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Chapter 23
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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
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 28
Rebecca's words silenced Theodore and Solomon, leaving them unable to utter a word.She was right—the Sinclair family lacked capable individuals. In contrast, Barrett was currently in the limelight. Especially with Aurora by his side, their future prospects were indeed promising."Mom, that's enough. Let's drop this topic."Barrett didn't want things to escalate. He just wanted to settle this matter quickly and focus on preparing for his wedding with Aurora. He never intended to take half of Carissa's dowry, so he felt guilty towards the Sinclair family.The others hadn't said much. The Warren family members felt just as guilty but were unable to be vocal like Rebecca.This was especially true for Beatrice's side of the family. Rebecca's words were particularly grating to them. She sounded like a villainess who had just come away victorious. Beatrice now regretted coming, as the situation left her feeling utterly inhumane."Carissa, bring out the dowry list! I know you've hidden
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 29
Barrett stared at Carissa in shock.Her combat skills weren't just a bit better than his—it was leagues beyond. Even ten of him wouldn't stand a chance against her.Why had she never mentioned her martial prowess before?Carissa held the dowry list, smiling at him. Her smile was bright and radiant, like the dazzling sun. But then, with a swift motion, she lifted and dropped the list. It fluttered down like snowflakes in winter, turning into shreds of paper.Rebecca's heart shattered at the sight.Enraged, she shouted, "You've destroyed the dowry list! Fine, get out! You can't take anything from here, not even your clothes!"Carissa chuckled. "Do you think anyone can stop me if I decide to take something from the estate?"Rebecca seethed with anger. "You dare? If you take anything, I'll report you to the officials immediately. Barret divorced you! You can't take a single penny of the dowry!"She leaned on her maid's arm, commanding urgently, "Guards, throw her out! Not even her
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 30
Carissa bowed deeply, her shoulders relaxing as she sighed in relief.The royal edict had come at last."I thank His Majesty for his grace," she said gratefully.Barrett's face turned pale; he was frozen in shock.When Carissa went to the palace, she had actually sought permission from the king to divorce him? Not to obstruct his marriage to Aurora?Had she planned to divorce him ever since she learned about his and Aurora's marriage?!Barrett thought Carissa had done all those things to possess him exclusively. So, he had seen her as jealous, petty, selfish, narrow-minded, unable to tolerate others, and even despicable.But it wasn't like that...Barrett felt an indescribable feeling in his heart as he watched Carissa receive the edict. A warm smile appeared on her face, radiant and captivating.Suddenly, he remembered the first time he saw her. Captivated by her beauty, he had even forgotten how to breathe. But then, he met Aurora...Rebecca was also taken aback. She had ne
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 31
"Alright!" Theodore replied as he wiped tears from his eyes.Though he couldn't see the young girl before him clearly, he could feel her spirited determination and was deeply relieved."Let's not linger here any longer. You might pick up some bad luck. I'm leaving now; you should also depart soon," Theodore added."I will, Granduncle Theodore," Carissa replied respectfully.Standing up, she walked her great-granduncle and Solomon out of the manor.Beatrice also decided to leave. Initially, she had planned to speak with Carissa. But since the older woman had stayed silent while the Warren family gave Carissa a hard time, Beatrice didn't have the nerve to say anything now. So, she would act like she hadn't come today.The Warren family remained rooted in place, seemingly unable to accept this outcome.Carissa was suddenly the legitimate daughter of a duke, and her husband could even inherit the title. This was unprecedented. How was it possible for someone with a different surname
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1564
Spring rain was as precious as gold, even if the April showers came a little later than expected.Salvador stood outside the royal study, looking at the lamps swaying in the rainy night. Everything around him felt like a dream, a mix of reality and illusion.Rafael's figure had long disappeared into the rain, no longer visible. A bitter feeling stirred in the king's heart as he remembered how his brother had taken the medicine without hesitation, as if accepting the outcome without a second thought.While Salvador felt a sense of relief, it was tinged with a deep discomfort. He had pushed his younger brother into this situation.Rafael and Carissa were still young. Even without concubines, the couple could easily have three to five children in the future. But having taken the medicine, Rafael's line would end. Even if it could continue through adoption, it would never be the same as having a biological child.How could Rafael not feel an ounce of regret?As an older brother, Salv
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1563
"Has His Majesty grown suspicious of you again?" asked Carissa, startled to see the pill.Rafael shook his head. "Not at all. In fact, he trusts me more now. Many of the reports go through me and Mr. Murray before they reach him.""Then, why?" Carissa asked, confused."There are three reasons," Rafael replied, putting the pill down and holding her hand. "First, His Majesty trusts me now because he's been through so much. Also, his health has stabilized, which has eased his suspicions. But if his health falters again, and I have too much power and even children at the time, he might see me as a threat."Carissa nodded in understanding. "We can wait a few more years before having children, right? Wasn't the medicine you took previously supposed to last for five years? Since that time has passed, could you take another pill to buy us five more years?"Rafael squeezed her hand tightly. "This is the same pill. The first time, it lasts for five years. But if I take it again, it will pre
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1562
In the end, Grace couldn't hold out for long and passed on.When she learned that Caden, having lost his mind, had been sent away to a monastery to spend his days, she was already near the end of her strength. The pain, relentless as a shadow, gnawed at her day and night. And on a bitterly cold night, she breathed her last.Victoria took charge for a time, sending away all the palace servants involved. What happened to them remained unknown to Carissa and the others.With the sudden loss of the queen and two high-ranking concubines, coupled with the queen dowager's declining health, the task of overseeing the harem fell to Penelope for the time being.Salvador had no plans to marry again. He preferred to keep the harem simple and avoid any further complications.But despite her best efforts, Penelope lacked the strength to handle things properly. Every few days, there was some new problem. The matter of the concubines' allowances and the monthly payments to the servants caused end
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1561
Kylie stood frozen, her body tense with fear and sweat beading on her brow as she saw the black silk ribbon coming toward her neck. Desperate, she tried to talk her way out of it, her voice shaking."N-no, it's not too late. His Majesty loves Connor dearly. He wouldn't let him be without a mother. I must care for him myself. No one can take away my right to be his mother!"She paused, gasping for breath before adding, "And Lady Carissa once said... she said that Connor loves me. Those were his words. He's wounded, alone, and heading to Eldermere Keep. He can't go without me. I must go to him!"As the silk wrapped around her neck, Kylie cried out sharply, "Your Majesty, you can't do this! What have I done wrong? Lady Grace tried to kill Connor and wasn't sentenced to death, yet you're going to execute me just because I've been foolish? I've hurt no one!"Derek paused momentarily. There were things he wasn't supposed to say, but thinking of the injured Connor stirred his compassion.
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1560
Kylie's sobs ceased abruptly. For a moment, she stood frozen.Her voice trembled with disbelief as she asked, "What did you say, Your Majesty? Connor is not dead?"How could he not be dead? The funeral had already been carried out, and he had been laid to rest. The entire court knew of his passing.Salvador gazed steadily at her and said, "He is not dead, but gravely wounded. Both of his legs were shattered. If he survives, he'll never walk again. Healer Dalton has taken him to Eldermere Keep for treatment. If he recovers, he'll live under a new name. If not, at least the keep is a good place to lay him to rest."Realizing that the king didn't seem to be lying, a sudden wave of hope and joy surged in the queen's heart. But right after, confusion set in."If he is alive, why was the funeral held? Why not treat him here in the capital? What if his injuries aren't as bad as they seem? What if you've been deceived by Healer Dalton, Your Majesty? He's close to Lady Carissa, who has alw
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1559
Salvador didn't grant Grace a swift death.Instead, he commanded that her legs be shattered—one brutal strike at a time. Flesh split, blood pooled, and gleaming white bone pierced through torn skin.The pain was so unbearable that Grace lost consciousness multiple times. After hours of torment, she was unceremoniously cast aside, her broken form left to suffer in the Cold Palace.Salvador personally led Caden to the Cold Palace, his expression as cold as the wind that swept through its desolate halls.The king pointed at Grace, who lay curled on the ground and howling in pain, then said to Caden, "Your elder brother suffered far worse when he fell from his horse. His pain was unbearable. He died from it—slowly, and with no reprieve."Caden had long since been reduced to tears, his face streaked with grief and regret. As his legs gave out beneath him, he collapsed onto the cold stone floor, hands clamped over his ears as if that might drown out his mother's screams.Salvador then
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1558
Caden's eyes were wide with terror and his expression was one of sheer horror, as though he had been suddenly awakened from a nightmare.Gasping for air, he clutched his ears and shouted desperately, "No! Mom, I don't want this! I don't want my brother to die! I don't want it..."Grace collapsed to the ground. From the moment Salvador had taken out the caltrop, it was as if all her strength had been drained from her body, leaving her crumpled on the floor.However, Salvador paid her no mind. His gaze remained fixed on Caden, the coldness in his eyes unyielding."It is too late. Your elder brother is dead. You killed him," said the king.Caden whirled around, his head slamming into Grace's abdomen. A shrill, anguished cry escaped his lips as he shouted, "You lied to me! You said he wouldn't die! You said that he would only be crippled! You lied to me! You lied to me! I killed my brother—"The force of the impact left Grace breathless, her insides twisting painfully as if they migh
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1557
Grace received Salvador's arrival with a sense of dread.The past days had been filled with Carissa's relentless probing, which had left Grace in a state of terror. Yet, despite her fear, a small spark of hope still flickered within her.Connor was dead, while Cecil was but a child and of frail health. It was Caden—intelligent as well as gifted in both studies and martial arts—who was undoubtedly the most suitable choice for the throne.If not Caden, then who? Could it truly be Cecil?If Caden were chosen, Grace was certain she wouldn't be blamed for anything. Salvador wouldn't tarnish the reputation of the birth mother of the crown prince and future king.Now, as Salvador arrived at Iridescent Palace, Grace's heart began to race. His presence could only mean one of two things. Either he had come to check on Caden's progress and finalize his selection as crown prince, or—more dangerously—he had come with evidence and questions regarding the events that had unfolded.Either way, t
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
