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Chapter 1329
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1330
Violet sprawled across Carissa's desk. "Haven't you read this letter a dozen times already? Why are you still looking at it? Do you miss Prince Rafael that much?""He mentioned Prince Nicholas before he left, but I think there's something he hasn't fully figured out yet. The more tense the situation gets, the sharper his mind becomes. I wonder if he has figured something out recently and has given me some clues," Carissa replied."Why the need for hints? Why not just write it plainly in the letter?" Violet asked."This letter was sent directly to the king, who then passed it on to me," Carissa explained. "If it was something Raf deduced or suspected, he wouldn't have written it plainly. His Majesty has already opened it and read through it."Violet scrunched up her nose in distaste. "Reading someone's personal letters? That's pretty low. But still, why didn't he just send it to you directly?""Because that's the fastest way to get to me," Carissa said. "And sending a letter direct
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1331
When asked about the ongoing project to build the river channel and the foundation dam, Edwin took out the blueprints and explained everything in detail."The project has become quite large. It had been planned for years, but with the war depleting the treasury back then, we couldn't move forward. All we could do was clear the river silt every year."However, since the end of last year, we've begun constructing a reservoir at Gatekeeper Creek and started diverting the river. The river channels around the capital are also being reinforced, and the silt is being cleared. We expect most of it to be completed by the end of this year."Impressed by the scale of the project, Carissa asked, "So, what kind of workers are used for building the reservoir, setting up the foundation dams, and clearing the river channels?"Edwin thought she was concerned about the treasury's funds being drained for the war, so he reassured her, "Part of the workforce is made up of conscripts, and the rest are h
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1332
Jacob had received the complete file on Cameron.The 47-year-old was a native of Valken. He had passed the first level of the national examination at the age of 13, then went on to pass the second level by 18. In Valken, he had been renowned for his abilities, often referred to as a man of extraordinary talent.However, after passing the second level of the national examination, he delayed traveling to the capital for the next level due to his mom's illness. Instead, he took up a position as a scribe in Valken's local government.Cameron's career had been nothing but steady. Both the people of Valken and the Ministry of Infrastructure had praised him for his decisiveness and ability to get things done. In the triennial evaluations by the Civil Department, he consistently received high marks.In fact, some even said that being limited to the Waterworks Department was a waste of his talent. Of course, there were also those who believed his lack of connections was the reason he hadn't
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1333
The man Gerald had asked Carissa to look into was named Clifford Murphy.One of the Murphy family's ancestors had once fought alongside the founding king, earning the hereditary title of the Marquis of Doveshire. But for reasons unknown, Clifford fell out of favor with Sigmund, and his noble rank was reduced to the Earl of Paxford. After that, he moved out of the capital to live in seclusion near Ebonflow. By now, few in the capital likely remembered him."He never married, and the Murphy family business belongs to him," said Claire.Carissa's eyes widened in surprise. "He's the one behind the Murphy family business?"The Murphy family business in Ebonflow was known to be immensely lucrative. While it didn't rival the Spencer family, it involved many industries, with extensive connections.There were many people in Starhaven with the surname Murphy, but since Clifford had long since secluded himself, refusing to see visitors, no one suspected that he was the true owner of the Murp
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1334
The topic was a delicate one, so Jeremiah took a few sips of his drink before continuing."To be honest, the truth of the matter is somewhat unclear. The official reason for Mr. Murphy's loss of title was that he showed great disrespect to King Sigmund. In a fit of anger, King Sigmund stripped him of his noble rank. Later, he was given the title of a mere earl."There were rumors going around court that Mr. Murphy and Lord Quinton had some unclear and complicated feelings for each other. King Sigmund was intolerant of such matters. When he found out about it, he berated Mr. Murphy harshly in his fury. The loss of his title crushed Mr. Murphy's spirit, and that was when he left the capital."Carissa had suspected something like that, though she had never imagined anyone who served so close to the king would let their personal feelings show so openly. Besides, she was sure Clifford knew Sigmund's temperament. Such a lapse in discretion seemed out of character for someone so experience
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1335
It was a dark red brocade box, thick with dust. Edgar blew on it, then wiped it with his sleeve. With a snap, he opened the clasp and took out a malachite pendant, gesturing for Jeremiah to take it.The prime minister hesitated before accepting it. Upon a closer look, he saw an intricate carving of a griffin encircling the malachite. It was unmistakably a personal item of Sigmund's."Look at the back, Mr. Murray," Edgar said.As soon as Jeremiah flipped the pendant over, he froze. On the back, there was a circle of griffin patterns, but they coiled around a single maple leaf. Carved beside it, in delicate script, were the letters 'S.C'. The maple leaf and the 'S.C' were placed on opposite sides—one large, one small.Carissa also saw it, but she didn't understand its meaning.Jeremiah let out a heavy sigh and spoke softly, "The late king's first and middle names are Sigmund Constantine. As for Mr. Murphy, he spent some time wandering the martial world and earned the nickname 'the I
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1336
In recent years, the workers requisitioned for the riverworks project came from both inside and outside the capital. The same group of workers and conscripted laborers for the riverworks project were employed for various tasks.Cameron was the head of the Waterworks Department, which was under the Ministry of Infrastructure. Under the guise of river repairs and irrigation drainage projects, the department had seized a considerable amount of land and resources.They scattered houses across these areas, but not in any organized way. Workers and some conscripted laborers for the riverworks project now lived in those places.The river channel crisscrossed the land, and the areas they'd taken covered all directions—east, west, south, and north. Jacob marked these locations and connected them with lines, revealing that they encircled the palace district like an inescapable net.If these workers were private soldiers of the true mastermind behind the rebellion, then guarding the city gate
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1337
Carissa was livid. She felt like the stress might cause her to sprout gray hairs right then and there. No wonder court officials always seemed to age prematurely—Jeremiah, barely in his sixties, already had a head full of white hair.Frustrated, she sought out Jeremiah, hoping he could sway Salvador and speak on her behalf.The prime minister greeted her with his usual calm, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Already upset?""I wouldn't dare say upset," Carissa replied. "But this delay is slowing everything down and I fear we'll lose the advantage. Worse, we might alert the enemy. His Majesty still doesn't trust me."Jeremiah leaned back, unruffled. "It's only natural that he doesn't trust you completely. Even if it were you in his position, would you believe everything someone under you said without evidence?""But he has no evidence that Prince Hayden is plotting treason either, yet he's constantly wary of him," Carissa countered."That's precisely why he's wary—because there'
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1556
During her investigation, Carissa learned a troubling piece of information from a young chamberlain. The caltrop Cecil had been playing with had indeed gone missing, and a palace maid had picked it up.The chamberlain had witnessed the moment the caltrop was picked up, and recognized the maid in question as Clara, who served Penelope, one of Salvador's concubines.It was clear to Carissa that Penelope had no reason to harm Connor. Her relationship with Grace and Sylvia was rather indifferent. Thus, Carissa formally petitioned Victoria for permission to conduct an inquiry within the harem and see if Clara was secretly loyal to someone else.As expected, Carissa uncovered that Clara had entered the palace years earlier as a low-ranking maid, assigned to laundry duty and forced to endure a hard life. She was from the same hometown as Lyra, one of Grace's trusted maids.Lyra helped Clara by making arrangements with the head maid, sending her to Penelope's residence to work as a cleaner
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1555
While Kylie was still fervently attempting to bring Cecil to Everspring Palace, Carissa arrived."I have long been waiting for you to ask me whether Prince Connor said anything before he passed, Your Majesty. Yet, you never did," she said, looking at the queen.Kylie sharply turned her head toward her, her expression filled with resistance. "There is no need to speak of it. He would have blamed me, for he was always angry with me.""On the contrary, he said that he loved you very much," Carissa replied.A bitter smile curled on Kylie's lips. She clearly didn't believe Carissa's words."He is gone. Why would you make up such things to make me sad?" she said.Carissa looked at the clear finger marks on Kylie's face and her swollen, red eyes. The pain of losing her son should have been a wound to the soul itself, yet here she was, scheming to bring Cecil to her side.Was it for revenge? Or was she trying to secure leverage, pushing Cecil to become the crown prince and crushing Grac
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1554
Victoria couldn't hold back her tears upon hearing those words. Connor was a dutiful child, and it was unfortunate that Kylie remained blind to that.Night had fully fallen by the time they set off.Kyle and Isaac, accompanied by Sebastian's apprentices, escorted them. The journey had been well-prepared by Rafael. The carriage wheels had been altered, and several layers of soft padding had been laid inside.Sebastian had also ensured that Connor's injuries were properly secured, wrapping him in several layers. Each layer was padded with cotton, both to keep him warm and to reduce the damage from the bumps during the journey.The bitter cold had driven everyone indoors, leaving the streets deserted. Snow fell in a steady, gentle stream, blanketing the cobblestones in a thin layer of frost. The carriage wheels crunched over the icy coating, the soft sound a contrast to the stillness of the night.Salvador watched for a long time, well past the point when the convoy had disappeared f
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1553
Connor had endured for three days, a feat that even Sebastian had not anticipated. Given the severity of his injuries, it was highly unlikely that he would survive past the second day, yet he defied expectations and lingered on.As had been mentioned earlier, his survival meant that the internal bleeding had ceased. Though the journey ahead wasn't ideal, it was their only option. They had to set out.Over the past three days, Victoria and Salvador had scarcely slept, remaining by Connor's side the entire time.Connor was only awake for brief moments. When he was, his face was pale from the excruciating pain, leaving him unable to speak. But when he opened his eyes and saw his grandmother and father, it seemed to give him the strength to keep going.He had no idea how much his determination had moved everyone. For three days, each time he woke, he endured the pain, only to drift back to sleep after the needle treatment. Asleep or awake, the only thing that filled his mind and dreams
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1552
Keith sighed. "Lady Sylvia, surely Prince Cecil must be allowed to speak for himself. Even if he is innocent, it should be him who says so.""There's no need for him to speak. What I say is the truth," Sylvia declared firmly.Her gaze shifted to Carissa, her eyes glinting with an icy, cutting hostility. "I know what you seek, Lady Carissa. You wish to satisfy your duty and claim merits. And since I have never treated you kindly, you will believe that Cecil and I are guilty, even when the evidence is not so clear. But I won't allow you to succeed. I won't allow you to harm my son. I will make my stand with my own life, if necessary."As soon as Sylvia finished speaking, she reached for the scissors on the table. With a swift, deliberate motion, she plunged it into her own throat.Carissa had already been on alert, but she didn't expect the concubine's actions to be so immediate and without any hesitation. By the time she reached Sylvia, the woman had already removed the scissors, an
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1551
By the time they arrived at Laurel Palace, the sky had darkened.Laurel Palace stood in an isolated corner of the palace district, separated from the Cold Palace by only a single wall. The bitter wind howled through the trees, its wailing like the cries of restless spirits.As Carissa led Victoria's head chamberlain, Keith, along the narrow path, she took note of the wild grass lining the way. Most of it was dry and brittle, with only the occasional pale green shoot clinging to life. Winter in the north was unforgiving. It allowed no sign of growth, just as the abandoned Cold Palace permitted no trace of hope.Ordinarily, Keith did not accompany Carissa on visits to the other residences. But this time, at Victoria's command, he had insisted on following her to Sylvia's chambers. Carissa understood the queen dowager's reasoning. Keith had served by her side the longest—if there was scheming afoot in the harem, none could decipher it better than he.It seemed Sylvia had been waiting
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1550
Grace seemed momentarily taken aback, her grip tightening on the handkerchief. "What is it, Your Grace? Do not hesitate to speak plainly.""Not long ago, the harem was abuzz with rumors. First, it was said that Lady Sylvia was responsible for Lady Jeanette's miscarriage. Then, the rumor shifted, claiming it was Queen Kylie. You've overseen the harem for so long, Lady Grace. You must have some idea of where these rumors originated and who might have spread them, yes?" Carissa asked.Caught off guard by the question, Grace's sorrowful expression stiffened for a moment as she exchanged a furtive glance with Lyra. But she quickly masked the slip and regained her composure."The palace has always been rife with gossip. There is no need to dwell on such matters. Perhaps you might focus on the investigation into Prince Connor's murder, Your Grace?" she replied."The queen dowager has ordered me to investigate thoroughly, starting from Lady Jeanette's miscarriage. So, while the case of Pri
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1549
Carissa paid a visit to Jeanette.Though the concubine did not explicitly say that Sylvia was responsible for the loss of her child, she did remark, "Those who commit wicked deeds will always face retribution. No one can escape it."The words seemed not only directed at Sylvia, but also at Kylie.As Carissa prepared to leave after questioning her, Jeanette suddenly spoke up, asking, "Your Grace, was it truly impossible to save Prince Connor?"Carissa assumed Jeanette's words were born of sympathy for Connor. But when she glanced at the concubine, she saw no trace of sorrow in her eyes, only a subtle glint of something resembling satisfaction.It was an emotion she clearly tried to conceal but could not, as though Jeanette had achieved a long-sought revenge. Carissa chose not to respond, instead turning on her heel to leave.Kylie had caused Jeanette's loss, so it was no surprise that she wouldn't wish for Connor's recovery.Carissa couldn't fault Jeanette for her feelings. How c
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1548
Kylie had always looked down on Grace.The latter's family lacked distinction, and her beauty could scarcely be considered remarkable. Her rise to the position of higher-ranked concubine seemed nothing more than the result of fortunate circumstances, particularly her giving birth to Caden.Kylie guessed that Grace also must be aware of her limited connections and support, which was why she had long exercised caution and humility. However, there were times when she could not resist harboring a few selfish thoughts. Yet, she dared not plot too aggressively.Such had been the case when Grace had sheltered Jeanette—likely in an attempt to solidify her position and strengthen her influence in the harem by using the other woman as a pawn. Despite Grace's attentions, Jeanette had remained ungrateful, resenting the way she constantly placed Caden in Salvador's presence.Grace always had a habit of making things harder for herself, which was why Kylie had never held her in much regard.Now
