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Chapter 120
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 121
Barrett’s face turned red with frustration. He grabbed Carissa’s hand, and pulled her to one side. “Carissa! You know she’s been captured, and you won’t rescue her? What do you mean by that? Do you know where she is?” he yelled.Violet snapped a whip in their direction, forcing him to release Carissa’s hand and take a step back.“If you have something to say, keep your distance. Don’t get too close to Cari,” spat Violet coldly.Barrett’s anger towards Violet was obvious, but he grudgingly restrained himself. She was too skilled and not under his command, making her difficult to manage. He turned back to Carissa, his voice still sharp. “You know where she is, don’t you?”Carissa shook her head. “I don’t know. She could be in the desert, on the plains, or hiding in the mountains. But no matter where she is, we can’t send the entire Mystic Army to find her. It’s too risky.”“Then what are we waiting for?” Barrett demanded, pacing with frustration. “Are we just waiting for them to
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 122
As Carissa watched the fire slowly dim, she added a few more logs. The flames quickly devoured the dry wood, sending up bright flickers of light. The scene before her brought back a painful memory—returning to Northwatch Estate and finding it filled with corpses and bloodstains.The ache in her heart surged again, so intense that it made breathing difficult.How she wished for Aurora's death! But simply killing her might not be the most satisfying revenge. Carissa thought Liam might share this view.She was certain Liam wouldn’t kill Aurora. Rafael had given orders to wait here, and it was likely because Liam had said something to him.Rafael had previously mentioned having spies in Ilyrian City, so it was reasonable to assume there were spies in Simonton City as well.Waiting here was both Rafael and Liam’s directive.By late night, everyone was exhausted. They were sleepy and hungry, though the cold was no longer a concern with plenty of firewood available. Supplies had arriv
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 123
Barrett stared at Carissa. He couldn’t continue speaking, as she had rendered him speechless.She was right. She was the deputy commander of the Mystic Army and a fifth-ranked general of the court. Every word she spoke carried weight.He didn’t have many men with him, and had hoped the Mystic Army would join him. His own troops were exhausted, but the Mystic Army had rested here for quite some time. He believed that if they encountered the Westhaven forces or nomadic tribes, they could fight.In a low voice, he pleaded, “I want to lead the Mystic Army, even if I have to beg you, Carissa. I know I’ve wronged you before. You can punish me however you want. But we’ve been waiting for nearly two days! Aurora can’t hold on much longer. I know you hate her, but we’ll make amends together once we find her.”Carissa’s gaunt face remained cold. “This has nothing to do with personal grudges. The Mystic Army cannot advance any further.”Barrett clenched his fists. “Carissa, I’m already beggi
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 124
Barrett’s expression shifted dramatically. “How do you know they’re in the mountains? What justice are they seeking?”Carissa took a few steps away, and Barrett limped after her. When she stopped, he stared at her expectantly.The wind howled around them, and Carissa’s voice was barely audible. “If you calm yourself and listen, you might hear something beyond the wind.”Barrett tried to focus, but apart from the wind, he heard nothing.His skills were not on par with Carissa’s, and his inner force was minimal. How could he hear any movement in the mountains, especially with such a strong wind? It was impossible to discern the presence of nearly a hundred thousand people.He suspected Carissa was being evasive, and his frustration grew. “What justice are they seeking?”“Use your brain. Why would a hundred thousand soldiers stay in the mountains without retreating? Why capture Aurora? And why come to the Southern Frontier after signing the treaty?”After saying this, Carissa walke
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 125
Night fell, and the Westhaven army descended from the mountain. When the troops began to move, Carissa and Violet knew about it and exchanged glances.Carissa stood up, and issued a command, "Everyone, stay alert! Weapons at the ready."The entire Mystic Army rose to their feet. Holding their shields and weapons in hand, they swiftly moved into their battle formation.The Westhaven soldiers moved quickly, descending the mountain in three parallel columns. The soldiers at the front held torches, with one torchbearer every ten men to provide illumination.The mountain was icy, making their rapid descent risky. A single slip could cause a disastrous chain reaction. Yet, they moved with remarkable steadiness, clearly wearing specially designed footwear.Westhaven was a wealthy and powerful kingdom, and its troops were showcasing its financial might at this moment. Their actions served as a stark reminder to the Starhaven soldiers that engaging in large-scale warfare with Westhaven wou
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 126
Barrett felt a shiver under the intensity of Liam's gaze, and instinctively took a step back. Liam was obviously reluctant to engage in conversation with Barrett. He stood before Carissa, his expression a complex mix of emotions."General Sinclair, the massacre of your family was not my order," he began, his tone earnest. "The leader of our spies issued that command. He did it because he learned that Aurora's forces had wiped out several villages in Fawnrun City, and that she had subjected a prisoner of war to inhumane treatment."Our king and the entire Westhaven court uphold a strict policy: issues on the border should not involve the lives of civilians. We do not condone the slaughter of innocents, especially not the elderly, women, and children of an entire family. "While your kingdom's general had committed grievous acts, I must apologize on behalf of Westhaven for everything they have done."Barrett was stunned. "W-What nonsense are you talking about?"Liam paid no atte
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 127
Liam and Edmund left with the Westhaven soldiers. "If you want to rescue Aurora," Carissa said to Barrett, "take your trusted aides up the mountain."By saying this, Carissa was actually preserving some dignity for both Barrett and Aurora. If the shame endured by the Westhaven crown prince were to be repeated on them, the things Barrett would see upon going up the mountain would surely be appalling.However, Barrett was concerned there might still be Westhaven troops stationed on the mountain. Thus, he requested that Carissa lend him the Mystic Army to accompany him.Carissa regarded him for a moment. "Are you certain?"Feeling an inexplicable tremor at her gaze, he asked, "Can you tell me if Aurora truly committed the massacres?""You should have asked Liam earlier," Carissa replied calmly. "Or, you can ask Aurora yourself when you meet her. Liam is unlikely to have killed her."Barrett found it hard to believe that Aurora could have committed such acts. He recalled Liam's wor
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 128
Aurora had lost consciousness. Liam kept choking her, dragging her back and forth between life and death. At the same time, he slashed her with a knife on her body and face. Also, he had cut off one of her ears.As Barrett carried her out, she remained unaware of her rescue, still in a state of unconsciousness. However, it was clear to everyone that Aurora wasn’t wearing any pants. Many had also seen the pool of blood beneath her, revealing the horrors she had endured.Barrett’s expression was livid. He finally understood why Carissa had insisted that he only bring his trusted aides up the mountain.He shot a fierce, resentful glance at Carissa. Until Aurora told him the truth herself, he refused to believe Liam’s accusations. He was unwilling to accept that Aurora had indirectly caused the death of Carissa's family.Seeing his eyes, Carissa saw only a coward. She ignored him, and proceeded with the rescue efforts.Soldiers entered the cabin to carry out the remaining prisoner
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1556
During her investigation, Carissa learned a troubling piece of information from a young chamberlain. The caltrop Cecil had been playing with had indeed gone missing, and a palace maid had picked it up.The chamberlain had witnessed the moment the caltrop was picked up, and recognized the maid in question as Clara, who served Penelope, one of Salvador's concubines.It was clear to Carissa that Penelope had no reason to harm Connor. Her relationship with Grace and Sylvia was rather indifferent. Thus, Carissa formally petitioned Victoria for permission to conduct an inquiry within the harem and see if Clara was secretly loyal to someone else.As expected, Carissa uncovered that Clara had entered the palace years earlier as a low-ranking maid, assigned to laundry duty and forced to endure a hard life. She was from the same hometown as Lyra, one of Grace's trusted maids.Lyra helped Clara by making arrangements with the head maid, sending her to Penelope's residence to work as a cleaner
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1555
While Kylie was still fervently attempting to bring Cecil to Everspring Palace, Carissa arrived."I have long been waiting for you to ask me whether Prince Connor said anything before he passed, Your Majesty. Yet, you never did," she said, looking at the queen.Kylie sharply turned her head toward her, her expression filled with resistance. "There is no need to speak of it. He would have blamed me, for he was always angry with me.""On the contrary, he said that he loved you very much," Carissa replied.A bitter smile curled on Kylie's lips. She clearly didn't believe Carissa's words."He is gone. Why would you make up such things to make me sad?" she said.Carissa looked at the clear finger marks on Kylie's face and her swollen, red eyes. The pain of losing her son should have been a wound to the soul itself, yet here she was, scheming to bring Cecil to her side.Was it for revenge? Or was she trying to secure leverage, pushing Cecil to become the crown prince and crushing Grac
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
