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Chapter 1237

Author: Summer's Blaze
In the end, Malcolm left the room. As he passed through the main hall, he saw Carissa sitting by the fire. He didn't want to face her, but for some reason, his feet moved of their own accord, carrying him inside.

A thought struck him—if Carissa weren't here watching over the situation, he would have forcibly taken Gerald away. Even if it meant angering Salvador, he couldn't allow his father to endure this kind of humiliation.

"It's late. Why haven't you returned to your residence, Lord Malcolm?" Carissa asked, her voice steady.

Malcolm looked utterly deflated, like a wilted flower after the first frost. All the strength had drained from him. He had never felt such fear before, the dread of stepping out into the unknown, of facing what awaited him once he left these walls.

He remembered his arrival tonight, thinking he had prepared for a negotiation, only to find that Carissa hadn't intended to profit from it at all.

As the Civil Minister, Malcolm was in charge of many officials' c
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  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1238

    In the end, Malcolm left.Watching his retreating figure, Carissa couldn't help but think how far he had fallen from the confident, imposing official he used to be. He hadn't seemed this defeated even after the scandal about his mistress. Now, it was as if the weight of the world had struck him down, leaving him utterly broken.Though she stepped outside for a brief walk, exhaustion did not settle over her. Instead, she called for Michael to come speak with her."Your Grace, you can return home now. I can manage things here," Michael said."It's fine. It's already three in the morning," Carissa replied. "Better to avoid any complications. There are several prominent families outside, and some of them can cause trouble without a second thought. You won't be able to handle it. Plus, His Majesty never intended for them to make a public spectacle. If things get too out of hand and those detained get dragged out one by one, it'll be hard to explain to His Majesty.""That's true," Micha

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1239

    The next moment, Malcolm and Fabian were summoned back into the hall to receive their scolding. The other two knelt and acknowledged their faults, but Carissa remained silent.Salvador's anger flared again. "Don't think you're innocent, or that you've been unjustly accused. You knew Lord Gerald went to the gentlemen's retreat, yet you didn't report it in advance."Carissa had endured a long night, and she was now being forced to be scolded alongside Malcolm and Fabian. Naturally, she felt a little disgruntled.So, she lifted her head slightly and asked, "If I had reported it, would you have refrained from raiding the gentlemen's retreats, Your Majesty?"Angry and embarrassed, Salvador shot back, "They would still have been raided, but..."He trailed off, caught in his own thoughts. He knew he couldn't go back on what he had ordered, and he certainly couldn't say that having prior knowledge would have made him send someone to warn Gerald.Moreover, it was uncertain if he would act

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1240

    Carissa rode swiftly toward Hell Monarch Estate, her horse's hooves echoing against the cobblestones. As she reached the gates, she dismounted and handed the reins to the stableman, not even slowing her pace as she hurried inside."Her Grace has returned!" someone called out.Violet had probably stationed someone at the gate, ready to report as soon as Carissa arrived.As she rounded the white partition screen, a flash of red came into view. Just before reaching her, the figure leaped a few steps ahead. Carissa quickly reached out to catch her, and they spun around several times in place as Cynthia's delighted voice rang in her ears."You're finally back, my great noble lord, Commander Sinclair!"Carissa set her down, her hands immediately reaching up to squeeze Cynthia's round, soft cheeks in pure joy. "Thia, you've gained weight!"Cynthia pushed her away with a playful pout, her lips curving upward. "Couldn't you say something nicer? You see me for the first time in ages, and y

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1241

    The group chattered away, exchanging stories of what had happened since their last meeting.Then, came the big news—a bombshell, really—that Cynthia and Bun were officially betrothed.Carissa and Violet were both stunned. They shot to their feet, staring at the couple in disbelief.Carissa, chin in hand, mused, "Well, I'll be. They really do look like a married couple now, don't they? Both with those round, cherubic faces."Violet raised an eyebrow, adding, "Now that you mention it, they do have the same features—eyes, ears, nose, mouth, all in perfect proportion. Are we sure they aren't siblings?"Cynthia blushed deeply and scoffed. "Ugh, you two are the ones who look like siblings."Violet looked between them and asked, "But seriously, when did you two catch each other's eye?"Violet was already thinking about whether she would need to prepare a wedding gift or add to Cynthia's trousseau. Well, she might end up doing both since the bride and groom were both her good friends.

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1242

    The trio listened as the common folk continued to praise Carissa. They spoke of her efforts in establishing Gracewood Women's Academy and Skye Embroidery, and how she had now even cleaned up such a filthy place. She was truly a remarkable woman.Of course, where there was praise, there was also criticism. Some whispered that a woman's place was in the home, managing the household as well as bearing children and raising them."Lady Carissa has been married for so long, yet she hasn't even had a child. She's neglected her proper duties as a wife, and worse, she's doing a man's work."Violet, having grown used to such talk, merely rolled her eyes. But Cynthia and Bun, ever protective of their friend, were quick to react. They were about to step forward to argue when Violet caught them by the arm.With a smile, she said, "Let them talk. Don't waste your breath. It's nothing to lose sleep over. If we engage, we'll only cause Cari more trouble. Besides, there are plenty of people who wil

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1243

    And so, Sebastian, the renowned physician sought after by many, was called to the Capital Guard headquarters.After examining Gerald, he retrieved a vial of medicine and administered it to him before performing needle treatment. Within 15 minutes, Gerald stirred and began to sweat, his fever finally breaking somewhat.Sebastian stepped outside to speak with Carissa for a moment."His condition isn't great to begin with. His health is already weak, and he looks like he's gone without food or water for two days. His heart, lungs, and stomach are all in poor shape. But the biggest issue is the mental toll. That's the hardest to treat."Every minute he stays here is another minute of suffering. He has no will to live. It's better to send him back for treatment as soon as possible, or he might die here at the Capital Guard headquarters.""The problem is, how do we get him out of here?" Carissa asked, frustrated. "It's already morning. And with his condition so bad, it's risky for him t

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1244

    Carissa knew all too well the gravity of the situation.Salvador had already berated her for not informing him of this matter in advance. If Gerald were to die here at the headquarters, her comrades in the Capital Guard would surely face the consequences.But how could she have warned Gerald in advance? Was she supposed to have sent someone to the Quinton family's residence and have them tell him that the Capital Guard was about to raid the gentlemen's retreats?It would be a miracle if the Quinton family didn't tear her apart for it. Who would believe that the old man would ever venture near a gentlemen's retreat? And if Gerald denied it, she would be the one caught in a trap, painted as a troublemaker.Carissa furrowed her brow. "If he chose to go to the gentlemen's retreat, he should've known this day would come. If he couldn't face it, he shouldn't have gone in the first place."She went to speak with Malcolm, but even after the latter spent an hour trying to persuade his fath

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1245

    The news, regardless of its shock value, had only one result—it completely enraged Gerald's admirers.Like Trevor, Gerald had been one of Starhaven's most respected scholars and was renowned for his wisdom. Trevor had stepped back from court politics, leaving his influence to dwindle. That was why when trouble befell the Young family, few people spoke up for them.However, Gerald was different. His son still held a powerful position in the Civil Department, and many officials, unaware of the truth, saw this as a way to win favor with the Quinton family. They clamored in court, demanding the Marquis of Glandale be held accountable for spreading rumors about Gerald.Under normal circumstances, this would have been little more than a passing storm. But that day, several officials and prominent young men had been arrested. Though Salvador tried to preserve their reputations, the common folk were relentless in their gossip. Wherever one went, there were whispers, fingers pointing in ever

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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 child… 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 could—applying needle treatment and using medicine—but 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 down—not 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 decision—Salvador 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 radiant—lovelier 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 responsibilities—managing 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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