āđāļāđāļēāļŠāļđāđāļĢāļ°āļāļāđāļāļĢāđ
Chapter 1518
āļāļāļāļĩāđāđāļāļĩāđāļĒāļ§āļāđāļāļ
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1519
Many in the harem were speculating about Salvador's health. Even though Jeanette was pregnant, Sebastian's continued presence in the palace suggested the king needed more than rest and care.Because of this, Salvador's clear favoritism was starting to unsettle some people.Kylie, in particular, was uneasy. She knew some details about the king's condition, and though Sebastian was now in the palace, she wasn't sure how effective the treatment would be. But she couldn't shake the feeling that Salvador was nearing his limits.Jeanette's pregnancy didn't concern her much. The baby's gender remained unknown, and even if it was a son, the queen knew it wouldn't change her own standing.However, Salvador's obvious favoritism toward Cecil left Kylie feeling threatened.When he offered her a choice previously, she had chosen to keep her position as queen for the sake of survival. But after some time, she realized that Salvador wouldn't give up on Connor so easily, especially given how dili
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1520
Jeanette's pregnancy had been stable at first, with Dorian assuring her there were no major concerns. But for some unknown reason, after the beginning of winter, things started to falter. She had even experienced spotting twice.Dorian did everything he could to stabilize the pregnancy and managed to keep it steady, but Jeanette was ordered to stay in bed and not get up.The sudden change in her condition had drawn the full attention of the royal physicians. After checking her diet and everything the palace provided, nothing unusual was found. The best guess was that the king's prolonged use of medication was affecting the stability of the pregnancy.Salvador was deeply anxious about the baby. Ever since Jeanette was confined to her bed, he had visited her almost every other day, sometimes staying to share a meal. Because of this, he hadn't been able to visit Sylvia or call Cecil to the royal study.As Grace was in charge of the harem, she also made time to visit Jeanette, often br
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1521
Jeanette didn't notice the subtle smirk tugging at the corner of Calista's lips.The maid had been by her side since her time as a mid-ranked concubine. Smart and composed, Calista often offered Jeanette advice.When Kylie had tried to win Jeanette over, Calista had warned that the queen's repeated house arrests were a sign Salvador no longer favored her. She had suggested Jeanette steer clear of Kylie, who held no authority over the harem, and instead align herself with Grace and Sylvia.Calista had been right. Grace had treated Jeanette well, providing her with everything she needed, making it so no one dared to look down on her anymore.But things had changed.Grace, once a true ally, was now using Jeanette's pregnancy to get closer to Salvador. Jeanette couldn't help but feel uncomfortable about it."Do you not like Lady Grace's visits?" Calista asked as she adjusted the pillows to lift Jeanette's head and back.Long days in bed had begun to wear on her; her back ached from
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1522
In Tranquil Palace, Cecil sat still in a chair while Phoebe carefully dried his damp hair."You just washed your hair the other day, and now your hair and face are covered in fur after you went out to play with that little raccoon. If this happens again, I'll smack you on the backside," she said with an air of annoyance.The child, with delicate features and bright eyes, leaned into his sister's embrace. He smiled widely and said, "But the little raccoon is so fun and cute! It walks all over me with its little feet, and it's so cozy when I hold it."Phoebe sighed. "Mom said that Dad doesn't like raccoons. You keep telling him about it. No wonder he's been avoiding you lately."Cecil remained perfectly still, letting his sister continue to comb his hair.But he wasn't one to back down, so he said, "Dad and I are two different people. We each have our own likes and dislikes. Just because Dad doesn't like something doesn't mean I can't like it. I really like the raccoon. I love it. N
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1523
When Salvador returned to his palace, his mask of composure finally slipped and disappointment etched itself across his face.The lack of evidence didn't mean there was no problem. In the harem, the methods used were often subtle, invisible even.Sebastian had warned him that Jeanette might not be able to carry to term. Even if it did, the child could be born with deficiencies, or worse, could be a fool.Salvador had once considered giving Jeanette a dose of medicine to terminate the pregnancy. But deep down, he hesitated as this might be his last child. He wasn't ready to give up hope just yet and had been willing to take a risk.This time, he was certain that someone had interfered. Recently, he had been frequenting Jeanette's palace more often, and there were those in the harem who resented that.Grace, for all her attention to Jeanette, had been met with ingratitude. Jeanette had become arrogant in her favor, even harboring resentment toward Grace. Salvador had hinted at it to
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1524
Carissa learned about Jeanette's miscarriage from Rafael.When Adelaide came by to invite her to visit the palace, she agreed. At first, the two women had little to do with each other. But ever since Kendrick and Carissa went to Orivenia together, Adelaide had become quite friendly, saying that sisters-in-law should spend more time together.As Kylie's cousin, Adelaide was a member of the Quinton family. She hadn't visited the queen since she was placed under house arrest, which made Carissa wonder if Adelaide's idea of "spending time together" meant the oppositeâstay close if there were no troubles, but avoid each other if there was any.It was much like when Salvador had once been wary of the Hell Monarch's household. Adelaide had kept her distance from Carissa then, fearing any trouble they faced might befall her too.In truth, Kendrick hadn't done much of note. He had only received brief praise from Salvador. But even that one compliment was enough to make Kendrick proud for tw
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1525
Carissa thought being a king must be incredibly frustrating. The balancing and scheming involved made it feel like nothing was truly in Salvador's control.Right now, Salvador probably wanted to make Connor the crown prince, so Kylie couldn't be involved in this mess. Connor was already a bit mediocre, and if the queen was found guilty of plotting against a royal heir and causing trouble in the harem, his chances of securing the crown prince position would become even more precarious.As for Sylvia, who was directly involved, Salvador couldn't pursue the matter too much out of respect for her father.All in all, this entire affair could never be brought into the open."None of them are easy to deal with." Victoria sighed. "But in the face of absolute power, who wouldn't want to fight for it?"Carissa was about to ask why Victoria was telling her all this, but before she could, the queen dowager said, "You need to be aware of what's happening in the palace. People's hearts are the
Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1526
A few days later, the lifeless form of a palace maid was carried out of Victoria's palace.That same day, Salvador issued an edict, commanding Sylvia to move out of Tranquil Palace. She was to take Phoebe and Cecil with her and settle in Laurel Palace.Located in the northwest corner of the palace, Laurel Palace was near the Cold Palace. Almost no one went there on normal days.When the edict was delivered, Sylvia was struck dumb. She stood frozen, unable to comprehend for a long time. It was some time before she managed to regain control of herself, though her face was still deathly pale."Pack up," she finally instructed her attendants in a hollow voice.This was itâshe and Cecil were completely out of the succession race.Truth be told, she had expected this outcome ever since she learned of Jeanette's miscarriage. She had known this day would come. The dosage she had given Jeanette was small, barely enough to show any immediate effects. She had anticipated that it would take
āļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ
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 childâĶ 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 couldâapplying needle treatment and using medicineâbut 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 downânot 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 decisionâSalvador 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 radiantâlovelier 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 responsibilitiesâmanaging 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
āļāļēāļāļāļĩāļāļļāļāļāļēāļāļāļ°āļāļāļ
