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Chapter 1518
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1
At Grace Mansion, the lanterns in the corridors cast intricate shadows on the window frames, resembling beasts looming on the walls.Carissa Sinclair sat on a chair with her hands folded in her lap, her slender body hidden beneath plain clothes. She looked at the man before her—her husband whom she had spent a year waiting for.Barrett Warren was still wearing his slightly-worn battle armor. Standing under the dim light, he looked commanding and handsome. His face showed a mix of determination and a touch of regret."Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for this marriage. Aurora will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett.Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has said that General Yates is a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?"Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife and equal to you.""Calling her that doesn't change an
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 2
Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? There was a royal edict for this marriage. Even when Aurora moves in, you’ll be in separate wings. She won’t compete with you for control of the household. She doesn’t care about those things.”“Do you really think I’m attached to managing this household?” Carissa countered.Running this mansion was no easy task. Just the monthly medicine for Barrett’s mother cost dozens of silver coins. Then, there was food, clothing, and social obligations—all these things required money.This household was practically a hollow shell. Over the past year, Carissa had used much of her dowry to keep things running.And this was her reward.“Enough, I won’t argue with you. I just needed to inform you. Whether you agree or not changes nothing,” said Barrett, his patience wearing thin.As Carissa watched him leave in a huff, she felt even more bitter.“My lady, my lord was too much!” said Lulu, Carissa’s maid, wiping her tears away.“Do
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 3
Lulu brought over the dowry list and explained, "This year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins to support the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest."Carissa glanced at the list. "Alright."Just looking at the list put her in a melancholy mood. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she would suffer hardships in her husband's home."My lady, where can we go? Are we returning to Northwatch Estate? Or should we go back to Meadow Ridge?" Lulu asked, looking distressed.Images of the bloodstained estate and the tragic deaths of her family members flashed through Carissa’s mind, causing a sudden pang of pain in her heart."Anywhere is better than staying here.""If you leave, you’ll be giving them exactly what they want.""So be it. If I stay, I’ll spend my whole life suffering as I watch those two be affect
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 4
Rebecca forced a smile. "How can I decide that after meeting her only once? But since the king has arranged the marriage, it’s a done deal. In the future, she and Barrett will earn military merits together, while you manage the household and enjoy the benefits of their hard work. Isn’t that nice?""Yes, I'm sure," Carissa replied with a smile. "But it’s quite unfair to make General Yates a concubine."Rebecca laughed. "You silly child, how could she be a concubine? The king’s edict makes her Barrett's legal wife. Also, she’s a military officer who holds an official rank. Officials can’t be concubines. She'll be a legal wife like you. There won't be any distinction between ranks for the two of you.""No distinction? Is there such a custom in our kingdom?" Carissa asked.Rebecca’s expression grew a bit colder. "Carissa, you’ve always been sensible. Now that you’ve married into our family, you should prioritize us. According to the Defense Minister, Aurora’s contributions in this batt
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 5
The Warren family members exchanged puzzled glances. None expected the usually agreeable Carissa to stand her ground so firmly this time.She even defied Rebecca, the matriarch of the family!“She’ll come around. She doesn’t have any other choice,” Rebecca said coldly.That was true.With Carissa's family gone, she had no one to rely on except the Warren family. Besides, she was still Barrett's rightful wife, and it wasn’t like she had been mistreated.-Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu returned to Northwatch Estate.The estate was bleak and covered in fallen leaves. After just half a year of neglect, the courtyard was overgrown with weeds that were taller than a person. Stepping back into the estate, Carissa’s heart ached fiercely.Six months ago, she had collapsed upon hearing that her family had been massacred. She had wept when she saw the lifeless bodies of her grandmother and mother—their corpses cold and devoid of warmth. Every corner of the estate had been stain
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 6
Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed.Salvador remembered the Sinclair family. Knowing that Carissa was now the only one left stirred a feeling of pity in him."Rise and speak," he commanded.Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace.""I have already issued the edict. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said.Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I implore you to issue another edict. I want to divorce General Warren."The young king was taken aback. "What? You want a divorce?"Salvador thought she had come to ask him to rescind the marriage edict. He never expected a plea for a divorce.Holding back tears, Carissa pleaded, "Your Majesty, General Warren and General Yates sought the marriage edict with their military achievements."Today is the death anniversary of my father and brothers. I wish to seek an edict to divorce my husband based
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 7
After Carissa left, Derek hurried into the study and announced, "Your Majesty, the queen dowager sent someone over. She requests your presence when you're available."Salvador sighed. "Mother is probably worried and anxious because of Carissa's situation. Alright, prepare the carriage."Peonies were in full bloom at Serenity Palace, the queen dowager's residence. They exuded an air of opulence and regal beauty, their fragrance surpassing all others. The roses climbing the palace walls had also blossomed, showcasing a stunning and exquisite charm.Wearing a crimson-purple robe and a white jade hairpin adorning her hair, the queen dowager sat on a chair in the main hall. Her face looked weary."Blessings upon you, Mother." Salvador bowed as he approached the woman.The queen dowager, Victoria Lancaster, looked at him and dismissed the attendants before sighing."The marriage edict you issued was extremely unwise. Your actions not only disrespected the Marquis of Northwatch but also
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 8
The next day, Barrett was summoned to the palace. He expected to be received with honor, considering his current status as a prominent figure in the court. He didn't expect to be left waiting outside the palace's study for a whole hour.Finally, Derek emerged and said, "General Warren, His Majesty is busy at the moment. He asks you to return home and says he will summon you again another day."Barrett looked puzzled.He had waited outside the study for so long but hadn't seen any ministers entering or leaving. This indicated that Salvador wasn't discussing state affairs with the court officials."Mr. Walker, why did His Majesty summon me in the first place?" asked Barrett.Derek smiled and replied, "I'm unsure of the reason, General Warren."Barrett felt perplexed but didn't dare to barge in and ask the king directly."Could you kindly give me a hint? Did I do something wrong?""You've just returned victorious, General Warren. You've earned only merits thanks to your contributi
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1518
With Salvador having summoned the court officials to the royal study, the discussions continued late into the night. It was only when Sebastian stepped in to interrupt, informing them that the hour had grown late, that the session came to a close."Has it really gotten this late? Let's call it a night, then. The palace gates will be locked soon," said Salvador, stretching his arms with a smile.Despite the late hour, the king appeared to be in high spirits, especially with the color back in his face. He hardly resembled a man suffering from illness.Carissa waited for Rafael to finish his meeting before leaving the palace with him. Exhausted, she leaned against his shoulder and drifted into a deep, drowsy sleep.When the carriage arrived at the estate, Rafael lifted her into his arms. Carissa, half-conscious, recognized the motion but was too tired to protest. She simply let him carry her inside, finding comfort in his strong embrace.Over the past three months, she had only been
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1517
On the fifteenth of October, the envoy delegation finally returned to the capital.The Mystic Army dispersed on the spot, while Davis, Alden, and the other officials made their way to the palace to report to the king. Kendrick, who had been weak and unable to stand on his own, seemed to find strength now. He insisted that he accompany them to the palace as well.As for Carissa, Rafael had been waiting at the city gates for her. Every day, he had someone stationed there. Sometimes, during his midday breaks, he would go himself. Today, he finally caught sight of her.While Davis and the others were reporting at the palace, Carissa went to see Helen with Rafael. Seeing her daughter-in-law's fatigue, Helen urged her to hurry and bathe and change. With that, the couple returned to Orchid Hall.When Carissa emerged in fresh clothes after her bath, her lips were oddly swollen. Joy stared at her, surprised. Without thinking, she glanced at Rafael. It seemed that when Carissa was bathing, R
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1516
After resting at Victory Pass for five days, Kendrick finally recovered. Now that he was well, it was time to set off for the capital.Though Carissa was reluctant to part with her family, she could only say a tearful farewell. She bowed deeply to Dominic, nearly causing tears to spill from his own eyes.Davis, who held the utmost respect for Dominic, was the most emotional. While Carissa silently wept, Davis openly wept. He knew this was likely the last time he would ever see the venerable old general, who had served Starhaven in Victory Pass for decades.Dominic was already in the twilight years of his life, and he looked much frailer than the last time they had met. Even though Salvador had granted him leave to return to the capital, the long, grueling journey would likely be too much for him to bear, and the Sullivan family might not permit him to make the trip.Dominic spoke with Davis for a while, and the latter's sobs grew louder.Cindy had never asked about the details of
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1515
The journey home began in early September. The heat of summer had passed, replaced by a cool breeze.Liam personally escorted the delegation, accompanying them all the way to Fawnrun City.The return journey was uneventful—no more attempts on their lives, and everything proceeded smoothly. Once they crossed the rolling mountains, they entered Starhaven's territory.They hadn't notified Dominic in advance, so Carissa didn't expect anyone to be there to greet them. But as soon as they crossed into Starhaven, they saw Barrett leading the Sullivan Army, waiting for them.Relief was clear on Barrett's face when he saw they had returned safely. He rode forward, then dismounted and greeted Kendrick, Davis, and the others."Your Highness, Mr. Lloyd, esteemed lords, Grand General Sullivan sent me to wait here. I will escort you back to Victory Pass."Davis raised an eyebrow. "How did Grand General Sullivan know we were returning today?""He didn't know, but he ordered us to wait here eve
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1514
"This journey was not only for the sake of Orivenia and Starhaven, but also for Nerathia. No need for thanks; relations between kingdoms are always driven by mutual interests. It is only through personal friendship that true sincerity arises," Faelan replied.Carissa nodded thoughtfully, but curiosity got the better of her. "Might I ask if you know my mentor, Adrian Russell?"Faelan chuckled. "I do. He has been to Nerathia and even stayed at my training grounds for a time. My guard commander, Shadow, is quite close with your mentor. They would often drink together.""Ah, I see," Carissa mused, thinking back to the shadowy figures she had seen.She wondered which of them was the esteemed Shadow. It would be a great pity if she couldn't meet him.As if reading her mind, Faelan chuckled. "In three or five years, we'll visit Starhaven. When the time comes, I'll introduce you to Shadow."Carissa was about to express her thanks, but Violet interjected, "Why wait three or five years? Co
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1513
After two days of touring, Liam finally spoke to Carissa."Your country has a Miracle Healer named Sebastian Dalton, right? He's been making a medicine called Snowdrop Pills. Snow Blossom is a key ingredient, but your kingdom has only a limited supply. It grows at the Southern Frontier, but only high atop the snowy mountains. It's difficult to gather and incredibly scarce."However, in our kingdom, Snow Blossoms are not so rare. It's found on many high peaks. The Snow Blossom that Healer Dalton uses now is bought secretly from Orivenia's herbal merchants at a steep price. It's so expensive that every Snowdrop Pill he sells is at a loss."Carissa knew that Snowdrop Pills were rare because some of the ingredients were hard to find, but Sebastian had never specifically mentioned which ones.However, if he was buying an ingredient from Orivenia, it made sense why he needed to keep it a secret. Previously, there was no trade between Orivenia and Starhaven, especially when it came to med
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1512
The position Faelan took at the table represented Nerathia's stance in the negotiations.They were neutral!Carissa couldn't help but marvel once more at the power of a strong kingdom.The initial stages of the talks were tedious, with the same points being repeated over and over. The translators were busy, their voices echoing with historical debates. This was inevitable, as conceding too early would only lead to further compromises.As such, the first round of negotiations yielded no agreement. It was simply a test of boundaries.The second round began the following day. Again, they emphasized the same points.But after the second repetition, Faelan spoke up, saying, "There is no point in prolonging this. The dispute over the border has lasted for decades. It will not be resolved in a day. Let us set the border issue aside for now. What I wish to know is whether both sides are committed to establishing peace and mutual non-aggression between your kingdoms."The answer was unan
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1511
Carissa noticed that the nobles and officials of Orivenia seemed unaware of Nerathia's intention to intervene in the negotiations.Their faces betrayed confusion, but after a moment, they revealed expressions of joy and confidence. It seemed they also believed that Nerathia's involvement would provide Orivenia with solid backing.Seeing this, Carissa felt a slight sense of reassurance. If that were really the case, Lisandra would have informed them beforehand. Or at least, she would have let the negotiating officials know.But why hadn't she?It seemed there was only one explanation. Lisandra was also hoping for mutual concessions. Few at court supported her, so she had brought in Faelan from Nerathia—someone whom everyone would trust.This made sense of the conversation from the previous night, when Lisandra had invited Carissa and Violet to the palace. The remarks about unmet wishes were clear now. The example of the women taking part in the civil service examinations was just t
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1510
In banquets like these, no one truly ate with much enthusiasm. Most dishes were merely tasted before being set aside, barely touched before servants whisked them away.But the Nerathians were different. They treated every dish with genuine respect, cleaning their plates entirely, no matter what was served. Their wine glasses, once filled, were immediately emptied again. The palace servants attending to them must have been exhausted, constantly refilling their glasses and replacing empty plates.Violet recalled their meal at Spring Pavilion. Just like tonight, not a single scrap had been left behind. She wanted to say something to Carissa, but the only sound in the hall was the clinking of cutlery and the quiet shifting of plates. Speaking now would be too conspicuous.Still, one glance between them was enough.Violet's thought was clear—the Nerathians' presence at this banquet must be tied to the negotiations. Carissa agreed.However, their exact role remained uncertain. Were they
