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Chapter 335
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 336
Standing to the side, Jessica smiled as she said, "Mom, that won't do. If Carissa questions us later and blames Aunt Helen, wouldn't it be... Oh, never mind, Aunt Helen wouldn't dare."The mother and daughter duo were clearly manipulating Helen, whose "innocence" bordered on frightening, making her particularly susceptible to provocations.Helen immediately responded, "It's just a few Mystic Pearls. Do you think she'll really get angry at me?"Earlier, she had worried about Carissa's powerful backing and how she might struggle as a mother-in-law. But now, after a few words, she felt emboldened. Her concern seemed to have evaporated.Helen rose from her seat, chin held high. Gillian accompanied her as she made her way to the side hall.Outside, the guests were still enjoying the banquet and making toasts. There were only a few guards watching over the wedding gifts. After all, the guests in the residence were of high status, none of whom would dare to commit petty theft.It was Ja
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 337
Jacob didn't make a fuss. It was Rafael's wedding day, so everything else had to take a backseat.What was Helen thinking? How could she take items from her daughter-in-law's dowry and give them to someone else? Was such behavior even possible for a rational person?Jacob sighed. He couldn't understand how an honored concubine like Helen, who seemed so "innocent," could have given birth to such a wise and perceptive son like Rafael.-Carissa had only gone through one round of toasts when Rafael took her to their new suite. As the groom, Rafael couldn't leave the banquet so quickly and would have to return soon. Even now, as Carissa watched him leave after he escorted her back to the suite, her hand still seemed to hold the warmth of his touch.The room was warmed by a brazier, providing a cozy comfort that seeped into her very heart.It turned out that matters of the heart couldn't be controlled. Carissa tried to restrain her emotions, but was helpless to stop them from sinking
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 338
Lily applied the cream to Carissa's other hand, her brows furrowing slightly to hide the sadness in her eyes."When you initially returned to discuss your marriage, you were met with a sea of suitors. Many noble families came to seek your hand."Carissa nodded. "I know about that.""Yes, but there is something you may not know. At that time, you hadn't yet returned from Meadow Ridge," Lily continued, gently rubbing the cream into Carissa's hand.Lily sighed softly. "Back then, the news of the duke and the young masters' deaths reached us. The battlefield needed a general, so the Hell Monarch was appointed as the Grand Marshal to reclaim the Southern Frontier."Carissa withdrew her hand, rubbing it herself, her gaze lowering as her eyelashes grew damp. "I know all this, Lily. You don't need to tell me."Talking about her father and brothers made her heart ache deeply."Listen to what I have to say to the end," Lily said, fighting back tears, knowing she couldn't let a single tear
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 339
After Lily finished speaking, a maid entered with a bowl of steaming chicken noodle soup. Carissa had been hungry moments before, but now, seeing the hot soup, she suddenly lost her appetite."You should eat. Your mother, watching from above, would be very happy to see you marrying Prince Rafael today. I promise you that," Lily said gently.Carissa's tears fell into the broth as she held the bowl of soup.Choking up, she said, "This phoenix crown is so heavy... It's causing me such pain in my neck that I feel like crying."Trying to hold back her own tears, Lily wiped Carissa's tears away but understood that a new bride could cry if she wished."Silly girl, finish your soup, then we'll remove the crown, change your clothes, and help you take a bath. Tonight, there's much celebration outside. Prince Rafael probably won't return to the suite until after midnight."Carissa took a few spoonfuls of the soup, her sobs softening. "Where's the dagger he sent? Didn't Mom give him a token
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 340
In preparation for her marriage, Carissa had acquired numerous new outfits.Along with the engagement gifts from Rafael, her collection included many pieces of luxurious brocade and cloud satin. Her trunk was filled with clothing for every season—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—all in varying colors and with exquisite embroidery. There was even a separate trunk for fox fur and heavy cloaks.Looking at the engagement gifts and dowry items now, she felt she had more than enough clothing for a lifetime. The garments she wore today and those freshly arranged in her wardrobe were intended for the coming days. They were mostly vibrant in color but remained elegant rather than gaudy.Carissa found that blue hues suited her exceptionally well.The outfit she wore tonight was a gentle shade of blue. Not a dark blue, but rather light blue with a hint of lavender, which highlighted her snow-like skin and complemented her beauty mark.The outer layer made of cloud satin was incredibly soft
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 341
Lulu nodded in understanding and hurried off to fetch hot water, to be used to freshen up Rafael's hands and face.Carissa had just settled her husband onto the divan when Lulu returned and said, "Sage Adrian and Mr. Spencer, along with the other guild members, forced His Highness to drink. Deputy Ziegler said His Highness couldn't refuse, so they poured a lot for him. They drank rose wine with people from other guilds."Carissa frowned. "My master had someone force His Highness to drink?"Wasn't that just bullying? With so many guild members around, each one having a cup, they could have made Rafael drink until he vomited blood."Yes, he drank a lot. But isn't the rose wine from the Lunar Guild supposed to be mild? Why was it so strong?" asked Lulu."It's likely that my master brewed the wine, so it's not the kind the Lunar Guild usually provides," Carissa replied.She glanced at Rafael, whose cheeks and ears were flushed red from the alcohol. It seemed unlikely they would be ab
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 342
Lily watched from the side, deciding to leave the couple to sort things out themselves. Whether it ended in a fight or a scolding, Carissa and Rafael would handle it on their own.Carissa was upset, and if Lily stayed to offer advice, she might only fuel her anger. Carissa wasn't angry with Rafael but with Adrian. Lily left the room, understanding that it was better to leave the couple alone, so that Carissa would feel sorry for her husband, given the state he was in.After wiping Rafael's face and cleaning his hands, Carissa gave him some water to rinse his mouth. It helped him feel more awake.He was indeed clearer-headed now, even able to notice that Carissa was still upset. He understood it wasn't directed at him, but found her all the more beautiful when her delicate face was clouded with displeasure.The candles cast a warm glow throughout the room, and the intertwined knots hung around the lanterns seemed to warm his heart.Rafael cleared his throat softly and asked, "I mad
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 343
Rafael took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the tears from the corners of Carissa's eyes."I'm not foolish at all. What use is military power? How can it compare to you? With the country at peace, holding onto military power would only provoke jealousy and lead to future troubles. Even if the king hadn't forced me, I would have given it up."Rafael even smiled with a hint of pride. "If he hadn't pressured me, I'd still be worrying about how to propose to you. With the edict given, I believed you would choose me over becoming a concubine. He actually helped me."Carissa shot him a teasing glance. "You're actually pleased about it? Really, you're the type who gets scammed and would still thank the scammer for it."Her playful reproach seemed to touch his heart deeply, making him feel like he was on cloud nine."It doesn't matter. I've achieved what I wished for," said Rafael.Carissa lowered her gaze, feeling a sweet satisfaction in her heart.Achieving what one wished for—was
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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
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1573
Salvador had temporarily settled at Eldermere Keep. The place was filled with every kind of medicine, yet his illness had reached a point where no remedy could ease his suffering.Still, staying there brought him peace. It was as if he had finally set down a heavy burden and could now live as an ordinary father. He spent each day with his son, sharing simple moments together.Carissa was allowed to visit and spend some time with Connor. He asked her about Ryan, specifically inquiring whether he had made any new friends."Ryan has no other friends but you. He always thinks about you," she reassured with a smile, thinking the eldest prince might be jealous.Connor was quiet for a long while, his expression tinged with guilt. Finally, with a deep sadness in his eyes, he softly said, "I have friends now, like Otto. Ryan should have his own friends too. I always think about him, but... I don't think I'll ever see him again."Carissa gently patted his head and smiled. "The future is lon
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1572
After the sun set behind the mountains, the temperature began to drop. Salvador had been carried up the mountain, but now, he was carrying Connor on his back as they made their way back into the estate.Connor had his arms tightly wrapped around Salvador's thin shoulders, and he couldn't stop the tears from falling. This was a scene he had never even dared to dream of. Not only had he never imagined being carried by his father, but even something as simple as having his father gently pat his head had always seemed like an impossible wish.But his father was so thin; there was no flesh on his back at all. How had he become so frail?Carissa and the others waited outside the gates. Not even Galen had been allowed in. Only Salvador's most loyal attendants, those who had carried the litter, were permitted to enter. The others, of course, were kept away from Connor. They all believed that Salvador had come to Eldermere Keep solely to recover from his illness.The estate itself was full
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1571
Salvador didn't fare well along the long and tiring journey, his condition worsening with each passing day. Sebastian did what he could—applying needle treatment and using medicine—but all he could offer was temporary relief. As they pressed on, the king's condition only seemed to deteriorate further.Fortunately, Salvador was a man of remarkable willpower. Despite his suffering, he gritted his teeth and carried on, unwilling to give in. He could not afford to back down—not now.Eldermere Keep lay in the southern province of Mendoria, where the climate was mild and temperate, perfect for someone needing rest and recovery. Even though it was now winter, the air was neither cold nor biting, more akin to the gentler days of autumn.The locals knew little of Eldermere Keep, though they often spoke of a physician's office that was the largest in Mendoria, as big as the one in the capital, also called Arcane Sanctum. There were other keeps, but this one was renowned for its abundance of r
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1570
Before Salvador left the capital, Rafael had already become regent and taken on the required duties. With his great military achievements, he had earned respect from both civil and military officials. At first, no one questioned his authority, and many even held him in high regard.However, with Salvador now ill and traveling incognito, rumors began to spread within the palace, warning people to be wary of the regent. The fear was that, as Cecil was still so young, Rafael might take advantage of the situation and eventually replace him.As often the case, such suspicion and rumors spread like wildfire, fueled by the mouths of many. Consequently, a number of officials lost their previous respect for Rafael. They even began to disregard his orders, paying them little heed and carrying out his commands half-heartedly.Noticing this troubling shift, Davis felt a sense of urgency. He decided to speak with Patrick, the Minister of Justice, who was also Cecil's grandfather and the father o
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1569
On the day of the first snowfall, a sudden idea struck Salvador. He hadn't attended court in some time, and now, seated on the throne, he declared his plans for a private journey to admire Starhaven's beautiful landscapes. As for the kingdom affairs, they had already been entrusted to Rafael, and that arrangement would remain unchanged.As Salvador appeared very thin and weary, many court officials tried to advise against the trip. But once he had made up his mind, there was no swaying him. He insisted that Carissa and Galen accompany him, along with Sebastian and Dorian.The very next day, they set off.It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision—Salvador had already discussed the matter with Rafael and Carissa beforehand. Sebastian had advised against it, but the king's mind was made up, so the renowned physician had no choice but to accompany him.While Salvador certainly wanted to see more of the kingdom, his true destination was Eldermere Keep, as he longed to see his son one last
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1568
Eustace waited patiently for Violet to finish her greetings before he could finally choke back his emotions."Rise, you little imp," he said softly, his voice thick with feeling.Violet slowly stood, her eyes brimming with tears. She tilted her head back, fighting to hold them in.At that moment, she regretted her decision. Why had she been so stubborn? Why had she insisted on getting married in the capital when none of her relatives were here?"Dad, once the wedding is over today, may we return with you? We can hold a celebration at home. Afterward, we can go to the guild and host another, if that's all right," Violet suggested.Eustace was pleased by the thought, but didn't want his daughter to wear herself out with so much traveling."Didn't you say you don't have many friends in Ebonflow? That's why you didn't want a grand wedding there," he reminded her."I don't, but you do, Dad, and so does our family. I can't be so selfish. I don't want you to be embarrassed because of m
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1567
Carissa had intended to spend more time talking with Violet today, but she had forgotten how many little tasks came with weddings. The hired bride attendants arrived to do Violet's hair and makeup, and before long, an hour had passed.Violet was already stunningly beautiful, but under the skilled hands of the bride attendants, she looked even more radiant—lovelier than the flowers themselves.Lunchtime came and went with only a light meal, and soon, the guests began arriving to see Violet off.As the groom's elder sister-in-law, Zoey wasn't supposed to be present but had insisted on coming. She said that since she was family to the groom, and as good as family to the bride, there was no problem. After all, it was a good day, and as long as everyone was happy, what did it matter?As Violet put on her wedding gown, a sudden wave of nervousness washed over her.Was she really getting married?Marriage meant taking on responsibilities—managing a household and having children. It woul
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1566
Isaac and Violet were finally set to marry in the golden month of October.In truth, Violet had accepted Isaac's proposal the year before, during the Starlight Harvest Festival. From that moment, she knew he was the one she wanted to give her heart to. When she agreed to marry him, she did so with all sincerity, trusting her feelings in that moment.It had taken a full year to arrange the wedding, but it wasn't because of the wedding gifts or dowry.Violet's dowry had been prepared by the Spencer family since her birth, gradually adding to it year after year. Now, they had even bought a house and a large estate in the capital. As for the wedding gifts, the Pathfinders Guild had long since prepared them on Isaac's behalf.Instead, the delay was due to differing opinions among the Spencer family, the Inferno Guild, the Pathfinders Guild, and Violet herself.Violet wanted to get married at Hell Monarch Estate, then have Isaac escort her to her estate in the capital. It seemed easier
