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Chapter 19
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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
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1556
During her investigation, Carissa learned a troubling piece of information from a young chamberlain. The caltrop Cecil had been playing with had indeed gone missing, and a palace maid had picked it up.The chamberlain had witnessed the moment the caltrop was picked up, and recognized the maid in question as Clara, who served Penelope, one of Salvador's concubines.It was clear to Carissa that Penelope had no reason to harm Connor. Her relationship with Grace and Sylvia was rather indifferent. Thus, Carissa formally petitioned Victoria for permission to conduct an inquiry within the harem and see if Clara was secretly loyal to someone else.As expected, Carissa uncovered that Clara had entered the palace years earlier as a low-ranking maid, assigned to laundry duty and forced to endure a hard life. She was from the same hometown as Lyra, one of Grace's trusted maids.Lyra helped Clara by making arrangements with the head maid, sending her to Penelope's residence to work as a cleaner
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1555
While Kylie was still fervently attempting to bring Cecil to Everspring Palace, Carissa arrived."I have long been waiting for you to ask me whether Prince Connor said anything before he passed, Your Majesty. Yet, you never did," she said, looking at the queen.Kylie sharply turned her head toward her, her expression filled with resistance. "There is no need to speak of it. He would have blamed me, for he was always angry with me.""On the contrary, he said that he loved you very much," Carissa replied.A bitter smile curled on Kylie's lips. She clearly didn't believe Carissa's words."He is gone. Why would you make up such things to make me sad?" she said.Carissa looked at the clear finger marks on Kylie's face and her swollen, red eyes. The pain of losing her son should have been a wound to the soul itself, yet here she was, scheming to bring Cecil to her side.Was it for revenge? Or was she trying to secure leverage, pushing Cecil to become the crown prince and crushing Grac
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1554
Victoria couldn't hold back her tears upon hearing those words. Connor was a dutiful child, and it was unfortunate that Kylie remained blind to that.Night had fully fallen by the time they set off.Kyle and Isaac, accompanied by Sebastian's apprentices, escorted them. The journey had been well-prepared by Rafael. The carriage wheels had been altered, and several layers of soft padding had been laid inside.Sebastian had also ensured that Connor's injuries were properly secured, wrapping him in several layers. Each layer was padded with cotton, both to keep him warm and to reduce the damage from the bumps during the journey.The bitter cold had driven everyone indoors, leaving the streets deserted. Snow fell in a steady, gentle stream, blanketing the cobblestones in a thin layer of frost. The carriage wheels crunched over the icy coating, the soft sound a contrast to the stillness of the night.Salvador watched for a long time, well past the point when the convoy had disappeared f
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1553
Connor had endured for three days, a feat that even Sebastian had not anticipated. Given the severity of his injuries, it was highly unlikely that he would survive past the second day, yet he defied expectations and lingered on.As had been mentioned earlier, his survival meant that the internal bleeding had ceased. Though the journey ahead wasn't ideal, it was their only option. They had to set out.Over the past three days, Victoria and Salvador had scarcely slept, remaining by Connor's side the entire time.Connor was only awake for brief moments. When he was, his face was pale from the excruciating pain, leaving him unable to speak. But when he opened his eyes and saw his grandmother and father, it seemed to give him the strength to keep going.He had no idea how much his determination had moved everyone. For three days, each time he woke, he endured the pain, only to drift back to sleep after the needle treatment. Asleep or awake, the only thing that filled his mind and dreams
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1552
Keith sighed. "Lady Sylvia, surely Prince Cecil must be allowed to speak for himself. Even if he is innocent, it should be him who says so.""There's no need for him to speak. What I say is the truth," Sylvia declared firmly.Her gaze shifted to Carissa, her eyes glinting with an icy, cutting hostility. "I know what you seek, Lady Carissa. You wish to satisfy your duty and claim merits. And since I have never treated you kindly, you will believe that Cecil and I are guilty, even when the evidence is not so clear. But I won't allow you to succeed. I won't allow you to harm my son. I will make my stand with my own life, if necessary."As soon as Sylvia finished speaking, she reached for the scissors on the table. With a swift, deliberate motion, she plunged it into her own throat.Carissa had already been on alert, but she didn't expect the concubine's actions to be so immediate and without any hesitation. By the time she reached Sylvia, the woman had already removed the scissors, an
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1551
By the time they arrived at Laurel Palace, the sky had darkened.Laurel Palace stood in an isolated corner of the palace district, separated from the Cold Palace by only a single wall. The bitter wind howled through the trees, its wailing like the cries of restless spirits.As Carissa led Victoria's head chamberlain, Keith, along the narrow path, she took note of the wild grass lining the way. Most of it was dry and brittle, with only the occasional pale green shoot clinging to life. Winter in the north was unforgiving. It allowed no sign of growth, just as the abandoned Cold Palace permitted no trace of hope.Ordinarily, Keith did not accompany Carissa on visits to the other residences. But this time, at Victoria's command, he had insisted on following her to Sylvia's chambers. Carissa understood the queen dowager's reasoning. Keith had served by her side the longest—if there was scheming afoot in the harem, none could decipher it better than he.It seemed Sylvia had been waiting
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1550
Grace seemed momentarily taken aback, her grip tightening on the handkerchief. "What is it, Your Grace? Do not hesitate to speak plainly.""Not long ago, the harem was abuzz with rumors. First, it was said that Lady Sylvia was responsible for Lady Jeanette's miscarriage. Then, the rumor shifted, claiming it was Queen Kylie. You've overseen the harem for so long, Lady Grace. You must have some idea of where these rumors originated and who might have spread them, yes?" Carissa asked.Caught off guard by the question, Grace's sorrowful expression stiffened for a moment as she exchanged a furtive glance with Lyra. But she quickly masked the slip and regained her composure."The palace has always been rife with gossip. There is no need to dwell on such matters. Perhaps you might focus on the investigation into Prince Connor's murder, Your Grace?" she replied."The queen dowager has ordered me to investigate thoroughly, starting from Lady Jeanette's miscarriage. So, while the case of Pri
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1549
Carissa paid a visit to Jeanette.Though the concubine did not explicitly say that Sylvia was responsible for the loss of her child, she did remark, "Those who commit wicked deeds will always face retribution. No one can escape it."The words seemed not only directed at Sylvia, but also at Kylie.As Carissa prepared to leave after questioning her, Jeanette suddenly spoke up, asking, "Your Grace, was it truly impossible to save Prince Connor?"Carissa assumed Jeanette's words were born of sympathy for Connor. But when she glanced at the concubine, she saw no trace of sorrow in her eyes, only a subtle glint of something resembling satisfaction.It was an emotion she clearly tried to conceal but could not, as though Jeanette had achieved a long-sought revenge. Carissa chose not to respond, instead turning on her heel to leave.Kylie had caused Jeanette's loss, so it was no surprise that she wouldn't wish for Connor's recovery.Carissa couldn't fault Jeanette for her feelings. How c
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1548
Kylie had always looked down on Grace.The latter's family lacked distinction, and her beauty could scarcely be considered remarkable. Her rise to the position of higher-ranked concubine seemed nothing more than the result of fortunate circumstances, particularly her giving birth to Caden.Kylie guessed that Grace also must be aware of her limited connections and support, which was why she had long exercised caution and humility. However, there were times when she could not resist harboring a few selfish thoughts. Yet, she dared not plot too aggressively.Such had been the case when Grace had sheltered Jeanette—likely in an attempt to solidify her position and strengthen her influence in the harem by using the other woman as a pawn. Despite Grace's attentions, Jeanette had remained ungrateful, resenting the way she constantly placed Caden in Salvador's presence.Grace always had a habit of making things harder for herself, which was why Kylie had never held her in much regard.Now
