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Chapter 1222
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1223
After dismissing Kylie, Victoria summoned a messenger to deliver a royal edict to Carissa. The edict stated that she alone could decide the direction of the Gracewood Women's Academy and that the opinions of others were not to be heeded.Once the edict was sent, Victoria dispatched another messenger to inform Salvador that he was to join her for the evening meal.Keith poured her a fresh cup of coffee, placing it before her with care. "Your Majesty, please don't let this trouble you. It's not worth it. If the queen doesn't understand, you can always teach her.""Teach her? Have I not spent years trying? Which of my words has she ever heeded? Why waste my breath on her now?" Victoria rubbed her temples, her tone weary. "She even had the audacity to make things difficult for Lady Ruth. Does she wish to hand Prince Yuvan an excuse to raise a fuss publicly?"Yuvan had returned to Valken, his body crippled and his heart undoubtedly hardened. If Ruth were to die in misery, it would give
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1224
Salvador leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp with barely contained anger. "Did I ever tell you that I wanted to shut down Gracewood Women's Academy? The academy was Mom's idea—it was meant to unite the noble families' women and be beneficial to me! Why would I want to shut it down?"Kylie looked at him, bewildered. "But haven't you always been displeased with Carissa's growing closeness to the noble families?"Salvador's eyes narrowed as he stared at her, his words cutting and deliberate. "Are you saying you have no ability to replace Carissa?"Kylie froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Your Majesty, are you suggesting that I lower myself to attend the academy? Or that I should curry favor with those noblewomen?"She was the queen of Starhaven. How could she possibly step into such a role? And those noblewomen—why should she, as the queen, have to win them over? Shouldn't they be the ones trying to win her favor?Wasn't this a complete reversal of proper order?Salvador'
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1225
The chamber doors creaked open, and Derek quickly called out, "His Majesty is departing!" Lydia hurried inside, rushing to Kylie's side and helping her to her feet."Your Majesty, your hand is injured." Lydia gasped. She immediately pressed her handkerchief to the bleeding cut, then motioned for the maids to bring water and bandages.Kylie sank into a chair, her body trembling as though her strength had left her entirely. Fear lingered in her wide eyes, and her voice was shaky with disbelief. "He said he would depose me. His Majesty said he would depose me.""His Majesty is just angry for a moment. How could he really depose you? Don't worry."Lydia sent the maids who had come to assist back out, then sighed as she looked at Kylie. "Your Majesty, you shouldn't have said those things to the queen dowager. And as for Lady Ruth's situation, I advised you about it, but you didn't listen.""I don't understand! What was my mistake?" Kylie's eyes burned with indignation. "It was just
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1226
"Kylie wasn't always this foolish," Victoria remarked as she rose from the dining table, moving to the carved cherrywood armchair. She was pleasantly full, and the chair's firm support felt just right. "She used to be quite clever. When a clever person suddenly becomes foolish, it's often because they're too entangled in their own schemes. They can't see past their own interests. And for those interests, they think any sacrifice is justified, no matter who pays the price.""Mom, your words are absolutely correct," Salvador agreed, nodding.Victoria gestured for him to sit and then asked, "What are your thoughts on the current admissions policy for the women's academy?"Salvador replied thoughtfully, "I think it's a good idea. It gives the common folk the impression that they aren't so far removed from the nobility. It might even ease some of the discontent among them."He naturally spoke with the broader picture in mind. As for whether it offered women a chance to broaden their h
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1227
Once the investigation into the gentlemen's retreat was concluded, Carissa personally entered the palace to deliver her report.She was unaware that Kylie had lodged a complaint against her, intending only to report on the matter at hand before visiting Victoria.When Salvador heard that martial-trained Sandorian spies had been hiding within the gentlemen's retreat, he was visibly shocked. His expression immediately grew serious.Carissa refrained from mentioning Gerald's frequent visits to the gentlemen's retreat. The investigation had made it clear that Gerald's visits were purely for leisure, and he deliberately concealed his identity. Otherwise, he wouldn't have gone to such lengths to disguise himself in that ridiculous manner.From what she overheard, Gerald's conversations revolved solely around frivolities, with no mention of court affairs or suspicious behavior. Thus, there was no basis to suspect any breach of security.Claire, who had eavesdropped on the courtesans' pri
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1228
The Capital Guard headquarters' prison was as sparse as they came, and they didn't usually imprison people there. It wasn't that they didn't arrest anyone. Minor offenders were usually fined or given a few lashes, while those committing serious crimes were sent to the authorities to face proper sentencing."Your Majesty, if there are court officials present, should they also be detained?" Carissa asked.Salvador's expression darkened. "Naturally, they are to be detained as well."Carissa understood that Salvador intended to teach these officials a lesson, though not publicly—he didn't want word of their indiscretions spreading to the authorities. Locking them up in the Capital Guard headquarter's prison was meant to serve as a discreet warning while protecting their reputations.More importantly, the raid's true objective was to capture the Sandorian spies and subject them to a rigorous interrogation."And make sure no one warns them in advance," Salvador added. It was time to d
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1229
Inside, heavy breathing could be heard—panicked and unsteady. Perhaps Gerald had never experienced such chaos in his entire life.No matter how big the problem, he had always been able to handle it with ease. But this? This was beyond his control.The thought of dying here was mortifying enough, but the idea of his body being found in such a place was even worse—especially since, on the eve of the New Year, he had sternly scolded Carissa before leaving the palace."Come out!" Carissa shouted again, her voice sharp and commanding.Two barefoot courtesans stepped out. The room was warm, heated by silver charcoal. Carpets cover the floor, making it easy to walk barefoot."Will you leave on your own, or must I escort you?" Carissa asked calmly.The two courtesans hurried out, leaving Gerald behind the screen, trembling faintly.Carissa grabbed the embroidered tablecloth from the tabletop and moved behind the screen, draping it over Gerald. Then, she seized his arm and said, "Let
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1230
The news of the gentlemen's retreats' raid spread like wildfire through the entire capital.Fabian was struck dumb with shock. He had been feeling unwell that evening and hadn't gone to any of the retreats, never imagining it would be seized.The gentlemen's retreats had been in business for years, hosting many of the capital's elite. If Salvador had intended to shut it down, surely someone would have tipped him off. But there had been no warning—it had simply been raided out of the blue!When Fabian finally returned to his senses, he immediately called for one of his most trusted servants. He needed to know who had carried out the raid—and, more urgently, whether Gerald had been there tonight. He was well aware that Gerald frequented the retreat, and he had always kept that knowledge a secret. Even the rest of the Quinton family was unaware, except for Gerald's trusted servant, Cody. To Gerald, the only person in the gentlemen's retreat who knew his identity was the steward.T
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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
