthy of their son? They're looking down on us!""Why should the Farrell family think highly of the Quinton family?" Malcolm retorted sharply. "Have we ever considered the Farrell family's stature in the same light?"Malcolm realized that somehow, his family had begun to expect respect and deference from everyone, as though they were untouchable.The fear began to sett
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1188
On the 15th of December, Salvador went to Everspring Palace.With red-rimmed eyes, Kylie began to speak of Jocelyn's expulsion from Gracewood Women's Academy. Having already reprimanded the Quinton family over this matter, Salvador was displeased to hear Kylie bring it up again. Yet, he remained silent, not giving voice to his frustration.Sharp in her observations, Kylie noticed his irritation and quickly changed the subject, saying, "It seems the noble ladies and wives of the capital are all praising Carissa, calling her the ideal example for women."Salvador gave her a half-smile, his eyes narrowed as he replied, "I find it strange that these noble women are praising someone else and not the kingdom's queen. After all, you are the mother of the nation, and before our marriage, you were widely regarded as a woman of great talent. You should be the one they hold up as the standard."Kylie couldn't tell whether it was a compliment or a subtle rebuke. She wasn't sure if he was mocki
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1189
Apart from being a mentor, Violet had formed a small team with Alana, Leah, and the others. Together, they had taken it upon themselves to track down rapists who had been causing trouble in the city.At first, Violet had thought it would be a simple task: catch the culprits, force them to confess, and send them off to the authorities. But when they arrived at the authorities, the culprits claimed they had only confessed because they had been beaten up.Alana had quietly approached the young women who had been victimized, hoping they might speak up. But one by one, they denied that anything had happened. Some even turned them away as soon as they saw Alana or anyone from her group.Without any evidence to back up the claims of their crimes, the authorities had no choice but to release the culprits.Violet's frustration grew with every failed attempt. At times, she was filled with a murderous urge, and the thought of dealing with the culprits in the same ruthless manner she would hav
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1190
Aside from having household soldiers in Hell Monarch Estate, Rafael had not invested in developing a Shadow Guard or any such force. At most, there were a few skilled warriors who frequently went on official assignments, but they all had their duties to attend to and would only return every half month or so to report.There were also spies, mostly used to gather intelligence on the enemy, but they were rarely used for private matters.The lack of a larger force was due to several reasons.Before Rafael had been stationed at the Southern Frontier, he had already earned his battle merits. During his time in the capital leading the Mystic Army, Sigmund had strictly forbidden him from establishing too many guards, particularly a Shadow Guard, which was considered a serious taboo.Then, after Rafael went to the Southern Frontier, there was no time to think about such matters. Upon his eventual return to the capital, amidst Salvador's growing suspicions, any thoughts of increasing his fo
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1402
Clifford's eyes gleamed with a sharp light. "Very well. Let's hear some of your self-righteous words."Salvador, ever the suspicious soul, had always been wary of the Hell Monarch's household. Even if Carissa hadn't risen for women's rights, Salvador would still remain cautious of her.How could Carissa not know Clifford's intentions? From the moment he asked, she knew it was a trap.Before she could respond, Clifford sneered and added, "You can always start by flattering King Salvador. Praise him for how he treats women under his rule. As long as your conscience is clear, feel free to do so."Carissa was infuriated, but she wasn't willing to be baited. She met his mocking, challenging gaze. "Don't make assumptions. That's not the same thing at all. You think people are ignorant and narrow-minded as they can't understand your preferences, so you resort to extreme measures to gain their approval. But that's your personal problem. You can't speak for others like you, and you're not
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1401
Gerald and Clifford met in the Supreme Court's interrogation room. They sat across from each other, an old wooden table between them. Carissa sat behind the scribe's desk, not far from them. Even if they spoke in hushed tones, she could hear every word clearly.The only sounds in the room were the quiet rustle of breath, the steady beat of hearts, and occasionally, the almost imperceptible sound of a sigh.Yet, no words passed between them.Neither of them exchanged even a fleeting glance. It was as if they were two strangers who were forced to sit together—distant, indifferent.Carissa wondered if it was her presence that made things so strained, though she could not leave. All she could do was endure the awkward silence alongside them.At last, Gerald asked, "Why?"Gerald was truly baffled, struggling to reconcile the person before him with the image of someone he thought he knew. No matter how he looked at Clifford, he could not align the two.Clifford clasped his hands tog
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1400
As Carissa returned to the Capital Guard Headquarters the next morning, Heather intercepted her at the door.It had been a long while since Carissa had last seen Heather. In fact, it seemed Heather had kept herself mostly secluded lately.Since Harvey had been brought back to the capital, his son Lennon Sanford had not been captured, but Chester's forces continued their search. It was almost certain that the boy would be caught soon enough.Heather, anxious that Lennon might be implicated and face the same brutal punishment of beheading, rushed to Carissa for help.Carissa knew Heather had already tried appealing to Leona when Harvey was first brought back. She had asked Leona to talk to Carissa on her behalf. Yet Leona had refused, and she never mentioned the matter to Carissa. Carissa only learned of this from Alana."Carissa!" Heather hurried toward her, her face frantic with worry. "I need to speak with you. Could we find a quiet place to talk?""I have matters to attend to.
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1399
In her study, Carissa wrote a letter. Then, she handed it to Jacob with instructions to have it delivered to Rafael in the Southern Frontier.She knew the situation in the Southern Frontier. Victor was amassing troops but neither attacking nor retreating, keeping things in a stalemate.Everyone knew that Victor was just stalling. He had been given a military order to invade the Southern Frontier, but since Nicholas had failed, he could not return with any captured cities or military achievements to report.If Victor made a hasty retreat now, he would likely lose more than just his position—his life might be forfeited as well. He attempted to forge alliances with the nomads, hoping to find a way out—perhaps a way to secure his future or an escape from certain doom.The nomads, tired of conflict, had no interest in picking sides. Caught in the middle, they were doing everything they could to remain neutral, refusing to aid either side. If they really had to choose, they would choos
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1398
At precisely three in the afternoon, the long execution block was brought forward. The block was forged from ironwood, solid and unyielding. It was the only one of its kind in Starhaven, used solely for execution by Torso Cleaving.The block had been kept in storage for years.Augustus had once deemed the act of Torso Cleaving too brutal. Even those who committed the most grievous offenses were spared this form of execution. Yet, the punishment had not been abolished. It remained a tool to strike fear into the hearts of would-be traitors.The cruelty of Torso Cleaving lay in the fact that after a person was cleaved in two, the upper body could still crawl, struggle, and leave behind a bloody trail.Normally, Torso Cleaving wasn't meant to be witnessed by the public. But treason, betraying the kingdom, and plotting to overthrow the throne were considered unforgivable crimes. Salvador didn't know how many people had dealings with the traitors, and some conspirators were too deepl
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1397
The capital guards escorted Evelyn, Zoey, and Viola up to the execution platform. Evelyn's legs trembled, and she couldn't muster any strength. Her tears flowed uncontrollably, blurring her vision to the point that she could no longer see clearly."You foolish boy!" Evelyn let out a mournful cry, raising her hand and slapping Oliver's face. "You've disgraced your grandfather and your father! How can you face them in the afterlife?"Her slap lacked force; even as she exerted every ounce of her strength, Oliver barely felt the sting.Caught in a whirlwind of panic, Oliver's mind raced. Seeing his mom before him, he seemed to have found a lifeline in a stormy sea. He cried desperately, "Mom, save me! Please save me!"Evelyn, near exhaustion from her sorrow, could barely speak. "You've committed an unforgivable crime! How can I save you now? His Majesty once showed favor to you—how could you betray such grace?""Mom, I know I was wrong! I know it now!" Oliver cried, tears streaming do
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1396
After Evelyn finished crying, she didn't say much. However, she stubbornly insisted on going to deliver Oliver his final meal. Her eyes were swollen and her voice was thick with congestion, nearly a rasp. "I know the court allows family to see their loved ones before execution," she said, her tone strained. "I don't want anything else—just this one thing. I need to see him and make sure he's fed. I don't want him to die hungry and become a vengeful spirit."Tears began to fall once more as she cast a tearful glance at Zoey. "You have children, too. You should understand what it means to be a mother. To the world, he may be seen as the greatest of villains. But to me, he will always be that helpless child that hasn't changed."Zoey remained silent for a long moment, then finally said, "Mother, do you know how the final meeting is arranged? It is at the execution ground. Are you sure you want to see him getting decapitated?"Evelyn trembled, her body shaking with emotion. "You must
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1395
When Carissa went to the palace to deliver her report, she also expressed her sympathy for Zoey besides presenting the confession. She didn't hide her admiration for Zoey in her words.Despite her difficult life, Zoey still had a kind heart. She continuously gave out food and medicine. Even though her whole family now lived in Skye Embroidery, she never asked for the money she had given away to be returned.Furthermore, Zoey had shown great courage and moral integrity. She had publicly condemned her kin for the sake of the greater good—a rare quality that many men, even among the nobility, could not aspire to.Recognizing the need for such an example to inspire his people, Salvador immediately issued an edict praising Zoey. He granted her 100 gold coins and a residence.As for the exiled men from the Prince family, they could return to the capital after the Southern Frontier won the battle, along with the Hell Monarch.Zoey had turned an impossible situation around. Now, who would
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1394
Oliver was a notorious criminal, and he should have been sent directly to the Supreme Court. However, Carissa took a different route. She had him detained at the Capital Guard headquarters, where he was to be interrogated first. Afterward, she planned to report the matter to Salvador. She would credit Zoey for her tip, and then plead for Caspian and Cedric to be allowed to return to the capital as soon as possible.Celeste was still detained in the Capital Guard headquarters. If she and Oliver met, it might uncover more secrets—such as just how deeply the Spencer family's collateral branch was involved in this mess.The two prisoners were held in adjacent cells, separated by only a narrow iron bar. When their eyes met for the first time, both faces changed instantly.On the way here, Oliver kept cursing Zoey for betraying him. But when he saw Celeste, he completely forgot about Zoey. He snarled, his teeth clenched. "You wretched woman, look at you now! It's true—bad people get w
