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Chapter 1280
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1281
Since it wasn't Wayne, Yuvan shifted his gaze to Harvey.He was just about to defend himself when Yuvan shook his head. "It's not you, either."Harvey was speechless. He wasn't even worth suspecting?It was only natural that Yuvan didn't suspect Harvey. The latter had arrived in Valken with nothing to his name, and in all those years in the capital, he hadn't achieved anything noteworthy. He was far inferior to Eleanor.When Harvey first came to Valken, the people addressed him politely to his face. But behind his back, they all looked down on him. He had no sway over someone like Craig.Yuvan took a slow, measured breath, gradually regaining his composure as he sank into his seat. His gaze swept over both men."Tell me, is it Craig who's been bought off, or is someone plotting to take what is rightfully mine?" he asked.Wayne was still kneeling on the ground. He pondered for a while before he said, "It's impossible for him to have been bought off. Only a few days have passed si
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1282
That night, Yuvan didn't sleep at all.This was never the plan he and Wayne had carefully devised.Starting a rebellion in a remote province, with no allies in the capital and attempting to storm it head-on—how absurdly difficult would that be?Their original plan had been far more calculated. The idea was to amass an army large enough to begin a slow, deliberate march toward the areas surrounding the capital. There, they would establish a foothold and wait for an opportune moment.At that point, with Eleanor scheming inside the capital and securing support from several influential families, they would have allies to bolster their position. After all, they had placed many of Henry's daughters in noble households as concubines to curry favor.Then, they would choose the perfect time, preferably when a war broke out. When the bandits and refugees caused havoc, Yuvan's forces would then converge just outside the capital before marching straight in and storming the palace.But all of
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1283
Salvador glanced at Rafael and said, "Of course, it must be your reputation that has struck fear into Sandoria. Even their marshal, Victor Crow, is clearly afraid of you."Rafael naturally didn't think his brother was speaking sincerely.With a wry smile, he said, "Your Majesty, you overestimate me. I don't possess such an overwhelming influence. Marshal Crow isn't afraid of me. They're just exhausted, with no way out after being defeated.""And yet, if they've been beaten so badly, surely they couldn't have regained their strength in just two or three short years," Salvador replied."Under normal circumstances, that would be true," Rafael agreed. "But even if they haven't fully recovered, they wouldn't let us expand the Southern Frontier uncontested. They should be harassing us at least occasionally, yet they've been unnaturally quiet."Salvador studied him for a moment. "You think someone is conspiring with them? That they're biding their time?""It's a possibility, isn't it?"
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1284
Chester carried out the bandit suppression with precision and order.The places Rafael mentioned were already under Chester's surveillance. He had already scouted and set up defensive measures quietly. As soon as any signs of unrest emerged, his forces swiftly moved in.Though they hadn't achieved complete control yet, the mountain bandits had been forced into hiding, too scared to come down and cause further trouble.Meanwhile, Salvador received Louis' urgent report, confirming that Sandoria's army was indeed marching towards the border. The report estimated their numbers at 250,000, still led by Victor.Salvador convened the officials from the Ministry of Defense, demanding an evaluation of the Southern Frontier's ability to repel such a massive force.Davis felt that Salvador's question was wrong, because whether they could win and whether they could win quickly were two different things."The Southern Frontier has endured years of war and unrest. While the land can bear the s
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1285
"I dare not speak further today, nor would I approach Prince Rafael. I fear His Majesty might misunderstand," Davis replied.Jeremiah nodded gravely. "Yes, the Ministry of Defense should avoid any private dealings with the Hell Monarch. For now, it's best to keep your distance."He paused, his brow furrowing as he suppressed his growing concern over the Southern Frontier.Then, he said, "Recommend someone to act as the military overseer. Or if you believe Marshal Prince cannot handle the command during wartime, perhaps recommend General Thomas as an alternative."Davis raised a brow. "General Thomas is already the commanding officer of the military outposts. It wouldn't be right to transfer him to the Southern Frontier. It might be better to have General Timothy and General Quinton jointly lead the campaign instead. Besides, with the internal strife in the capital, the military outposts here cannot go without a general."Jeremiah considered this and thoughtfully said, "That's a va
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1286
After urging Thomas to return, Jacob sighed and said, "It's only natural for them to feel this way. They've given their best years for the Southern Frontier. Now, just as they've seen a glimpse of peace, war threatens once again. How could General Farrell bear to see it all undone?"As he spoke, he glanced at Rafael, knowing that the prince was the one who could truly understand Thomas' frustration.Rafael remained silent for a long time, his expression unreadable. Finally, he said, "Keep a close watch. If there's any news, report it immediately."Jacob nodded. "Understood, Your Highness."Rafael shifted the topic, asking, "What of Valken? With the city gates closed, has any news made it out? Is there any progress? Have they begun to follow the plan?""No news yet, but I trust Mr. Moore. He's a capable man, one who can stir things up when necessary," Jacob replied.Rafael nodded. "If you trust him, then he has my trust as well."Cole Moore was one of the deputy governors of Valk
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1287
Rafael leaned back against the soft cushions, feeling as though every ounce of strength had been drained from his body.Ever since returning from the Southern Frontier and relinquishing his command, Salvador continued to regard him with suspicion. Rafael could choose not to care. If some things were restricted, he would find other ways to achieve his goals.He held back to avoid further widening the gap between him and his brother. It wasn't until the negotiations with Westhaven that he became more proactive. But even after that, he knew when to step back again.Rafael only hoped that if war did come, Salvador might doubt him less."He knows that Sandoria's return this time is likely tied to traitors within the Southern Frontier who've helped them prepare for this attack. Yet, he still believes that I am more of a threat to him than Sandoria's armies at our doorstep," said Rafael, laughing bitterly as he drained the last of his wine.Carissa's gaze darkened. "This isn't the first
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1288
However, Sebastian was clearly still worked up and grumbled, "I'm not helping you two idiots. You're both fools."Carissa flashed a charming smile, trying to lighten the mood."Someone has to be the fool, right?" she said playfully. "I promise, just this once. After this, I won't be foolish again."Clearly not impressed, Sebastian continued to grumble, "I'm afraid you won't have a chance to be foolish again. Who knows what'll happen when you get back? Whether your heads stay on your shoulders is another matter.""If it comes to that, I have my ways. You don't have to worry," Carissa assured him confidently.Sebastian knew that her promises didn't guarantee much, but he couldn't help but agree with her—someone always had to be the fool. The common people needed fools like them. Still, a part of Sebastian wished the fools weren't Rafael and Carissa, but someone else.He walked over to a dusty shelf and pulled down a small wooden box. Blowing off the dust, he wiped it with a cloth b
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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
