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Chapter 355
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 356
Carissa blinked, unable to believe her ears.She looked at the two thousand silver coins in banknotes that had been handed to her, feeling a mix of astonishment and disbelief. Wow, Helen really was generous with her money. It seemed so easy for her to give it out. Carissa could see Helen was truly becoming a gullible fool.No, she already was a fool."Have you finally seen Eleanor's true colors, Mother?" Carissa asked with a smile, her tone considerably softer.Helen's face darkened. "Do you think I'm blind? Even after all this, how can I not have figured her out?""I saw you speaking to her so politely, and thought maybe you were still deceived by her," Carissa replied.Helen snapped, "How can I not speak politely? One of us has to be strict and tough, while the other has to be soft and accommodating. We can't really tear down all the pretenses we have with her. She's on good terms with most of the noblewomen. If she twists things around and tarnishes my reputation, won't I
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 357
Helen cast a covert glance at Carissa, who appeared relaxed. A faint smile graced her lips. It was undeniable that Carissa's face was exceptionally beautiful, radiating a clear and refreshing charm.Helen's curiosity was piqued. "Aren't you afraid of Grand Princess Eleanor?"Carissa responded with a question of her own, "Why should I be afraid of her?""She’s the grand princess, the current king's aunt. Even the late king was lenient with her. She controls at least half of the political connections in the capital. Her words alone can tarnish your reputation overnight," said Helen.Carissa remained indifferent. "Didn't you say I'm fearless and lack awareness? Why should I fear a tarnished reputation? If she spreads rumors about me, the hero who reclaimed the Southern Frontier, even her status as the grand princess won’t save her from the scorn of scholars everywhere."Helen thought that while speaking about these matters might seem easy, offending Eleanor could lead to retaliatio
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 358
Gillian squeezed through the crowd with great difficulty, and finally managed to ask a young shop assistant, "Do you have any filigree gold bangles with embedded gems?"The young shop assistant looked up at her, and answered loudly, "Those are sold on the second floor, but we're out of stock. We've sold out of all the batches we made this year. If you want to buy them, you'll need to place an order on the second floor. They'll be available in February next year."An order? And not available until next February?Gillian slowly backed out, and then made her way up the stairs to the second floor. The second floor was elegantly decorated, featuring eight or nine counters, each with cushioned chairs in front for customers. Each display case served one guest at a time.On the other side, more than ten people were waiting. They were seated on chairs, enjoying snacks and coffee, with premium charcoal burning warmly in the stoves to keep the room warm.These patrons, though wealthy, wore n
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 359
As luck would have it, on the day Rafael and Carissa were preparing for their visit to Northwatch Estate, Jessica had someone deliver the accounts. And it was none other than the shopkeeper himself, Eric, who brought them.Since Helen was staying at Hell Monarch Estate, Eric made the trip personally. Had Helen been at the palace, Jessica would have handled the delivery.Gillian suspected that Eric's visit was also to recognize the people involved, so they could identify them if they came by in the future.Helen eagerly opened the account book, only to find that the few sparse pages contained sales of only mundane items, with no expensive jewelry at all. The final summary showed a loss.In one quarter, there was a loss of over ten thousand silver coins. Over ten thousand—this was even more than before.Helen trembled with anger, and threw the account book to the floor. "How could there be such a loss? You'd better give me an explanation!" she hollered. Eric knelt on the flo
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 360
Luke immediately ordered two guards to take Eric to the local authorities.Terrified, Eric cried out, "Your Highness, please spare me! It wasn't my idea. Lady Jessica instructed me to make these false accounts to deceive Lady Helen!""What?" Helen was enraged, and smashed a cup. "Jessica used fake accounts to deceive me?"Carissa pressed Helen's hand to calm her. "If the previous account books were false, then there must be genuine ones."With the guards holding him, Eric's arms ached as if they might break. Fearing further punishment, he nodded vigorously. "Yes, of course! There are real ones."Since Carissa was preparing to visit Northwatch Estate, she didn't want to waste more time arguing. She called Luke in, and instructed, "Please take two people with you and return to The Gilded Tower. Retrieve all the account books from these years and have them verified one by one by the accountants. Confirm on-site whether they are genuine accounts. If they continue to falsify records,
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 361
As Rafael packed the gifts, his mind wandered to the matters concerning the Pathfinders Guild.He was naturally pleased that so many people were looking out for Carissa. Still, he also wanted Adrian and the others to know that he would protect Carissa from now on, and they no longer needed to worry.Most importantly, he had to tell Adrian one crucial thing today—from now on, he would ensure that Carissa sent at least two letters back to the guild each month. No matter what happened, whether it was something good or bad, the guild members would be informed, so they wouldn't have to trouble themselves by sending people down to investigate.After filling three carts to the brim with gifts, he saw Carissa leading Ryan and Lulu out.Carissa's face was serene and composed, her calm demeanor only enhancing her beauty. She was dressed in a deep purple dress that accentuated her fair, translucent skin. Two peonies were pinned in her hair, but even the flowers seemed less radiant than she wa
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 362
"Huh?" Rafael was momentarily stunned, then his face lit up with joy. "Are you worried about me getting punished by my master? You're worried about me?""Of course, I'm worried about you. Haven't you ever felt the sting of Sage Everett's iron fists?" Carissa asked with a raised eyebrow."Not really," Rafael replied, thinking back to his days at the guild. Strictly speaking, he wasn't there for even a full month each year. It wasn't that he never got beaten, but that was a matter of pride. Even if he had been, he would never admit it."Were you always that well-behaved?" Carissa asked curiously. Even Kyle had been punished at the Pathfinders Guild. Was Rafael really more obedient than him?Rafael tilted his head, thinking for a moment. "Mainly, when I was at the Pathfinders Guild, none of you ever came to find me. So, I had nothing to do but train hard. My master was very pleased with me."Carissa couldn't help but look at him with admiration. All of them, as junior apprentices
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 363
Rafael and Carissa paid their respects to Adrian, Everett, and the various senior apprentices of the guild in accordance with etiquette.Everett's eyes were half-squinted and half-open, making it difficult to tell whether he was merely squinting or actually looking. But Carissa knew that this was when the man was the most intimidating, as he was scrutinizing for any mistakes.Thus, Carissa performed her traditional salute with the utmost seriousness. Her posture was straight, and her spine was upright as she bowed at the perfect angle.Everett had trained Carissa on the proper way to perform a salute after she had initially been too hasty in paying respects to Adrian. That night, her head had become so dizzy from the repeated salutes she performed that she almost passed out. It was only at that point that Everett slightly opened his eyes and gestured for her to leave. She had been so dizzy she could barely walk, and Winona had to carry her back to her room.Reflecting on those pa
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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
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
