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Chapter 1228
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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
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1231
In the study of the Quinton family's main residence, the flickering light from two lamps cast a cold glow over Malcolm's face, making his expression one of deep gloom and fury."Who knows about this?" Malcolm asked, his voice tight with barely contained anger.Though his control was still sufficient to keep him from losing his temper on the spot, his frustration was evident.The Marquis of Glandale hesitated. He couldn't admit that his sister had already learned of the matter. Only now did he realize why she had insisted on not coming along. This situation, it seemed, was best kept as quiet as possible."No one knows. I heard Lord Gerald was covered with a tablecloth when he was brought out. It's likely only Lady Carissa saw his face," said Fabian.Malcolm ground his teeth together. "She should never have seen it. If it were Deputy Commander Brown or Chief Lewis, it would be manageable. But her—how are we supposed to move forward now? She will make it her mission to let everyone k
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1232
Malcolm sat in the study, pondering for a moment before sending someone to Inkwood Hall to bring Logan back. However, his efforts were in vain as Logan had gone to Ebonflow with Kiera after the New Year and wouldn't be back until March.Furious, Malcolm threw the inkpot on his table. "All he does is play! If it weren't for the Quinton family's influence and his marriage to a princess, would he be living such a carefree life?"The Quinton family's steward, Mark, suggested, "Lord Malcolm, why not send the third lord and his wife instead?"Malcolm furrowed his brow. "A fool and a simpleton. If I send them, they won't be able to say a word without making matters worse."If only Rafael were still in the capital. Two men could manage a conversation better, but now he would have to go and speak to a woman. How could he possibly maintain his dignity?This matter couldn't wait until tomorrow—it had to be dealt with tonight. Gerald's health wasn't good, and he was locked up in the cold, dra
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1233
Staring at the steaming coffee, Malcolm had no desire to drink it. It didn't matter that his throat was dry and his mouth felt like it was on fire.Noticing that Carissa didn't respond to his mention of Gracewood Women's Academy, his eyes shifted. "I've heard that His Highness has a few capable men around him. Perhaps I could recommend someone..."Carissa raised her hand to stop him. "Lord Malcolm, let's not stray from the topic. Rest assured, Lord Gerald's identity hasn't been revealed to anyone. When he left the gentlemen's retreat, I covered his head with a cloth. Even now in prison, he is still covered."Her directness caught Malcolm off guard, making his face flush with heat. He didn't know how to respond.If he looked at it objectively, the matter was deeply embarrassing.If it had been anyone else from the family—any cousin or nephew—he would have ordered them beaten within an inch of their life and tossed to a remote estate to fend for themselves.Once the truth was laid
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1234
Carissa cradled the cup in her hands, savoring the warmth. "Lord Malcolm, do you think you can offer me something that I can't achieve on my own?"Malcolm was momentarily stunned, unsure of what she meant.Carissa gave a faint smile. "You should return now. I'll be staying here tonight."The cold had begun to fog Malcolm's thoughts, and he struggled to make sense of her words."Then, why not be direct and tell me what it is that you want?" he said."Nothing at all. I'm doing this for the sake of King Sigmund's reputation, nothing more. Not every situation requires a trade of interests. Oh, and by the way, the Capital Guard headquarters doesn't provide meals to those detained here. You can have someone bring food for Lord Gerald, or leave some money and we'll arrange for it ourselves," she replied, her tone sharpening slightly.Malcolm stood, still confused by her actions.Why was she doing this for the Quinton family? Though they weren't bitter enemies, there had always been ten
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1235
Carissa motioned for a member of the Garrison Unit to take the silver ingot worth ten silver coins and said, "Buy meals for everyone tomorrow. Once they're released, they can pay back the money they owe him."What she said was meant to reassure those being held—nothing would be done to them beyond this brief detention. She wanted to keep the peace, urging them not to cause a ruckus and to get through the next two days without any trouble.At the same time, it was meant as a subtle reminder for Gerald to calm down.In the dead of night, Carissa made another round of the prison. This time, she found Gerald trembling even more.Cody approached her, speaking softly, "Might it be possible to get him a blanket? My lord is weak and can't stand the cold. His health is frail."Carissa noticed that Gerald had curled himself into a strange, almost rigid position, huddling into the corner. There was a small draft coming through a hole in the wall, which explained why he seemed so cold.She s
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1236
Carissa left the room first and Cody followed, quietly closing the door behind him.Inside the small side hall, only Gerald and Malcolm remained. The father and son pair sat in silence for a long while, neither of them speaking. Finally, it was Malcolm who stepped forward, intending to remove the cloth covering Gerald. But the old man held tightly to it with both hands, refusing to let him.With a heavy heart, Malcolm set the blankets and clothing aside, turning his back. "Please change your clothes. I'll turn around."The sound of rustling fabric came after a long pause.A sharp, uncomfortable feeling welled up inside Malcolm. His chest tightened, his throat burned, and his nose became clogged as tears welled up in his eyes. He couldn't tell if it was from frustration, anger, or the weight of everything he couldn't quite accept.All his life, his father had been a figure of stern authority, someone whose presence commanded respect. His words could shake the literary world, and hi
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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
