LOGINShare
Chapter 232
Related chapters
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 233
Margaret insisted on accepting only one silver coin. No matter how Carissa tried to persuade her otherwise, the older woman simply refused to take more. In the end, Carissa had no choice but to accept Margaret's gesture of goodwill.As Margaret was about to leave, she said, "I feel a connection with you, my dear. If you ever find the time, you're welcome to visit my humble home. Or perhaps, I could come to your residence and we could have a chat."This was a clear indication that Margaret wished for their two families to maintain a relationship in the future.Carissa understood that this wasn't an attempt to curry favor. She was well aware of the traditions in the Marquis of Ironridge's household. They had no need to ingratiate themselves with anyone. After all, they were a prestigious family with a hundred-year legacy, with many of their members holding high-ranking positions at court.Regardless, it was always better to have more friends than enemies, especially when there was a
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 234
Jessica returned to Harmony Palace, where she and her mother now faced the backlash of the insults they had once reveled in when they were directed at Carissa. The more satisfaction they had felt then, the greater their anger was now.Eleanor was especially angry since the rumors about the concubines in Harmony Palace had spread. She began to suspect that someone close to her had leaked the information. She started a thorough investigation, which caused turmoil within the residence.Adding to the chaos, Jessica, frustrated and unhappy at her marital home, took out her anger on the maids at Harmony Palace every day.Jessica had assumed that staying at her mother's home for a few days would prompt Leopold to come and take her back. To her surprise, not only did he not come, but even the servants from the Winchester residence didn't come to invite her back.Instead, Jessica heard that her mother-in-law had gone to Northwatch Estate to apologize to Carissa.That realization made her h
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 235
In the blink of an eye, it was already mid-August, and the Starlight Harvest Festival was approaching. Even so, Rafael still had not returned.Carissa found it strange that he had not come back yet, especially since it had been over a month since he left. Initially, he had said he would just drop in for a greeting, then return immediately.The journey to Meadow Ridge should have only taken two or three days. Even with a few days of rest and accounting for the round trip, he should have been back within ten days.Could something have happened at Meadow Ridge?Coincidentally, Carissa received a letter from Violet. It was several pages long, filled with amusing stories from Meadow Ridge. Violet mentioned that Travis had ended up being confined by his master as punishment for the cosmetics he had bought—though thankfully, not beaten.Carissa couldn't help but smile.The letter also congratulated her on her upcoming marriage, saying that her friends at Meadow Ridge were preparing a gr
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 236
The midday meal was light—Carissa had only a bowl of chicken soup before she went to the family chapel to pay her respects.The Sinclair family was a prominent clan with their own sanctuary hall, where memorial plaques of Carissa's parents, brothers, and in-laws were enshrined. However, as a woman, she was not permitted to enter the hall to worship and could only bow her head outside.The only way for a woman to "enter" the sanctuary hall was after their death, through the placement of a memorial plaque. As Carissa was a daughter, she would marry out of the Sinclair family eventually and could never enter—only the women who married into the Sinclair family had that right.Thus, after her father and brothers fell in battle, Carissa had a small shrine set up in the family chapel, where she placed their plaques to facilitate seasonal rites. After the massacre, she had also moved the plaques of her mother, sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews to the shrine.Frederick had prepared the
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 237
Dylan continued to speak, sometimes with hiccups as he recounted the events in fragments.As the group of beggars scattered, Rafael happened to look up and see a child beggar who looked a lot like Carrisa's nephew, Ryan. The child beggar had a limp and moved slowly. When Rafael attempted to approach and catch him, a cart suddenly appeared and crashed into several people.While helping others in the aftermath of the crash, Rafael glanced at the limping child beggar. A burly man soon picked him up and loaded him onto a horse cart.Instinctively, Rafael called out, "Ryan!"The child beggar's head jerked up, and he stared at Rafael in disbelief.Rafael immediately tried to pursue, but the same cart that had crashed earlier came rushing at him. It blocked his path and knocked several people to the ground. Rafael leaped over obstacles and finally reached the horse cart, only to find that both the burly man and the child beggar had vanished.The streets of Greenbrook County were crowded
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 238
When Lulu handed over the bag to Carissa, her hands were trembling.No one wanted to believe the news was true because, during the initial headcount following the massacre, no one had been missing. The household's young servants and young masters and mistresses, especially the children, had all been accounted for.Carissa's mind refused to accept it, though her heart clung to a sliver of hope.The scene that haunted her was not just the severed head, but also the clothing of the body. Though it had been stained with blood, Carissa had recognized the outfit as Ryan's. It was the same one she had made for him when she returned to her family home and prepared clothes for all her nieces and nephews.Carissa took the bag, her gaze vacant as she murmured, "Lulu, I'm just going to see for myself. I know it's probably not him, and I don't hold out much hope, but... but please fetch Ryan's favorite toy from Azure Hall. It's the slingshot I made for him, engraved with his name. I even painte
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 239
After five days, Carissa arrived in Eldoria just past noon.Although she had stayed in inns along the way, she had barely eaten and limited her intake of water, fearing that frequent stops during the day would waste precious time. In those five short days, she had lost considerable weight.Following the address Dylan had given her, she led her horse and asked for directions until she found Unit 13 on Verdant Lane.This was a property owned by the Eldorian governor. Dylan had mentioned that Rafael and the child beggar were staying here.Carissa was parched and exhausted as she stood outside the gate. The residence was located down a spacious alley. A man was stationed at the gate, dressed in official attire. He must be a guard Rafael had borrowed from the government to stand watch.Noticing the woman with a horse who hesitated to knock, the guard cautiously asked, "Are you Lady Sinclair?"Carissa nodded. She was unable to speak, feeling as if something was clogging her throat and
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 240
Carissa pulled the child from Rafael's arms and held him tightly to her chest.It was heartbreaking to see that the boy was nothing but skin and bones. A foul odor emanated from him—a mixture of decay, filth, and possibly old blood. His hair clung in matted clumps, adding to the overall stench.Yet, Carissa embraced him as if he were the most precious treasure in the world, her tears streaming down her face uncontrollably.The child, now in her arms, ceased his struggles. He lay still, like a broken doll, his tears streaking through the grime on his face, creating yellowish trails. Gone was the fierce resistance he had shown Rafael. Now, the boy seemed lifeless, his eyes staring blankly despite the tears.Seeing this, Rafael's long-held anxiety eased as he confirmed that the child was indeed of the Sinclair bloodline. It was a relief to know that a trace of the Sinclair family remained, though Rafael was puzzled about how Ryan had ended up in the hands of traffickers after escaping
Latest chapter
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
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
