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Chapter 1281
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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
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1289
That evening, Carissa handed Rafael the pill and explained its potential dangers.Noticing the hesitation in her eyes, he smiled and said, "What's a little harm? There's medicine to counteract it. After the royal physician examines me, I'll immediately take Snowdrop Pills. On the road, I'll follow Sebastian's instructions. I'll take the medicine daily to build up my strength.""It's still poison," Carissa countered, her brow furrowed. "Maybe we should think of another solution.""I think this plan is fine. Sebastian is just being cautious. If the poison was truly dangerous, he wouldn't have given it to me," Rafael reassured.Carissa looked up at him. "Should we talk to Jacob about this?""No need." Rafael set the medicine down and pulled her into his arms. "The fewer people who know, the better. When I collapse at the Supreme Court, Matthew can use my emblem to summon a royal physician. If the royal physician accompanies me back to the estate and sees everyone in a panic, there wo
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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
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1393
Carissa and Violet set off together to investigate, disguising themselves as ordinary visitors. Upon arriving at Glowmere Sanctuary, they first offered candles and prayers before seeking an audience with the abbot. They made their identities known and inquired about a priest named Reuben.The abbot immediately summoned the priest in charge of guests, Carson Jenkins, as it was Carson's responsibility to handle the arrangements for priests who came to stay at the temple.Glowmere Sanctuary was one of the three largest temples in the capital, with a bustling number of visitors each year wanting to stay and listen to teachings. However, very few were actually allowed to stay.Carson recalled Reuben clearly. Reuben's spiritual skills weren't particularly high; originally, he wasn't eligible to stay at Glowmere Sanctuary. However, a few years ago, he had spent considerable time in the Southern Frontier, helping to guide the souls of the dead. Such compassion was a rare virtue, and it wa
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1392
Zoey composed herself, her features hardening into a mask of calm. "You should leave quickly. Once I've gathered the money, I will come find you. Until then, don't wander around and avoid being seen by the Capital Guard."Sensing the concern in her voice, Oliver was relieved. Women, no matter how sharp they might be with others, always seemed to lack a certain sense when it came to their husbands. After all, which woman didn't long for her husband's love?"You must hurry," he urged, "three days, at most."Zoey feigned hesitation, as though the request weighed heavily on her. "Given our current circumstances, as you well know, how could I possibly gather 3,000 silver coins in just three days?"Oliver's eyes gleamed with resolve. "Isn't Courtney a part of the Hell Monarch's household now? I know you have your ways. I'll wait for your word. But remember—three days! And don't tell anyone about it, not even Mom or Viola."With that, he pulled his hat low over his face and turned to
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1391
The citywide search tightened, and it actually forced Oliver to come out of hiding. But he wasn't searching for Viola—he was searching for Zoey.She had gone to Hell Monarch Estate to deliver a set of clothing for Courtney today. While she was out, she decided to pick up a few things for the ladies of Skye Embroidery. Afterward, she was making her way back to the workshop through the west alley when Oliver appeared.Her first instinct was surprise.Hadn't he told Viola not to tell Zoey about his presence? Why would he risk coming here personally to see her?"My dear, it is I," came a voice from beneath a wide-brimmed hat.His face was obscured, but the voice—there was no mistaking it.For a moment, Zoey was too stunned to speak, but then a surge of fury gripped her. She clenched her teeth, trying to swallow the anger that threatened to consume her. With a swift glance, she confirmed that the alley was deserted.Her heart sank as she regretted her earlier complacency. She had ass
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1390
Zoey questioned Viola in detail, asking how she had come across Oliver, what state he was in now, and whether he had brought his child with him.Viola recounted, "I was out yesterday to buy a stew pot, hoping to make some medicinal broth for Mom. After I purchased it, he came up to me. I was startled at first, thinking it was some pervert."But when he called my name, I recognized his voice. His face was so dark and haggard, and his eyebrows were shaved off. He has lost so much weight. If I hadn't carefully examined him, I wouldn't have believed it was Oliver."Viola paused as she recalled the encounter and Zoey's earlier words, still feeling a sense of unease.She continued, "He didn't have a child with him. He was alone. He told me he was forced to flee, and now there are arrest warrants for him everywhere. He has no money left, and with a child to support, things are really difficult for him. He asked me to talk to Mom about gathering 3,000 silver coins."Zoey quickly asked, "I
