LOGINShare
Chapter 19
Related chapters
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 20
When Rebecca fell ill, it caused a stir in the estate for half the night. Eventually, they had to call for a royal physician to temporarily stabilize her condition.The royal physician told Barrett, "I've treated Madam Warren before, but my skills are limited. The best physician in the capital for treating heart ailments is Sebastian. His medicine, Snowdrop Pills, is the only thing that can save her life."I've managed to control her condition for now because she's been taking those pills for a year, but if her episodes become more frequent in the future, there's little more I can do."With that, the physician took his leave.Furious, Barrett's eyes were bloodshot. He had personally gone to Sebastian’s clinic to ask him to treat Rebecca, but the physician had refused to see him. Barrett knew Carissa must be the one behind this. She was employing such a despicable tactic—using his mother's health to pressure him into giving up on marrying Aurora.Kicking the door open, he stormed i
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 21
The lamp in Rebecca's room stayed lit through the night.When Barrett suggested divorcing Carissa, Jonathan immediately opposed it."If you divorce her, the court officials will criticize you in front of the king. Doing this undoubtedly means ruining your future."Benjamin chimed in, "Barrett, Dad's right. Do you know how many generals in the army were once her father's men? You relied on their support for your recent achievements. If you lose their backing, your position in the military will be unstable."Barrett's face turned cold. "But she's using Mom's health to threaten me. I can't bear it!"Rebecca had calmed down, but the discomfort from earlier made her resent Carissa intensely.Suddenly, she raised her head and said in a hoarse voice, "Divorce her! Once divorced, she can't take her dowry with her.""I have no intention of taking her dowry," Barrett replied."Why not? Since you're divorcing her, her dowry naturally belongs to our family." Rebecca touched her chest, whic
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 22
Barrett hurriedly cut in, "Mom, please listen to me. I can't keep her dowry.""You're truly foolish, my son! She's bullied us to this extent! You're being soft towards her, but she wants my life!" Rebecca yelled.Barrett remained resolute, saying, "Keeping her dowry would not be the act of a true man. I absolutely refuse. Dad, Benjamin, I'll have to trouble you to invite the family heads from both sides tomorrow."I also need the matchmaker who arranged our marriage to be present. As for inviting neighbors, we can just pick a few families to make it official.""The matchmaker who arranged your marriage was Lady Avis." Jonathan furrowed his brow. "She's Madam Sinclair's cousin and Carissa's maternal aunt.""Then, don't invite her. Invite the matchmaker who originally delivered your proposal to the Sinclair family, the one from the western district," Rebecca said.Avis, who was in poor health, was a consort to a prince in the royal family named Yuvan. Even the management of Yuvan's
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 23
Aurora pondered for a moment, weighing the pros and cons in her mind.Barrett divorcing Carissa had more downsides than benefits. It wasn't that Aurora didn't value the status of being Barrett's legal wife. It was just that divorcing Carissa could hinder their future prospects.Aurora's own future was equally important.But then again, Carissa was the person in question. Aurora couldn't shake off the discomfort she felt from their first meeting. Carissa's smile seemed to enchant everyone around her, making Aurora fear that Barrett might fall for his current wife's charms again someday.If Barrett divorced Carissa, Aurora would step in as the only rightful wife. Her father hadn't initially favored this marriage because Barrett already had a wife. Though Aurora would be equal to her as a legal wife, it didn't change that she was still essentially a concubine.However, becoming Barrett's official, legal wife would give her father no reason to object. Besides, who wouldn't want to be
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 24
Barrett was stunned. "But how can I keep her dowry? As a fourth-ranking general and a man, how can I take the dowry of a discarded wife?"Aurora thought for a moment, then turned to him with a gentle gaze."Your mother will keep needing expensive medicine for a long time. Considering our recent efforts and the edict for our marriage, we won't have any other rewards."Though we're both fourth-ranking generals, our annual salaries are limited. Even if they all go towards the family fund, it may not be enough. And besides..."She found it embarrassing to say this but hurriedly continued, "Even if we continue to accumulate military achievements in the future, it won't happen overnight. Military officials always face challenges. We can't let your mother's condition worsen. So, either we return Carissa's dowry in full or bear the shame of being neglectful towards your mother."Barrett hadn't expected Aurora to say this. He couldn't quite tell if he felt disappointed or resigned.But up
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 25
Knowing Theodore had a fiery temper, Jonathan didn't dare offend him."Don't worry, sir. We've invited you today to sort out the situation between the two children. Please, be patient," Jonathan said, trying to calm the old man.Solomon, who was standing next to Theodore, added, "When Cari comes out, let's ask her what happened. We can't let the Warren family dictate everything.""No matter the issue, Cari stayed loyal to Barrett for a whole year while he was away at war. She served his parents, treated his relatives well, and managed the household. He shouldn't be treating her like this. It's too much!" Theodore snapped, fuming."Please calm down, sir. We'll talk once everyone is here," Barrett said calmly.Barrett hadn't dared invite the neighbors since Valor Estate was surrounded by the residences of other officials. Inviting them to witness the divorce could damage his future prospects.Barrett had considered inviting an official from the Household Registry Department to stam
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 26
Carissa looked at her husband with a cold smile on her stunning face. "General Yates really has my best interests at heart, hmm? She's even helping me so that I can keep half of my dowry.""No, this isn't from Aurora. She didn't write this," Barrett argued.However, the signature at the end of the letter weakened his denial.Carissa raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Then, tell me, will you return my dowry in full if you divorce me today so I can take it with me?"Before reading the letter, Barrett would have agreed immediately, even against his parents' wishes. But Aurora had asked him to keep half the dowry. If he didn't follow her instructions, she would be very disappointed.Carissa laughed softly. "You're hesitating. Looks like you're not as honorable as you claim!"Her voice was gentle, but each word cut deeply. Though her smile looked warm on the surface, it carried a chill like the winter frost.Filled with shame and anger, Barrett couldn't say a word and simply watched hel
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 27
"Fifty percent!" Barrett declared.He was standing in the doorway, avoiding Carissa's gaze as he looked at everyone else in the room."We'll return fifty percent of her dowry. Lord Sinclair, if you and Mr. Sinclair disagree with this, you can take it up with the authorities and see if my actions are fair.""Fifty percent? How dare you! When Carissa married you, she brought a dowry so grand it stretched for miles! Do you know how much money, how many estates, shops, and businesses that were included? How dare you people be so greedy?!" Solomon exclaimed angrily.Clenching the crumpled letter in his hand, Barrett spoke in an icy voice, "I said, take it to court if you want. I've prepared the divorce agreement. You can review it first."He gestured for the steward to present the divorce agreement to Carissa, who reached out and took it. The steward sighed almost imperceptibly as he stepped back. Carissa had been a wonderful mistress. Why did Barrett have to divorce her?Carissa gl
Latest chapter
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1398
At precisely three in the afternoon, the long execution block was brought forward. The block was forged from ironwood, solid and unyielding. It was the only one of its kind in Starhaven, used solely for execution by Torso Cleaving.The block had been kept in storage for years.Augustus had once deemed the act of Torso Cleaving too brutal. Even those who committed the most grievous offenses were spared this form of execution. Yet, the punishment had not been abolished. It remained a tool to strike fear into the hearts of would-be traitors.The cruelty of Torso Cleaving lay in the fact that after a person was cleaved in two, the upper body could still crawl, struggle, and leave behind a bloody trail.Normally, Torso Cleaving wasn't meant to be witnessed by the public. But treason, betraying the kingdom, and plotting to overthrow the throne were considered unforgivable crimes. Salvador didn't know how many people had dealings with the traitors, and some conspirators were too deepl
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1397
The capital guards escorted Evelyn, Zoey, and Viola up to the execution platform. Evelyn's legs trembled, and she couldn't muster any strength. Her tears flowed uncontrollably, blurring her vision to the point that she could no longer see clearly."You foolish boy!" Evelyn let out a mournful cry, raising her hand and slapping Oliver's face. "You've disgraced your grandfather and your father! How can you face them in the afterlife?"Her slap lacked force; even as she exerted every ounce of her strength, Oliver barely felt the sting.Caught in a whirlwind of panic, Oliver's mind raced. Seeing his mom before him, he seemed to have found a lifeline in a stormy sea. He cried desperately, "Mom, save me! Please save me!"Evelyn, near exhaustion from her sorrow, could barely speak. "You've committed an unforgivable crime! How can I save you now? His Majesty once showed favor to you—how could you betray such grace?""Mom, I know I was wrong! I know it now!" Oliver cried, tears streaming do
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1396
After Evelyn finished crying, she didn't say much. However, she stubbornly insisted on going to deliver Oliver his final meal. Her eyes were swollen and her voice was thick with congestion, nearly a rasp. "I know the court allows family to see their loved ones before execution," she said, her tone strained. "I don't want anything else—just this one thing. I need to see him and make sure he's fed. I don't want him to die hungry and become a vengeful spirit."Tears began to fall once more as she cast a tearful glance at Zoey. "You have children, too. You should understand what it means to be a mother. To the world, he may be seen as the greatest of villains. But to me, he will always be that helpless child that hasn't changed."Zoey remained silent for a long moment, then finally said, "Mother, do you know how the final meeting is arranged? It is at the execution ground. Are you sure you want to see him getting decapitated?"Evelyn trembled, her body shaking with emotion. "You must
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1395
When Carissa went to the palace to deliver her report, she also expressed her sympathy for Zoey besides presenting the confession. She didn't hide her admiration for Zoey in her words.Despite her difficult life, Zoey still had a kind heart. She continuously gave out food and medicine. Even though her whole family now lived in Skye Embroidery, she never asked for the money she had given away to be returned.Furthermore, Zoey had shown great courage and moral integrity. She had publicly condemned her kin for the sake of the greater good—a rare quality that many men, even among the nobility, could not aspire to.Recognizing the need for such an example to inspire his people, Salvador immediately issued an edict praising Zoey. He granted her 100 gold coins and a residence.As for the exiled men from the Prince family, they could return to the capital after the Southern Frontier won the battle, along with the Hell Monarch.Zoey had turned an impossible situation around. Now, who would
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1394
Oliver was a notorious criminal, and he should have been sent directly to the Supreme Court. However, Carissa took a different route. She had him detained at the Capital Guard headquarters, where he was to be interrogated first. Afterward, she planned to report the matter to Salvador. She would credit Zoey for her tip, and then plead for Caspian and Cedric to be allowed to return to the capital as soon as possible.Celeste was still detained in the Capital Guard headquarters. If she and Oliver met, it might uncover more secrets—such as just how deeply the Spencer family's collateral branch was involved in this mess.The two prisoners were held in adjacent cells, separated by only a narrow iron bar. When their eyes met for the first time, both faces changed instantly.On the way here, Oliver kept cursing Zoey for betraying him. But when he saw Celeste, he completely forgot about Zoey. He snarled, his teeth clenched. "You wretched woman, look at you now! It's true—bad people get w
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1393
Carissa and Violet set off together to investigate, disguising themselves as ordinary visitors. Upon arriving at Glowmere Sanctuary, they first offered candles and prayers before seeking an audience with the abbot. They made their identities known and inquired about a priest named Reuben.The abbot immediately summoned the priest in charge of guests, Carson Jenkins, as it was Carson's responsibility to handle the arrangements for priests who came to stay at the temple.Glowmere Sanctuary was one of the three largest temples in the capital, with a bustling number of visitors each year wanting to stay and listen to teachings. However, very few were actually allowed to stay.Carson recalled Reuben clearly. Reuben's spiritual skills weren't particularly high; originally, he wasn't eligible to stay at Glowmere Sanctuary. However, a few years ago, he had spent considerable time in the Southern Frontier, helping to guide the souls of the dead. Such compassion was a rare virtue, and it wa
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1392
Zoey composed herself, her features hardening into a mask of calm. "You should leave quickly. Once I've gathered the money, I will come find you. Until then, don't wander around and avoid being seen by the Capital Guard."Sensing the concern in her voice, Oliver was relieved. Women, no matter how sharp they might be with others, always seemed to lack a certain sense when it came to their husbands. After all, which woman didn't long for her husband's love?"You must hurry," he urged, "three days, at most."Zoey feigned hesitation, as though the request weighed heavily on her. "Given our current circumstances, as you well know, how could I possibly gather 3,000 silver coins in just three days?"Oliver's eyes gleamed with resolve. "Isn't Courtney a part of the Hell Monarch's household now? I know you have your ways. I'll wait for your word. But remember—three days! And don't tell anyone about it, not even Mom or Viola."With that, he pulled his hat low over his face and turned to
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1391
The citywide search tightened, and it actually forced Oliver to come out of hiding. But he wasn't searching for Viola—he was searching for Zoey.She had gone to Hell Monarch Estate to deliver a set of clothing for Courtney today. While she was out, she decided to pick up a few things for the ladies of Skye Embroidery. Afterward, she was making her way back to the workshop through the west alley when Oliver appeared.Her first instinct was surprise.Hadn't he told Viola not to tell Zoey about his presence? Why would he risk coming here personally to see her?"My dear, it is I," came a voice from beneath a wide-brimmed hat.His face was obscured, but the voice—there was no mistaking it.For a moment, Zoey was too stunned to speak, but then a surge of fury gripped her. She clenched her teeth, trying to swallow the anger that threatened to consume her. With a swift glance, she confirmed that the alley was deserted.Her heart sank as she regretted her earlier complacency. She had ass
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1390
Zoey questioned Viola in detail, asking how she had come across Oliver, what state he was in now, and whether he had brought his child with him.Viola recounted, "I was out yesterday to buy a stew pot, hoping to make some medicinal broth for Mom. After I purchased it, he came up to me. I was startled at first, thinking it was some pervert."But when he called my name, I recognized his voice. His face was so dark and haggard, and his eyebrows were shaved off. He has lost so much weight. If I hadn't carefully examined him, I wouldn't have believed it was Oliver."Viola paused as she recalled the encounter and Zoey's earlier words, still feeling a sense of unease.She continued, "He didn't have a child with him. He was alone. He told me he was forced to flee, and now there are arrest warrants for him everywhere. He has no money left, and with a child to support, things are really difficult for him. He asked me to talk to Mom about gathering 3,000 silver coins."Zoey quickly asked, "I
