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Chapter 363
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 364
Upon hearing Carissa's obedient response, Adrian extended his hand and beckoned her over."Come here."Carissa obediently walked over, and Adrian reached out to flick the tip of her nose."Ouch!" Carissa exclaimed. "Sage Adrian, that hurt.""Punishment!" Adrian said sternly. "This is a mild punishment for not speaking up when needed."A flicker of pain crossed Carissa's eyes, but she quickly masked it. "Understood. It won't happen again."Adrian noticed her fleeting expression of distress, and sighed inwardly. The hardships that his youngest apprentice had endured were too painful. He couldn't start thinking about them, or it would be too taxing on his heart.He took her hand, guiding her to sit beside him. "Rafael's character and virtue far surpass Barrett's. I believe he won't let you down or treat you poorly. But remember, the world is ever-changing, and so are people. In the past, he might have cherished you more because he couldn't have you. Now that he's married you, the
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 365
Winona wiped away her tears. "I won't leave. I'll stay in the capital with you. I'll stay in Northwatch Estate. Whenever you miss me, just come back to visit.""We'll stay too!" Hearing Winona's words, everyone echoed the sentiment.Carissa hid in Winona's embrace, feeling a sense of security she hadn't experienced in a long time. She wanted to cry. She was reluctant to see them go.However, Adrian spoke up with a stern expression, "Can you stay with her forever? Everyone has their own life to live. Besides, the capital is no easy place to live. Even if it were, it's not somewhere people from the Pathfinders Guild can reside for long."Adrian had no fondness for the capital or the royal family, but Rafael's character was impeccable. He had recovered the Southern Frontier and restored the kingdom's territory, so Adrian reluctantly accepted him. However, whether people's hearts would change remained to be seen.Rafael initially had wanted to become his apprentice, but Adrian w
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 366
Carissa's eyes reddened slightly. Was Adrian intending to take Ryan back to Meadow Ridge?Adrian looked at Ryan with a meaningful expression. "Why do you want to improve your martial skills?""To protect my aunt," Ryan replied loudly. Then, he paused, feeling that this ambition was too small. "Like my grandfather and my father, to go to the battlefield, protect my home, defend my country, and safeguard the territory."Adrian smiled. "Good. You're young, but have such grand ambitions. However, being a hero means enduring hardships and exhaustion. Can you handle that?""I can!" Ryan said, puffing out his chest.Although he didn't understand why Adrian asked this, answering loudly could never be wrong. Besides, he had endured all kinds of hardship before."What if you were told to part from your aunt? Could you handle that too?" Adrian asked."I can… Ah!" Ryan immediately took two steps back, and shook his head instinctively. "No, I can't leave my aunt."Carissa felt reluctant
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 367
In the carriage, Rafael relayed Winona's words to Carissa.Carissa rested her head on his shoulder. Despite holding back her tears for a long time, they eventually began to fall.Rafael held her close, resting his chin on her forehead. "Winona truly regards you as her own sister.""Yes," Carissa said, her voice muffled. "When I went to the Pathfinders Guild, Winona took care of me a lot. She dotes on me quite intensely."Rafael wondered—who didn't dote on Carissa at the Pathfinders Guild? Even Everett, when speaking to him in the side hall, had reminded him to take good care of Carissa and had fondly referred to her as a mischievous little monkey.Everett had shown a hint of sorrow when talking about Rafael's in-laws, his eyes filled with melancholy and regret.Everyone was moved by the sacrifices made by the men of the Duke of Northwatch's family for their kingdom.Wiping away her tears, Carissa asked, "Rod is going to stay in the capital. Do you have any arrangements for him?
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 368
Carissa first sought out Luke to get a general understanding of the situation and the current status of The Gilded Tower. Luke assured her that there was no need to worry. They had Eric in their custody and had sent some people to monitor The Gilded Tower, ensuring that no one could slip out to send a warning.Feeling reassured, Carissa headed towards the accounting room.Helen had not yet finished reviewing the accounts, but the entire room was filled with people kneeling in fear and anxiety. The place was in disarray—anything that could be thrown from the desk was thrown, except for the account books. Several cups had also been smashed.Helen's hair was a mess, and her face was pale with anger. Upon seeing Carissa, her feelings of grievance and humiliation reached its peak, and she burst into tears. "How could they do this to me?!"Carissa entered the room, and addressed everyone, "Please rise. Everyone except for the accounting staff, leave the room. Gillian, you too."Ther
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 369
Carissa decided not to address the issue immediately. She instructed the staff to prepare a meal for Helen first.After Helen had finished eating, Carissa said, "Let me see the contract. We need to check for any hidden traps. If there are any, we must prepare in advance."Helen blinked through her tearful eyes. "What can we do if there are traps?""There are ways to deal with them. Just bring the contract to me first," Carissa replied, not meeting Helen's gaze, especially not when she was crying. So, Carissa turned to find Gillian and asked her to retrieve the contract.Gillian knew exactly where the documents were kept. She quickly found the contract, and brought it to Carissa.Carissa read through the contract three times from start to finish and found no issues with it—it was fair and impartial. As for the parties involved, Helen had used Gillian's name, while Jessica had used Eric's name. Surprisingly, Eric was a household servant of the Winchester family.For a lady from
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 370
Carissa deliberated for a moment before ordering that Eric be brought in for questioning.In the side room, a charcoal stove was set up with a fire poker roasting over it. After a while, the fire poker was glowing red-hot halfway through.Seeing this, Eric was so frightened that he nearly wet his pants. He fell to his knees and pleaded, "Your Highness, spare me! Please spare me!"Carissa sat upright, frowning slightly. "Why would I want your life? I just need you to answer a few questions truthfully." Eric nodded vigorously. "I will tell you everything I know."Carissa held up the purchase ledger. "Is Jessica aware that you've been purchasing cheap, rough goods?""Yes, of course! She was the one who instructed us to get them.""Did you inform her that the gold used in the jewelry is impure and might cause problems?"Eric's eyes shifted nervously as he replied, "I did mention it, but Lady Jessica said it didn't matter. She said if there were problems in a few years, we'd be clo
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 371
Once the accountant finished calculating the amounts, the accounts were handed to Carissa.After Carissa reviewed them, she nodded and passed them to Helen. "Mother, please have a look and see if the figures are correct."Helen took the accounts and studied them carefully. She looked prepared for any potential confrontation. However, as she examined it, her expression turned to one of shock. "Did I really spend this much over the years?"The total expenditure, including the capital outlay, amounted to an astonishing 136,000 silver coins. Although she had recorded each transaction, she had never realized the total sum would be so vast.If Carissa hadn't taken her to review the figures and brought Eric in to be interrogated, Helen would have continued to believe she was incurring losses and would have kept giving away money to maintain her prestige against Dakota.The 136,000 silver coins were the principal amount. The total profits from previous years plus this year's profit re
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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
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
