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Chapter 1526
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1527
Sylvia's lips parted in shock. Her mind was in turmoil.Based on Victoria's words, it was clear that they knew the truth, yet had no intention of investigating further.But did Sylvia truly wish for them to pursue the matter?If they did, she would be the first to bear the consequences. Regret settled over her like a heavy cloak. Coming to confess had only cemented her guilt. Lowering herself to the floor, she bowed deeply before stumbling out on unsteady feet.Watching her retreating figure, Victoria thought back to when Sylvia first entered the palace. Back then, she had been strikingly beautiful, with a proud and aloof temperament. After securing Salvador's favor, she had become arrogant, even domineering.Over the past two years, she had learned to restrain herself, but the pride in her bones had never truly faded. And now, just the glimmer of ambition had driven her to this.Power could really drive people to madness.To prevent further complications, Victoria issued an ord
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1528
Soon, Victoria issued an edict, stating that Sylvia had been relocated to Laurel Palace so Cecil could recover in peace. Under no circumstances was she to be neglected.With the queen dowager watching over them, the Royal Management Department didn't dare slack in their duties. Sylvia still received food, clothing, and provisions befitting her rank. However, when her family sought an audience with her, they were turned away under the pretense that Cecil's recovery required absolute quiet.Gladys had no choice but to seek out Carissa, hoping she could deliver some money on their behalf. If Sylvia could smooth things over with the right people, perhaps she and the children wouldn't suffer as much.Gladys didn't know whether her daughter had truly been involved in Jeanette's miscarriage, but she did know how difficult life could be for a concubine who had fallen out of favor. The palace was full of people who flattered those in favor and trampled those who had lost power.Even when Ca
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1529
There seemed to be no end to the debate over appointing a crown prince. Nearly every morning court session saw officials raising the matter.Finally, on the 18th of December, Salvador made an announcement—he had already chosen a crown prince. However, as the prince was still young, the decision would not be made public just yet. Instead, he had written an edict and secured it high upon a beam in the royal chapel.During a court session, he declared that he alone knew who the crown prince was. According to him, he had not disclosed the decision to anyone, not even to Jeremiah or Rafael. With that, Salvador spared them from further scrutiny.However, it was no great mystery.Connor had long since abandoned his former laziness and arrogance, becoming diligent and eager to learn. His temperament had also grown more refined. Furthermore, Ryan, the future Duke of Northwatch, was his study partner. With all those facts, many believed it was all but certain that Connor was the chosen crown
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1530
Lydia had no choice but to try and meet with Connor.However, the study hall was strictly off-limits to unauthorized personnel. If she wanted to see him, she had to wait for the brief moments when he left—either on his way back to Serenity Palace or while heading to the training grounds.Even then, she could only watch from a distance. A swarm of attendants and guards surrounded him at all times, making it nearly impossible to catch more than a fleeting glimpse.On some days, she couldn't see him at all. The royal guards, towering and broad-shouldered, flanked him in two rows. They shielded him so thoroughly that even the tip of his head was obscured.She attempted to bribe them, offering money in exchange for a mere hour of Connor's time. But these men were guards whom Victoria had personally chosen. They were unyielding and incorruptible. Forget silver coins, even gold coins wouldn't tempt them.Victoria had chosen the simplest, most crude method of protection. Even Salvador him
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1531
There was little doubt in the minds of the assembled company that the equestrian competition, though seemingly designed for the military men, had a deeper purpose—to showcase how much Connor had improved since the Verdant Hunt.As for the explanation that the eldest prince's misstep during that time had been caused by stomach pains, many later came to see the flaw in that reasoning. Had he truly been unwell, surely he would have shown signs of it earlier. Indeed, he had been as lively as ever that morning.And yet, it was not so much a mistake as a lapse in composure. To miss his mark and then break down in tears—where was the resolve expected of a prince in such a moment?Upon hearing about the competition, Kylie felt a surge of satisfaction. She hastened to Serenity Palace and implored the queen dowager to permit a brief meeting between her and her son. This time, Victoria agreed, but with the condition that she be present. No private meeting was to take place.Though Kylie had h
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1532
Forced to stay back, Connor watched as Ryan and Caden departed for supper. Though he felt a slight indignation rise within him, he recalled Victoria's words. She had advised him to control his temper and not let it show too easily.So, he calmly asked, "Is there something you wish to talk about, Mom?""What?" Seeing how he was acting, Kylie felt a mixture of pain and fury in her heart. "It has been a long time since we've seen each other. Do you not miss me? Is there nothing you wish to say to me?"Connor looked at his mother, then at Lydia. Her pleading eyes softened his heart, and the prince's resolve wavered for a moment.He hastily added, "Of course I missed you, Mom. However, I'm quite hungry and wish to have supper."With that, he bowed to Victoria, then dashed out quickly to catch up with Ryan and Caden.Kylie sat dazedly in her seat and remained silent for a long time. The only sound that filled the room was the sporadic sobbing she could not entirely suppress. It took he
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1533
Connor clutched the tree with both hands and leaned forward, pressing his face against its rough surface.His eyes were clouded with confusion as he murmured, "I don't know. My mom has always been good to me, but that one time… my stomach hurt so terribly. It was so bad that it made me wish for death itself."Connor turned to Ryan and asked, "Does Aunt Carissa treat you well?"The eldest prince knew that his friend's mother had passed away. In the past, Connor would have spoken of such things without hesitation, but he was more sensible now. Also, Ryan was an important friend to him, and he didn't want to bring up anything that made him sad.Victoria had often spoken of the importance of true friendship—the care and respect it entailed."Aunt Carissa is very good to me, especially so," Ryan responded."Then, do you think she would ever poison you for some purpose? Regardless of whether you were in pain until you wished for death?" Connor asked.Ryan didn't even need to consider
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1534
Salvador's grand birthday celebration was set to take place in the royal gardens. The Royal Management Department had long since prepared everything, eagerly awaiting the day.On the 25th of December, the princes, including Cecil, were still hard at training.Cecil needed to be lifted onto his horse, but he made up for it with sheer courage. Following Rafael's instructions, he gripped the reins and urged his horse into a gallop. Of course, Rafael had arranged for someone to follow closely behind, just in case anything went wrong.Connor and Caden had already mastered the required skills. Galloping on horseback was no challenge for them, especially since they weren't riding towering stallions but smaller, gentler chestnut ponies, which were easier to handle.After they trained until late into the night, Rafael went over the key points for the next day's event, as well as how to handle emergencies. Just as he finished, Grace sent someone to fetch her son.Caden had hoped to join the
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1584
Snow fell softly in the dead of winter, blanketing Victory Pass in white. At that moment, the world seemed to have been made pure again.For years, I wore nothing but a tattered priest's robe. I carried a broken bowl and wandered from place to place, asking for food. I stopped only briefly at temples along the way to rest for a night or two and kneel before the statues to beg for forgiveness.I could have stayed at the first monastery I was sent to. Life there wasn't easy, but it wasn't so hard either. I had warm meals and shelter from the cold. But I knew if I stayed in comfort, I would never wash away my sins.Only by suffering, by staying on the road and bearing the cold, the hunger, the pain, could I find peace in my heart.And so, I came to Victory Pass.My sandals had long since fallen apart. Thick calluses had grown on my feet; I could walk barefoot over rocks and barely feel a thing. Even with every piece of clothing I owned layered over me, the winter cold still cut throug
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1583
It was during the Verdant Hunt that Connor fell out of favor with Dad, who scolded him harshly before we left the hunting grounds. Once we returned to the palace, Connor fell ill. Ryan and I were both terribly worried, but Mom was delighted.She held me close that evening, her smile sharper than usual. "After this, your father is sure to be tired of your brother."She told me I must work harder than ever, and to listen closely to the royal chancellor and my uncle."Study better than anyone. Earn their praise. And most importantly, outshine your brother," she said.My heart felt torn. Mom often spoke of the rewards that came with being crown prince, and I won't lie, I was tempted. However, those were all distant things.At the time, I was close to Connor, Ryan, and even our youngest brother, Cecil. We all got along so well. How could I possibly hate my older brother?Those thoughts tangled inside me, day after day. I lost focus. My studies slipped. I made mistakes during riding pra
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1582
Before I took the vows and entered the monastery, my name was Caden.From the time I was young, I often heard the same praise whispered around me: "This child is sharp beyond his years—clever, quick-witted, the finest of the three princes."I heard it so often that I came to believe it myself. At times, I even felt proud. But whenever I let that pride rise too high, Mom would bring me back to earth.She would look at me, her eyes soft but filled with something I couldn't quite name—pity, perhaps. And then, she would sigh and say, "What a pity you were born of my womb. If not, you might have risen above that foolish one. But fate favored him, not you."That "foolish one"—I knew well enough who she meant. I had heard her say it so many times in private, though never once in public.It puzzled me greatly as a child. Mom clearly disliked my eldest brother, Connor, more than anyone. Yet, whenever he came near, she would smile warmly and speak kindly. She would even flatter him, calling
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1581
Two childhood friends were now each giving their all on very different paths.Clarence had started with herbs, then medicine, and in time, healing became his entire world at Eldermere Keep. At first, it was merely something to pour his heart into, because he knew he would never be allowed to leave the mountain and open a medical hall of his own.But then Ryan came, and afterward, sent Clarence a letter.That letter changed everything.For the first time, Clarence began to hope that maybe, just maybe, he could go down the mountain after all. And once that hope took root, he threw himself into his studies with more energy than ever before. He barely slept, rarely left the apothecary, and sometimes forgot to eat.Because of the pain he had once endured, he focused his efforts on curing injuries and chronic pain. Of course, a good physician had to know more than one thing, so he studied every field without neglecting any.There was a fire inside him now. A quiet flame that had not bur
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1580
"Elise, must your mouth run on without end?" Carissa frowned at her daughter, who had been chattering away beside Ryan from the moment he stepped through the door.The little girl's face was flushed from the sun, her hair tangled into a messy nest that made it clear she had only just returned from playing outdoors. She hadn't stopped talking since Ryan came back from his travels, pestering him with questions about what he had seen and done.Elise turned to Carissa with wide eyes, looking up with a face so innocent it could soften stone. She truly had inherited the best features from both her parents."Mom, I haven't seen Ryan in such a long time. Every moment without him felt like an eternity. We've been apart for so long, so of course I have a lot to say to him."Carissa's frown deepened. "And who taught you to speak in such a ridiculous manner? An eternity—where did that come from?""Sage Isaac said it to Aunt Violet. He went back to Meadow Ridge for a few days and said it to her
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1579
Though Ryan had told Cecil he was going on a journey, he didn't stay long at Eldermere Keep. After just seven days, he left and made his way to the Pathfinders Guild.He had initially planned to return to the capital to seek out Claire, but soon reconsidered. Instead of troubling her, he thought it best to directly ask Winona to teach him the art of disguise.It was not difficult to learn, but to do it well—to the point where no one could tell—was another matter. Such skill could not be acquired in just a few months.The simpler form of disguise involved merely altering one's features with makeup and slight adjustments to the face. This was fine for ordinary situations, but could easily be seen through in more challenging circumstances, like on a rainy day for instance.Therefore, Ryan knew he couldn't settle for such a basic method.The more advanced form of disguise involved creating a mask as a false face. However, these masks had their own set of problems. They were thick, unco
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1578
That evening, Ryan and Clarence sat by candlelight and spoke quietly. They avoided discussing court politics as Clarence had no interest in such matters. As long as the kingdom was peaceful, that was enough for him.He was no longer the eldest prince of Starhaven, and only had himself to look after now. Everything else had faded into the past.It was better not to speak of politics; it was too sensitive a topic. In his younger years, Clarence hadn't understood why his "death" was so tied to such matters. But over the years, Sebastian had explained everything to him, bit by bit, including the risks and consequences.The bond between Clarence and Cecil was not without affection. However, to gamble with one's life and future for the sake of family might not be the wisest choice for any of them.Clarence had come to terms with it. Life had to go on; it was better to live it well today than to wonder about tomorrow."Aunt Carissa said you're no longer able to stand, but you were walking
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1577
The azaleas of Eldermere Keep bloomed in a riot of color, spreading across the hills in a blaze of purple and red. The sight was enough to dazzle anyone who set eyes upon it, especially those who had never visited this secluded place. It was the kind of beauty that made one long to stay forever.Yet, there was one exception.A young man rode his horse to the base of the mountain, dismounted, and secured his steed. Without a glance at the dazzling scene around him, he began to walk the path up the mountain, his gaze fixed firmly on the road ahead.The vivid azaleas stretched out along either side of the path, reaching out as if to claim him, but he merely brushed them aside with a casual swipe of his hand.His pace was swift, and he occasionally used his Lightfoot Skill. Eldermere Keep was not high up, but its location was well-hidden, with many winding paths leading in. However, he had studied the map countless times before embarking on this journey, so the route to the keep was et
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1576
Rafael glanced at the robe. "Isn't that mine? Are you saying I've gotten fat? I'm not fat.""Oh, is it yours? It's too long, then. I'll have someone alter it for me," Carissa replied casually.Rafael shook his head. "If you want something loose, just have someone make it for you. Why bother altering my old clothes? It's not even comfortable.""I'm going to Meadow Ridge for a year. Wearing your clothes will make it feel like you're still with me," Carissa said with a bright smile, as if the idea of being apart for a year was no more serious than being apart for a day."A year?" Rafael looked shocked. "You're going back for a whole year? Why?""Well, of course, my mentor misses me, and I miss him too," Carissa replied, placing her hands on her hips as she handed the robe to Lulu, who was standing by with a hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh."But I won't leave right away. Since Ryan is about to inherit the duke's title, I'll wait until that's settled before I go back to Meado
