LOGINShare
Chapter 168
Related chapters
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 169
Two days later, Dylan and Rafael's strategist, Jacob York, returned.It was raining heavily earlier, so Jacob had changed into a fresh set of clothes before he hurried to the study to see Rafael.Jacob was direct and to the point. “The king's intention is to strip you of your military command. Since you’re willing to relinquish it, then let it go. However, you mustn’t allow your marriage to be used as leverage. “The king knows you once sought to marry Lady Sinclair. He wants to use her as compensation, to ease his own conscience. However, I believe it is unnecessary. Once you surrender your command, request him to retract his edict. Whether or not you marry Lady Sinclair should be a matter between you and her, not tainted by the royal family's interference. “If the king inserts himself into the matter, it will complicate things and turn it into something more than just a marriage. Both you and Lady Sinclair will be put in a very awkward position.”Marriage should be purely abo
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 170
Jacob sent Dylan to deliver the letter in person. Dylan was puzzled, and secretly asked Jacob, “Mr. York, His Highness could ask for Lady Sinclair’s hand without surrendering his military command, couldn’t he?”Jacob gave him a light tap on the head. “Are you an idiot? If His Highness doesn’t surrender his medal of command, the king will immediately have Lady Helen intervene to stop the marriage.”Dylan thought the choice of words was apt, but he still didn’t fully grasp the situation.“But won’t Lady Helen try to stop it now?” Dylan argued. Everyone knew how Helen was.“Even if she does it now, no one would have instructed her to do so. It would be her own decision, and the situation would be different because of it,” Jacob explained tersely. “Just go and deliver the letter. Don’t say anything else.”Watching Dylan lead his horse away, Jacob sighed slightly. Although Rafael was dutiful to his mother, without Salvador’s support, he would still face opposition from Helen in marry
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 171
After soaking in the medicinal bath, Carissa felt a warm flush spread through her body. Just before bed, Pearl brought a basin of medicinal foot soak and said she had to soak her feet every night.Carissa complied dutifully, soaking her feet for a while before drinking a cup of calming tea, a remedy formulated by Sebastian to aid sleep.Aside from the first two days after returning from the battlefield, when she slept deeply, the past few nights had been plagued by insomnia. Even when she managed to fall asleep, nightmares haunted her.Her father, her brothers, her family—once vibrant and full of life—now appeared before her, drenched in blood. She would wake up, unable to return to sleep.After dealing with her family’s massacre and returning to Valor Estate, she had needed to drink calming medicine every night to sleep. Sebastian had always kept her troubles close to his heart.After finishing the tea, Pearl added a candy to her cup and smiled. “Lulu said that since you dislike
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 172
Leaving an unmarried man and woman alone in a room was inappropriate. Frederick would normally insist on having several attendants present for propriety’s sake.However, with Rafael being addressed as Marshal and Carissa as General Sinclair, Frederick assumed their discussion would revolve around military matters, which weren’t for his ears. After serving a pot of tea, Frederick promptly cleared the room and closed the door, instructing that no one should approach.Rafael held his cup, his long fingers tracing the floral design on its surface, his expression solemn.After a moment of silence, seeing he had not yet spoken, Carissa looked up at him, her eyes filled with curiosity. “Marshal, is this about the Southern Frontier battlefield...?”“Not at all,” Rafael interrupted, taking a sip of tea before setting the cup down. “I’m here today for personal matters, not military ones.”Carissa’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. Personal matters? What could there be to discuss between her
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 173
Although she was touched, Carissa still refused. “His Majesty’s edict requires me to find a husband within three months. I believe he intends to designate a successor for the title. If I were to marry you under false pretenses, His Majesty might not approve.”Rafael hadn’t anticipated this response. It seemed she still didn’t fully understand Salvador’s intentions. After a moment’s thought, he pressed his hand down in a calming gesture. “You needn’t worry about that. I will speak to the king. His concern about designating a successor is likely due to his fear of you finding someone as fickle and unfaithful as Barrett.”Disparaging her former suitor was a petty tactic, but it likely seemed reasonable to her.When Carissa heard Barrett’s name, she remained unmoved. However, what Rafael said wasn’t without merit. The title of duke was now backed by the Sinclair Army—the generals and soldiers who used to follow Hector, and now Carissa. So, choosing a successor required careful consi
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 174
After Rafael left, Frederick and two senior maids entered the room.Carissa didn't hide anything from them. She told them Rafael had come to propose, and that she had accepted.Frederick and the two senior maids were taken aback. They were silent for a moment, then their expressions turned grave.“This is the best outcome,” Carissa said with a light smile. “Though His Highness and I do not share romantic feelings, we have a bond as comrades. Marrying him is certainly preferable to having to accept a random suitor into our family.”Words hung on the tip of Lily and Holly’s tongue, but the two chose to swallow them. They could only manage a forced smile, and said, “My lady, you must be prepared. With a royal prince, there is no avoiding concubines and secondary wives.”Previously, Rafael had also sought to marry her. However, Melanie had brushed him off. She didn't want to marry her daughter into the royal family. She argued that with so many primary and secondary wives and concubin
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 175
Salvador examined the medal of command presented by Derek with an inscrutable expression. After a moment, he retrieved the other half of the Sinclair Army's medal of command, aligning it with the one Rafael had handed.The Hell Monarch Army’s medal of command was now complete. Their father had given it to Rafael before, allowing him to command the Hell Monarch Army indefinitely to defend the nation. Rafael didn’t have to surrender it.Salvador traced the edges of the Hell Monarch Army medal of command with his fingers, feeling a peculiar sensation from the unfamiliar engravings.“Carissa agreed?” he asked, almost incredulously.“Yes, she has,” Rafael replied with evident joy, as though he were still the naive younger brother he used to be. “Before I set out for the campaign, I went to propose to her. I never expected Melanie to marry her to Barrett. Even more unexpectedly, she has returned to me after all that happened.”Rafael looked up, his smile radiating sweetness. “Natu
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 176
In Evergreen Palace, an angry, sharp voice rang out. “She wants to become your consort? Unless I'm dead, you tell her not to harbor such delusions! Otherwise, I won't spare her!”Rafael remained calm as he watched the distraught Helen. Having grown up amidst such roaring voices, he was accustomed to it.However, it was unlikely Carissa would be.Helen’s face turned ashen as she extended a finger; the long, claw ring almost poked Rafael's nose. “In a few days, I'll be moving into your residence. If she dares to set foot in the estate, I will have her legs chopped off!” she screamed.Rafael nodded. “Alright, chopping off her legs sounds good. I've seen her cut off the legs of enemies—she was as swift as lightning. With a single slash, she divided their body into three pieces. It’s quite a sight.”Helen raised her hand, her voice cutting like a knife. “Whether she’s the legitimate daughter of a duke or a highly skilled warrior, she’s nothing but a discarded woman expelled from th
Latest chapter
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1362
Hayden clenched his fists, his anger and helplessness tightening his chest as he followed behind.The physician worked quickly, examining Sonny's injuries. Both of his legs were broken, three of his teeth were knocked out, and his face was riddled with fractures. Despite the pain that twisted his expression, he still grinned at Hayden, forcing a smile through gritted teeth.He tried to assure Hayden with a look that said he would be fine.Hayden turned away, his heart aching. The man who had stood by his side for so many years now lay in such a state. Fury surged within him, but there was nothing he could do.Back in Nerovia, he had ordered an extra emblem to be made, just in case the day ever came when Nicholas stole the original to mobilize Hayden's forces. If Hayden noticed in time, someone could use the duplicate emblem to stop Nicholas.Hayden hadn't expected it to serve its purpose this way, though.The chaos of the riverworks project was swiftly quelled. Cameron was arrest
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1361
As dawn broke, Adrian led them to the Glimmering Tower. It was then that Carissa realized they weren't the only ones who had arrived—many guild leaders and elders were present as well. Even Violet and Bun's mentor had come.When Violet spotted her mentor Conrad, she gasped in surprise and rushed toward him. "Sage Conrad, what brings you here? You didn't even send word beforehand!"Conrad smiled warmly as he looked at his beloved apprentice, indulgence in his voice. "I heard you were guarding the capital. Naturally, I had to come and lend you a hand.""Sage Conrad, you're too kind. I'll get another villa for you once we're done here," Violet said, linking her arm with his, grinning widely.Conrad scowled lightly, feigning annoyance. "Why would I need more villas from you? No more, I tell you. However, I did hear about a hot spring at Solitude Peak. I thought of buying it, so your fellow apprentices can soak and strengthen their bodies."Violet nodded enthusiastically. "I'll buy i
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1360
The black-clad assailants' Lightfoot Skills were extraordinary, and they scattered in all directions. Adrian could have pursued one of them, but catching all of them was impossible.However, he chose not to pursue anyone at all. Emerging from the shadows, his hand darted out and grabbed Carissa by the ear, twisting it until she yelped in pain. "So bold of you, wasn't it? To engage without proper defenses? Do you think you're invincible? Haven't you heard the saying that there's always someone stronger out there?"Carissa shrieked and flailed in protest as the lamps were lit by Jacob, illuminating the courtyard and revealing the bloodstains on everyone's bodies.Only then did Adrian notice the wounds on Carissa. Yet instead of softening, his grip on her ear tightened, and he hissed, "You couldn't guess what Nicholas was planning? And you didn't think to write for reinforcements from Meadow Ridge? Are you so arrogant now that you've forgotten basic caution? Just wait until your mart
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1359
Hayden gestured for her to lower the sword. "Not tonight. Neither side is ready."Chaya frowned, confused. "Why? Didn't you say Mr. Russell was formidable? If he's taking action, surely he can capture Prince Nicholas?""He won't capture him," Hayden replied, rubbing his temples. "General Farrell has Valken surrounded, but he hasn't launched an attack because he knows Mr. Murphy has already undermined Prince Yuvan's authority. "A portion of Valken's population has joined the so-called rebel forces. If the capital falls now, the officials in Valken and Nerovia will find an excuse, under the court's banner, to slaughter the townsfolk. That would spark even larger uprisings. That's why Lady Carissa can't act prematurely."Chaya hastily tossed the sword aside. "And why isn't it the right time for Prince Nicholas, then?""It's simple," Hayden said. "He needs Mr. Murphy to first defeat General Farrell in a decisive victory. Once General Farrell is dealt with, he'll move on to General Mu
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1358
By the early hours of the morning, the rain had lessened to a gentle drizzle, leaving the air cooler and the night more serene. The quiet respite lulled many into a deeper, more peaceful sleep.Seven or eight shadowy figures darted through the curfewed city, their movements light and swift. They barely left a trace as they touched down on rooftops, their steps silent.They arrived at the Capital Guard headquarters. The outer guards had already retreated for the night, leaving only Carissa and her companions waiting in the main hall, tense and alert.With a quick exchange of glances, the group gripped their weapons. The assassins had arrived!The dim light of the hall flickered, and as the black-clad figures descended, a gust of wind extinguished the lamps. Darkness enveloped the room, plunging it into an impenetrable black where even an outstretched hand became invisible.Amid the darkness, the faint sound of breathing and the subtle rhythm of movements became the only clues to
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1357
The damp, oppressive heat of summer seemed to weigh heavily on the spirit, stoking an inexplicable irritation in the air.Hayden, clearly affected by the weather, barely touched his dinner. After a few cursory bites, he set his cutlery down and announced that he was heading back to the study to practice his calligraphy to clear his mind. He gestured for Chaya to follow, and the two left the room.Before departing, Chaya made sure to take two heaping plates of snacks with her. After all, she wasn't about to let herself go hungry.Nicholas, still in his Gordon disguise, watched Hayden leave but made no move to stop him. It didn't matter where Hayden went—his every step was being monitored. Besides, Nicholas had far more pressing matters to attend to tonight.Back in his room, Nicholas locked the door behind him and methodically prepared for the night's mission. He changed into his stealth attire, then sat before a mirror. Opening a small wooden box on the table, he revealed an array
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1356
By evening, tensions finally erupted.The Waterworks Department had stationed soldiers to oversee the workers, ensuring work continued on schedule. Yesterday's heavy rain had halted all progress, but with today's rare overcast skies and no rain, Cameron ordered the workers to make up for lost time. In fact, he demanded they finish the project three days ahead of schedule.The workers were already agitated, and they refused. Tempers flared, and heated arguments broke out between them and the Waterworks Department officials. In a fit of rage, Cameron picked up a club and struck one of the workers. That single blow ignited an uncontrollable fury among the workers. Over a hundred men turned on the officials, attacking them in a chaotic melee.Fortunately, Carissa had already stationed people nearby to keep an eye on the situation. Word was immediately sent to Max.Max was wary, suspecting this might be a calculated ploy by Nicholas. However, based on their investigation, not all th
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1355
Adrian had also brought a cannon with him, though it had to remain outside the city for now. It couldn't be transported in just yet. This cannon, an improvement on the red canon of Nerathia, was the same one that had destroyed Everett's courtyard back then.In a few days, nearly all the martial factions that had been invited to Adrian's birthday banquet would arrive, each disguised in various ways. Knowing that martial artists would be thoroughly questioned at the city gates, they all decided to change their appearances completely.Adrian had specifically chosen people from Coldmoon Guild to keep watch at the Capital Guard headquarters and Hell Monarch Estate in shifts. There was a reason for this. The people from Coldmoon Guild rarely moved within the martial world, and they seldom visited the capital. Nicholas' men likely had never encountered them, which made them perfect for keeping Carissa safe without drawing suspicion.Adrian was certain that Nicholas' next move would be to
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1354
After the group entered the city, Michael was momentarily distracted by another merchant caravan arriving at the gates. He made sure to inspect them thoroughly, confirming that there were no issues before allowing them to pass.As he turned back, he noticed the merchant caravan was following closely behind the group he had just checked. Among them, a familiar figure caught his eye—a figure whose silhouette seemed unmistakable. It resembled Carissa's martial uncle from the Pathfinders Guild.The man's name was Everett, if Michael recalled correctly. But then again, the face didn't match. He thought about it for a moment, but the resemblance was only in the figure. The features—absolutely not. Still, Michael felt uneasy and decided it was worth investigating further.He instructed a few men to follow the caravan and watch for any unusual activity. An hour later, they reported back that the group had settled in a manor on Eastland Avenue. That area was known for being home to powerfu
