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Chapter 185
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 186
Carissa felt a strange sense of unease, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it—something like hostility, yet not quite. Especially after Salvador had ended his remarks with that enigmatic smile.What did he mean by she was already defending Rafael? It was baffling.She paused before speaking, "Your Majesty, in warfare, there are no absolutely foolproof decisions, especially during decisive battles. It's practically taking a gamble. Our strategy for attacking Simonton City was sound. Minor errors should be forgiven, considering we ultimately reclaimed the Southern Frontier and achieved victory."Salvador burst into hearty laughter. "I only asked a question or two. Look at you, so nervous. There's no need to worry. I was just asking out of curiosity."Carissa felt her back dampen with sweat.It was hardly a casual inquiry. Salvador had seemed so serious. It was almost as if he was ready to lay blame on someone!Holding Rafael accountable for the mistakes of his soldiers see
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 187
Victoria regarded her son for a while before speaking, "Your father had someone in his heart as well—Melanie. But because he saw Hector as a brother, whenever Melanie attended an event or visited the palace, your father would make himself scarce."That was his way of showing the utmost respect to Hector. In fact, Melanie never knew of your father's feelings, even after she passed."Salvador's expression froze momentarily, his smile slowly fading to be replaced by a serious demeanor."Mother, I understand your point."After a moment of silence, he asked, "Didn't you mind? You still treat Carissa so well."Victoria smiled gently, her expression serene. "Why would I mind? Aren't there many women in the palace already? Besides, I married him to be the crown princess, the queen, and now the queen dowager. If I were to expect true affection from the king, would that not be unreasonable?"As for your father, he was aware of his position. A king's responsibilities are to govern diligentl
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 188
Rafael remained silent.Was there really a difference between being called Marshal and being called Your Highness?"Why are you waiting here?" Carissa asked.Snapping back to the present, Rafael replied, "Oh, I wanted to see if my mom was causing you any trouble. She can be difficult to deal with, can't she? But don't worry. Once we're at my residence, she won't be as audacious as she is in the palace. After all, the people in my household will listen to me and to you, not necessarily to her."Carissa smiled. "She's not too difficult to deal with. She has caused some trouble, but her methods are… somewhat crude and manageable."Rafael tilted his head.Crude methods? That was an apt description. Helen knew nothing of subtlety. She had been pampered all her life. A tantrum or a sulk would usually get her what she wanted."She does lack finesse. I remember the harshest method she used against Lady Dakota when I lived in the palace. When Lady Dakota was pregnant with my seventh sist
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 189
"Really?" Rafael frowned.Eleanor, the grand princess, was the late king's sister, making her Rafael's aunt. He knew her character well.She was like a snake in the grass—sweet in appearance but venomous at heart. She was known for her tea parties and banquets, where she mingled with the capital's powerful families and secured many connections through social gatherings.Many noble families arranged marriages at her parties. If anyone had ever been truly wronged in her presence, it was undoubtedly Helen. Eleanor was skilled in manipulation and had committed many sinister acts.She was a sick-minded person. After giving birth to a daughter, she stopped having children and instead gathered many concubines for her husband. When the concubines gave birth, she took their children, then executed the concubines. Her methods were extremely cruel.Once, a concubine had argued with Eleanor, so she simply didn't want the concubine's child. After killing the concubine's child in front of her,
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 190
Eleanor's invitation did indeed arrive at Northwatch Estate. Also, the celebration was tomorrow, but the invitation was delivered only today.Clearly, there was no time to prepare a proper gift, so Carissa would have to choose something from the storeroom."Grand Princess Eleanor has always held a grudge against your family. When the late Madam Sinclair was still alive, Grand Princess Eleanor never invited her to any of her parties. Why has she invited you this time? Could it be that a crowd of gossipers is waiting for you?" said Lily, who was quite worried.Carissa set the invitation aside. "That's a certainty."She had heard about the past grievances between her parents and Eleanor. When she returned from Meadow Ridge after the deaths of her father and brothers, Carissa found out that Eleanor had sent her mother, Melanie, a "gift" that year.Eleanor had specifically found someone to carve a miniature sculpture. It was a small, intricately carved sculpture of a chastity belt that
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 191
Lily pursed her lips reluctantly. "This painting is so lifelike. It's as if the orchids are blooming right before our eyes. The orchid branches are strong, and the faint green buds are just beginning to sprout. It seems too perfect to be considered a discarded work. It would be a shame to waste it on Grand Princess Eleanor.""It's fine. Kyle loves painting orchids, so there are plenty of orchid paintings, so many that we don't even have space for them in the study. By the way, make sure to send one to the king as well," Carissa replied.Salvador greatly admired Kyle and had a collection of his calligraphy. However, he did not have any of Kyle's orchid paintings, which were worth a fortune. Since Carissa had them in abundance, presenting Kyle's work to Salvador would be a gesture of goodwill, and it would allow her to manage Rafael's connections.The questions Salvador asked at Serenity Palace had made her a bit uneasy. Thus, using Kyle's painting as a way to gauge the situation seem
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 192
Clenching her teeth, Carissa said to Lily, "Starting tonight, I want you to teach me embroidery. I need to make a perfect handkerchief."Mistakes made in youth must be corrected.Carissa could accept her own imperfections, but she could not accept that she had handed out subpar work to everyone.However, she was puzzled. While she could understand why her mother had kept her handkerchiefs, why would Rafael want to not only keep them, but also carry them around?There was a fleeting thought that she couldn't quite grasp. Did Rafael have a fondness for unattractive things? What peculiar taste he had!As the two senior maids organized the storeroom, Frederick took the opportunity to tell Carissa that Jason had sorted out the account books and wanted her to review them."Alright, leave them in the study. I'll look them over tonight," Carissa said.Frederick nodded. "The accounts for the farms and shops have also been organized. Jason has summarized the totals and provided detailed b
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 193
Lulu examined the outfit. "Moonlight white is fine. There's a subtle shade of blue that complements your skin tone. What about accessories? Should we add a strand of red coral?""No red," Carissa replied. "Keep it simple, not too grand."She selected a white pearl hairpin and paired it with two moonlight white silk ribbons."That's still quite plain," Lulu observed."Plain or not, we'll know once it's on," Carissa said.She went behind a partition screen to change into the outfit. When she emerged, she had styled her hair into a simple bun, secured with the silk ribbons and adorned with the white pearl pin.She twirled, asking her maids, "How do I look?"The girls were mesmerized. Even without makeup, Carissa resembled an ethereal fairy. The two silk ribbons in her hair added a significant touch of elegance to her moonlight white dress.Lulu quickly turned to Pearl. "Lip balm, earrings, perfumes, and pearl pendants—hurry!""Got it!" Pearl immediately got to work, gathering var
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"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
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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
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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
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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
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1575
On the 13th day of winter, Salvador suddenly woke up feeling clearer than before. Saying he was hungry, he specifically asked for beef stew and milk pastries.Derek hurried to make the necessary arrangements. When the food arrived, Octavia sat by the bed as she had done many times before, ready to feed him. But Salvador insisted he wanted to sit up to eat himself.Derek gently helped the king sit up, placing a soft cushion behind him to support his back. Salvador had grown so thin that he seemed to be nothing but skin and bones. His body slouched as he sat, so Derek had to kneel beside the bed, holding his waist to keep him steady.Salvador finished an entire bowl of stew, eating it all without leaving a single bit behind. Then, he picked up a small milk pastry. But after a bite, he felt a little nauseous, so he didn't eat any more.Sebastian sent word to Victoria. After a brief conversation, her face turned pale and tears started to fall almost immediately. Though she had tried to
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 child… 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
