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Chapter 297
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 298
When the question was raised, everyone realized that Carissa was absent.It was indeed strange. Given that she was about to marry into the family, she should have been present at Helen's tea party today.In the midst of the confusion, Helen said coolly, "This tea party of mine isn’t an event that just anyone can attend."Her words made everyone understand the situation—Helen clearly did not favor her future daughter-in-law.That made sense.Though Carissa came from a distinguished family and had military achievements, she was a woman who had once divorced. Rafael was a prince, and he was far above her in status.Whispers and murmurs spread among the guests. Margaret felt uncomfortable, and disapproved of Helen's behavior. Even if Helen didn't like Carissa, the marriage had already been confirmed, and a certain level of decorum should be maintained.Margaret glanced at her daughter-in-law, Jessica, who was engaged in conversation with Serena. She shook her head.After all these
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 299
With a tearful expression, Serena bowed deeply to thank Helen. She then cast a desperate look towards Jessica.Jessica's face darkened. What was this foolish woman doing today? She had directly embarrassed her!The onlookers suppressed their laughter. Helen was easily flattered—a few compliments could make her open her heart. It was easy to please her or to deceive her out of money, but she took great pride in her son. Anyone who aimed for Rafael was crossing a line that could not be tolerated.Jessica was seething with anger, but had no choice but to maintain silence with a stiff expression.However, Eleanor simply smiled and took a slow sip of her tea. She said, "It was merely a jest. Why would anyone take it seriously? Rafael's princess consort hasn't even married into the family yet, so what talk of a second wife? Jessica, you were too kind-hearted. That girl from the Warren family shed a few tears and you pitied her, so you spoke up for her before Helen. And Helen, how c
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 300
Eleanor's casual remark undoubtedly confirmed Jessica's claims."It's no wonder Lady Helen dislikes Carissa—she must have used such underhanded tactics.""It's shocking to think that someone of the duke's direct lineage would resort to such a despicable method.""Lady Heather, now I understand why you've kept your distance. It turns out there's a reason for it."Heather held her cup of tea; she looked as though she wanted to speak, but caught Eleanor's icy gaze. She managed a bitter smile, took a sip of her tea, and remained silent.Helen felt unsettled. The decision not to invite Carissa was meant to show her who was truly in charge, a reminder not to get above herself. Yet, the fact that Carissa was Rafael's future wife was a reality Helen could not change. She didn't want her future daughter-in-law being talked about in such a manner.Eleanor's words, however, left her at a loss. Though Eleanor spoke with apparent sincerity, Helen had no way of disproving the latter’s claims.
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 301
Eleanor and Jessica’s expressions turned incredibly sour.Eleanor had always prided herself on her refined taste. She had almost acquired Kyle’s orchid painting, only for it to be torn to shreds. She was ridiculed for it, and since then, she harbored a grudge against Kyle. After all, her love for the arts was just a pretense. She didn’t genuinely appreciate the painting or the painter.Serena awkwardly found a corner to sit in, not daring to speak further. Deep down, she felt indignant. Why should Carissa have such a famous guild senior?Eleanor and Jessica were now silent. Their earlier comments about Carissa seemed like a complete joke. Even the king and the prime minister had personally gone to visit—how grand must that event be? And here they were, hiding and mocking Carissa. It was petty, and showed a severe lack of class.Thinking back to Eleanor and Jessica’s slanderous remarks, Serena realized how she had chimed in as well and had acted like a petty person.Heather's
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 302
Margaret's words left Helen feeling both proud and a bit guilty. Helen had deliberately not invited Carissa today to give the latter a hard time, but Carissa didn’t seem to mind at all. Instead, she even sent a masterpiece from her guild senior as a gift.This made Helen realize that Carissa not only knew how to conduct herself, but was also generous and magnanimous. In comparison, Helen now felt she had been petty and narrow-minded.Noticing the envy and jealousy in the eyes of the other concubines, Helen’s opinion of Carissa improved—if only just a little. She wasn't willing to give her too much credit, after all.Eleanor and her daughter walked over to take a look at the painting. While they were indeed impressed, since the painting wasn't theirs, they felt the need to belittle it.Eleanor disregarded her status and past displays of good manners, and said, "Kyle is known for his orchid paintings. If she truly wanted to give you something, it should have been an orchid painti
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 303
Eleanor was left speechless by Margaret's sharp retort. She was stunned in anger for a long time. Finally, she stood up with a cold laugh. “You clearly know nothing about art, yet you use this as a pretext to argue. It seems you and I can hardly exchange a single word without clashing. I shall take my leave.”After finishing her sentence, she shot a fierce glare at Helen. Helen was momentarily stunned—what had she done to offend Eleanor? After all, it was Margaret who had crossed her. Why was Eleanor glaring at her?Still, Helen had suffered enough under Eleanor's hand before. Also, given their business dealings, she didn’t want to provoke her further. So, she asked, “Your Highness, won’t you stay a bit longer to enjoy the paintings?”Eleanor walked over to Helen and leaned in close to whisper, though her tone carried a clear hint of threat, “I do intend to enjoy them. After everyone’s finished, you’ll send the paintings to my residence. I expect them delivered by the end of t
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 304
As Helen stepped into the main hall, she noticed that Salvador, Jeremiah, and many high-ranking officials were already there. Even Rafael was engaged in conversation with a handsome young man dressed in a blue coat.The moment they saw her enter, everyone, including the king, rose to their feet and greeted her.Helen’s mood instantly brightened. While she was accustomed to being revered by the other ladies, she rarely had the chance to interact with the men of the court. Now, with even the king and the prime minister paying their respects to her, she felt a surge of pride, nearly to the point of overwhelming vanity.At that moment, she completely forgot the frustrations she had harbored during the carriage ride. After returning everyone’s greetings and gestures of respect, she was promptly escorted to the seat of honor.It felt amazing.Although Helen had lived a life of unparalleled prestige, never before had she been honored in such a manner—being greeted by the court ministers
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 305
Carissa appreciated the sentiment, and joked with a smile, "Since everyone loves Kyle's paintings so much, you'd probably all be complaining about me behind my back if I said I wouldn't sell them.""We wouldn't dare," said Davis, the Defense Minister, with a laugh. Then he said loudly, "Even if you don't sell them, we wouldn't complain about you, General Sinclair. I'll be the first to take issue with whoever dares do that!"What a joke!How could one criticize such a talented young general? Anyone who did would be in trouble with the Ministry of Defense!The noblewomen outside exchanged glances. They were aware that Carissa had achieved military merits, but she was still a woman. How many men truly held her in high regard?Though Davis' words seemed like a joke, his expression was serious.The ladies who had once spoken ill of Carissa with Eleanor now felt a pang of regret. If their disparaging words reached Carissa's ears and offended her, they might have caused trouble for th
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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
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1547
Sitting in front of her vanity table, Sylvia suddenly recalled that the dress she had once asked her mother to order from Camila had been delivered. She had intended to wear it at the New Year's Eve banquet.The dress was a rich shade of sunset yellow, embroidered with delicate camellia flower blossoms. Charming and vivid, the hem of the skirt flowed in graceful waves, the brightness of its color giving it an air of both beauty and refinement.Sylvia asked Heidi to bring the dress over and help her into it. She gazed into the mirror, entranced by her own reflection. While doing so, she noted that although she looked a little haggard, she remained as stunning as ever. Her skin was still pale and smooth, free from the slightest sign of age or fatigue.Her slender, pale fingers traced the intricate embroidery as she murmured softly to herself, "Ms. Moore's needlework is indeed extraordinary. This dress surpasses even the finest dress I own. How truly exquisite."Heidi knelt at her sid
