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Chapter 1317

Author: Summer's Blaze
Alec arrived to report the casualties from the first battle: 356 dead, and 1,732 injured.

The mood among the officers immediately plunged back to the freezing point.

They had been tasked with defending the city, with archers stationed on the walls. But even with their defensive advantage, the Sandorians had managed to deploy their siege ladders and hurl stones, causing so much loss of life and injury.

This wasn't even a full-scale siege—the Sandorians were simply testing their strength and the teamwork of the Southern Frontier Army.

It was clear that the Sandorians understood the situation. They weren't rushing to deploy their full forces. Instead, they were playing a psychological game, careful not to provoke a decisive battle just yet.

The Southern Frontier Army, despite their diminished morale, would fight fiercely once their lives were at stake.

But if these probing attacks continued, the casualties would steadily rise. Ultimately, the psychological toll would break the Sout
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  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1318

    The crowd turned their heads at once and saw a horse galloping toward them, dust billowing in its wake. Its rider was wrapped in the warm sunlight, making it hard to see his face clearly.It looked like who they were expecting, but maybe it wasn't.Louis and Timothy both looked up sharply, their eyes instantly reddening. A lump caught in their throats, and they were too overwhelmed to even shout.He wasn't wearing armor—just the plain, rough clothes of a commoner. From a distance, he appeared ordinary and unremarkable.The man reined in his horse before the gathered soldiers, his gaze slowly sweeping across them. His face turned slowly, allowing the people in the front row to see it with crystal clarity.After a long, stunned silence, the crowd erupted into jubilant cries."It's Marshal Sanford! The marshal has returned!""Marshal Sanford isn't dead!""With Marshal Sanford here, we'll surely win!""Victory is ours!"The cheers came in waves, each one louder than the last. It

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1319

    A bowl of chicken noodle soup was placed before Rafael, but it was nowhere near enough to fill the emptiness in his stomach.Louis mentioned that he had ordered roasted lamb and skewers, and that there was no shortage of rich food now. It was nothing like the days when the Southern Frontier was struggling. Even the common folk could afford meat these days.Rafael shakily picked up the bowl and drank the soup in one go. The broth was salty, and he followed it with a whole jug of water. Slumping into his chair, he felt his strength gradually returning, though there was still an odd sensation, as if he were still bouncing on horseback. The faces around him seemed to blur and retreat. He had to focus to make out their features.Alec's voice cracked with emotion. "Your Highness, you look utterly exhausted."Rafael rubbed his cheek. "Have the medic give me needle treatment for my face. It feels like it's been blown off-kilter."Everyone took a closer look and indeed noticed that Rafae

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1320

    Some people were simply born for the battlefield.On the battlefield, Rafael was far more decisive than he had been in the capital. His mind was free of the usual constraints—he didn't need to worry about who was pleased or displeased, or who might fear him. He did only what he believed was right.Within three days, all those who had spread the rumors were captured.They were brought before the soldiers at the training field. In front of everyone, twenty strikes with a military cudgel brought them to the ground, their bodies shaking uncontrollably. When asked, they answered whatever they could.They didn't know who was pulling the strings from behind the scenes, only that they had been paid to spread these false rumors. They followed orders without concern for the consequences.The rumor that Sandoria's 800,000 troops were advancing was false!The claim that Salvador had killed the Hell Monarch? Obviously, it was a lie—he was right there in front of them.The rumor that Oliver

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1321

    After Jacob's investigation into Willowbrook Estate, he discovered that a few servants had indeed gone missing over the past few months.He inquired at every pawnshop in the capital, but found out that none of the missing servants had been purchased there, meaning they must have come from elsewhere. He even went to the government offices to check the slave registration records, but found nothing.Ultimately, after much discussion, it was Violet who decided she would stay at Willowbrook Estate. She told Carissa, "After all this time with Prince Hayden, I trust him. If he truly is the one who would deceive me, then I have no more to say."However, Carissa wouldn't let her go alone. She insisted that Violet bring Bun and Cynthia along. That way, they would be there to offer protection if anything happened. Besides, if Hayden truly felt threatened, he wouldn't have refused their company. After all, the more people to help, the better. On the other hand, if he had called Violet there

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1322

    Violet observed the group before her. Two of them were shorter in stature, stocky and muscular. They had arms that appeared unusually thick, and their necks had visible veins bulging slightly. The other three were taller. Though their breathing seemed normal, Violet couldn't help but notice that their shoes were nearly spotless, showing no sign of dust. This suggested they practiced Silent Force, a type of internal martial arts.Those who mastered Silent Force could control their breathing, making it shallow or deep at will. Judging by their composure, Violet suspected their skills were considerable."Do you know martial arts?" she asked.The group all shook their heads, their faces looking notably sincere. "No."Violet took another look; in a sudden motion, she threw a punch at the shorter man.His eyes flickered with alarm, but then he quickly shut them, his face showing a look of fear.Violet retracted her fist. From the brief flash of light in his eyes, it was clear this

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1323

    Violet smiled and muttered something about the dullness of it all, then checked in with Bun and Cynthia before leaving the estate.She made her way straight to the Capital Guard headquarters, where she found Carissa waiting for her.Carissa pulled her inside and asked, "Well? Did you find anything?"Violet replied, "There's movement at night—almost like patrols—but I never see anyone during the day. It's as if they vanish the moment the sun rises. I checked most of the courtyards in Willowbrook Estate, and there was no sign of anyone living there. I even looked in the servants' quarters, and the number of beds matches what Chaya told me about the staff."Carissa thought for a moment. "Could there be hidden passageways or secret rooms? The curfew is in place now. No one's supposed to be out after nightfall. If what you heard is true, then these people must be living at Willowbrook Estate.""If there are hidden rooms, that's another matter altogether," Violet said. Then, remembering

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1324

    Salvador's investigation matched Winona's findings. Nicholas had not left his fief; he spent almost every day taking his wife and children to see plays or listen to music.In Nerovia, there were a few orphanages that Nicholas had established. They were dedicated to caring for orphans and the elderly who had nowhere else to turn. He would often attend a play and then visit one of these orphanages afterward.However, Winona uncovered something that Salvador had missed.It was the fact that Nicholas had once saved Eustace's life.This event occurred seven or eight years ago, when Eustace was not yet the head of the Spencer family. He had been ambushed during a routine inspection of his estates. By chance, Nicholas and his men had passed by, and he rescued Eustace from certain death.Nicholas was a modest man, and he had no desire for recognition or further dealings with the Spencer family. He had asked Eustace not to make a public fuss over the incident. To Nicholas, saving someone

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1325

    The next day, Carissa went to the palace to meet Salvador. She suggested that all the Mystic Army soldiers in the Nightsteel Guard be placed back under her command.Upon hearing this, Salvador fixed her with a piercing gaze. "Are you suggesting that I hand over all the forces in the capital to you?""The Mystic Army, Your Majesty," Carissa replied, lifting her chin, her eyes unwavering. "The troops stationed outside the capital, including 15,000 men of the Sacred Fire Regiment, are being sent to Valken. The capital's only remaining line of defense is the Mystic Army, and it cannot be split any further."Salvador repeated the question, his tone flat but tinged with skepticism. "You want me to place all the forces in the capital, including my personal guards, under your command?"Carissa didn't hesitate or even consider whether he might suspect her. She simply nodded firmly and said, "Yes, Your Majesty!"Salvador looked at her for a long moment, then smiled. "Your husband commands

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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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