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Chapter 135
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 136
The events in the capital were unknown to Carissa, who was far away at the Southern Frontier.The war was long over, but the troops could not fully withdraw yet. The first reason was the severe cold, which made marching difficult. The second reason was that many areas of the Southern Frontier were in ruins after years of conflict, and the soldiers were helping with the reconstruction.Since the end of the war, rumors about Aurora's capture and disgrace had spread throughout the army. No matter how much she denied it, there were many soldiers who had rushed into the wooden hut and seen her state that day.It was not a secret that could be hidden.Aurora had sought out Zeke and the others to testify on her behalf, but what could they say? Having endured brutal beatings and mutilation, they could barely say whether Aurora had been violated or not.Besides, Zeke was furious with his cousin and refused to even speak with her. Meanwhile, the other soldiers who had once been grateful to
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 137
As spring arrived and the ice and snow melted away, the soldiers stationed in Simonton City prepared to return to the capital. Violet and the others were torn between whether to go back to the capital with them or return to Meadow Ridge."Meadow Ridge will always be there, but a triumphant return happens only once in a lifetime. We should go back and receive the people's praise," Travis said.They didn't have grand ambitions; their greatest aspiration was to perfect their martial arts skills. They didn't seek to be invincible, only to be able to defeat any opponent they faced.Suddenly hailed as heroes of the Southern Frontier, they found the new height of their status a bit overwhelming.-With Aurora's injuries nearly healed, it was time for her to face her punishment.During her time at the Southern Frontier, her relationship with Barrett had been in a peculiar state. Her husband seemed to constantly avoid her, yet would still assist her when necessary.For instance, when she
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 138
Carissa entered briskly. After greeting Rafael, she felt a strange unease.What was wrong with Dylan? Why was he looking at her with such an odd look on his face?When Rafael gave Dylan a cold look, the latter chuckled and said, "I'll take my leave, then."Once outside, Dylan didn't stray far. He hid just beyond the entrance to eavesdrop."Have a seat," Rafael told Carissa.Rafael cast an irritated look at the entrance. It was obvious someone was eavesdropping. Even if Dylan wanted to do so, couldn't he have hidden better?Aware of Dylan's presence, Carissa sat down and gave Rafael a questioning look, then pointed at the door, wondering why Dylan was still there.Rafael shook his head with a smile. "Ignore him. What brings you here?"Carissa straightened and asked earnestly, "Marshal, I know we're preparing to return to the capital. Before that, may I visit the place where my father and brothers fell? I'd like to pray for their souls to accompany us back to the capital."The r
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 139
The next day, news that Barrett had taken the punishment meant for Aurora spread throughout the entire camp. Since Aurora’s capture, rumors about the two of them had circulated widely, and nearly everyone at the Southern Frontier knew about it.At first, Aurora tried to ignore the gossip, going about her day as if to silence the criticism with indifference. But as the murmurs grew louder and the stares more curious, she could no longer tolerate it and used her lingering injuries as an excuse to withdraw and hide away.On the other hand, Barrett bore the brunt of it silently. He heard the whispers, but could offer no response or explanation. He knew the issue involved more than just personal scandal—it connected to the Victory Pass battle, the Westhaven civilians slaughtered by Aurora, and…These were matters that could not be explained away and any attempt to do so would only worsen the situation.The soldiers, however, were unaware of these complexities. They simply believed that
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 140
The melody stirred every heart, making blood surge and eyes blaze with heat. As the drums' final, heavy beats signaled the end of the performance, silence fell over the crowd.Carrying Hector's memorial plaque, Rafael lifted it high as if to let Hector enter the city first. With the plaque raised, he stepped forward into the city, followed by the others. Everyone holding a plaque remained silent and solemn.Once inside the city, they knelt before Salvador.“I, Rafael Sanford, together with the late Hector Sinclair and our soldiers, have returned victorious. Thanks to your blessings, Your Majesty, as well as the blessings of Starhaven's ancestors, we have fulfilled our mission and reclaimed the Southern Frontier,” Rafael loudly declared.His voice echoed through the city gates, resonating through the capital.Like an explosion, the crowd erupted into cheers, filled with both joy and tears.Salvador felt his eyes burn as he personally stepped forward to help Rafael to his feet. Gaz
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 141
Lulu was the happiest and the most tearful.She practically flew as she chased after the king's carriage, crying out, "My lady! My lady...!"Carissa glanced at her helplessly. Lulu was laughing and crying at the same time, showing no restraint at all.Sitting beside Carissa, Rafael glanced at Lulu and said thoughtfully, "Her name is Lulu, isn't it?""You still remember her, Your Highness?" Carissa asked in surprise."Yes," Rafael replied with a slight smile. "I remember one year when I went to the Pathfinders Guild, I saw that girl picking apples from a tree. When she saw your senior and I, she was so frightened she fell off the tree."Carissa was even more surprised. "You've been to the Pathfinders Guild before?""Yes. Before I was deployed to the Southern Frontier battlefield, I used to go to the guild once a year," he said softly.The June sunlight shone brightly in his eyes, but his gaze quickly dimmed as he continued, "I haven't been there since.""I didn't know about tha
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 142
Aurora returned to the capital in a state of dejection.Barrett kept his distance from her, even though he was injured and could have used her support. He was adamant about avoiding any physical contact with her. Even the others who had been captured with her glared at her with hatred.They knew why they had been castrated—it was because in Fawnrun City, Aurora had tortured that young general and ordered his castration, humiliating him.Now, the eighteen soldiers who were captured had been treated the same way by the Westhaven soldiers, and they couldn't voice their suffering or express their grievances. Their hatred for Aurora ran deep.Throughout the journey, they avoided her as much as possible. They didn't want to speak to her, and even when they saw her, they kept their distance.Aurora remembered her earlier enthusiasm, believing she would achieve great things in this war. Instead, she had returned with half her face disfigured and despised by everyone. She could barely tole
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 143
Aurora froze for a moment, then snapped, "Who said that? Who said I was defiled?""Just answer the question," Rebecca said, her face turning dark with anger. "Word has already spread all over town. Who needs to ask? Everyone is talking about it!"Aurora hadn't expected news of the Southern Frontier events to reach the capital. Her mind went blank.She raised her voice defensively, "I wasn't defiled. Yes, I was captured, but I only endured physical suffering. My purity remains intact."Jonathan interjected, "Then, you should find someone to vouch for you. Weren't there others with you when you were captured? They can testify for you."Aurora's frustration grew as she thought about her cousin and the other soldiers. Barrett had questioned them, but they all claimed ignorance. They had all been locked up together in the wooden hut, so how could they not know?Their claims of ignorance led Barrett and everyone else to believe that Aurora had been defiled.Unable to find anyone to pr
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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
