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Chapter 438

Author: Summer's Blaze
This was the first banquet Carissa would be organizing since marrying into the royal family.

If it were poorly executed, it could become a laughingstock, especially given how Helen was so concerned about her own birthday banquet. Carissa was certain her mother-in-law wouldn't want any embarrassment to mar the celebration.

Thus, Carissa personally consulted Helen on whether there were any essential guests who needed to be invited.

Helen pretended to ponder for a moment before saying, "If Dakota and Josephine can come out of the palace, then invite them. As for the others, you can decide."

Carissa knew that these two women were indeed necessary guests, especially Dakota.

It was curious, though. The concubines favored by the late king, Sigmund, weren't those two, but rather the deceased Shelby and Wanda. So, why had Helen ended up at odds with Dakota and Josephine?

The marriage alliance with the Quinton family had improved Helen's relationship with Josephine, but her interactions wi
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  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 439

    Gillian brought over the list, which was detailed with names, hometowns, ages, years of entry into the palace, and the specific palaces where they had served. On the surface, everything seemed in order.Only three individuals had served in other palaces—Leslie, Janice, and Sonia.Leslie had previously served Wanda, one of the late king's noble concubines. After Wanda's death, the queen dowager had reassigned Leslie to Helen. Janice and Sonia had originally served Lauren, a concubine the late king had favored. Her death had been sudden, reportedly due to an acute illness.After Lauren's death, in a fit of anger, the late king sentenced everyone who had served her to death. Janice and Sonia had only been spared because Victoria had transferred them to serve Helen, who had been sick at the time.Most of the remaining servants had been brought into the palace by Helen from her residence. Gillian, being Helen's wet nurse and having raised her, was not suspected of any issues. The servan

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 440

    Eleanor smiled coldly. "Why the hurry? To accomplish that, we still need Helen to step in.""Aunt Helen?" Jessica's anger flared as she recalled their previous confrontation when Helen and Carissa had demanded money from them. "She's allied with Carissa now. Can she still be of any use to us?"Eleanor slowly picked up her cup and took a sip. "She may not heed our words, but psychological tactics always work on her. There is someone who can handle this matter."Jessica's eyes brightened. "Psychological tactics? You mean Aunt Dakota?"She slapped her thigh. "Mom, you think of everything! Aunt Dakota's daughter-in-law, Adelaide, has a daughter. Then, there's Kendrick's concubines too. Inez has a son and a daughter, while Matilda has a daughter and is currently pregnant."If Aunt Helen finds out about Matilda's pregnancy, she will undoubtedly be eager to push Rafael to take a concubine. If that sparks a quarrel between them, it will be quite entertaining."Eleanor sipped her coffee l

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 441

    "Mom!" Serena's eyes were brimming with excitement. "I said Lady Jessica will take me there. She said that at the birthday banquet, she'll help me become one of the Hell Monarch's concubines."Rebecca's eyes, which had been as dead as a tomb, suddenly sparkled with life.She struggled to sit up and asked, "Are you serious?""Of course. Lady Jessica told me in person, and Grand Princess Eleanor was there too."Rebecca's heart leaped with excitement, as though her blood was rushing freely again, and her breathing quickened."If this works out, Grand Princess Eleanor and Lady Jessica will be our great benefactors." Rebecca paused, frowning. "Why would they help you like this? Are they plotting something? Don't be too happy just yet. Let me think about it."Serena stomped her foot in frustration. "Mom, no matter what their intentions are, all that matters is that I can marry into the royal family. Even if I have to be a concubine beneath Carissa, I don't care. I'm younger than her, a

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 442

    Taken aback, Amelia asked, "Were you really invited? Or is it a lie? After all, you're also from our family. Why would she invite you?""Why wouldn't she? Not everyone from our family is heartless," Charlotte said with great pleasure and satisfaction. "Go back and tell Serena so that she'll tell Rebecca. Let her stew over it a bit."Amelia smiled wryly. "Aunt Charlotte, are you and my mother-in-law truly at such odds?"Charlotte sneered. "Who's at odds with her? I just can't stand her greed, ruthlessness, and ingratitude. Amelia, let me tell you something you might not want to hear—you're foolish. You can't even tell who's good to you and who's not.""How could I not tell? Aunt Charlotte, you know my own family is not supportive, my husband doesn't care much for me, and my mother-in-law looks down on me. What can I do?" Amelia replied."You may not be able to do much, but don't aid their schemes," Charlotte said firmly. "Your mother-in-law, Viola, Aurora, and your youngest sister-

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 443

    Viola was constantly preoccupied with the affairs of both the estate and the family, and she had to dip into her own funds to make up the shortfall. Every day, she was so exhausted that it felt as though her back might break the moment she lay down.Meanwhile, Carissa seemed to live a carefree and happy life, so Viola couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment.While lost in these thoughts, she overheard Serena say, "I heard that Lady Helen publicly stated she didn't like Carissa in the past. Considering their strained relationship, it's possible Lady Helen will impose some rules on Carissa at the birthday banquet. With Carissa's current temperament, she might make a scene."Viola remembered Carissa's haughty and arrogant words from that day while she sat in her carriage. She really wanted to see Helen making things difficult for Carissa.But without an invitation, how could she possibly attend Helen's birthday banquet?Then, she suddenly thought of her own family. With her broth

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 444

    How could Viola not wish to conceive an heir soon? Yet, she had her own silent struggles.It seemed that Barrett was not very enthusiastic about intimacy, and even when he did engage, he appeared somewhat lacking in strength. It was puzzling. He was a capital guard and in good health. How could this be?Viola ensured her husband's diet was nourishing, and even considered consulting a physician for him, but refrained for fear it might embarrass him. She felt an indescribable discontent. Though her life seemed smooth, there was an underlying frustration that she couldn't pinpoint.Just then, her sister-in-law, Zoey, the current mistress of the Prince family's household, arrived to deliver medicinal food to Evelyn. She was surprised to hear that Viola also wanted to attend Helen's banquet."If Viola wants to go, let her. After all, she is acquainted with Lady Carissa. Even though the Warren family has not received an invitation, it's fine for her to join us," Evelyn said.Zoey furrow

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 445

    Carissa had indeed extended an invitation to the Farrell family. They were a distinguished family of military tradition, and Timothy was still serving in the Hell Monarch Army.Due to an old illness, the family's elder general had been bedridden for the past two or three years. Currently, the matriarch of the Farrell family was Timothy's wife, Opal. The other branches of the family, having lost the people of the younger generations, tended to keep a low profile and rarely made public appearances.A family of military officers bore a unique pain that others might not understand.With her husband still serving in the military and her children unmarried, Opal had to make public appearances to plan for the marriages and futures of her children.Her eldest son was also a soldier but had been injured in battle, which prevented him from settling down. Meanwhile, having passed the national examination, her second son was pursuing a scholarly career and needed to continue his studies.Ther

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 446

    The weather today was truly perfect. The sun was just right, and the sunlight filtering through the branches made everything warm and pleasant.Helen sat gracefully in the main hall, receiving the guests' congratulations. Luke, accompanied by his staff, collected the gifts and recorded them meticulously. Each gift needed to be noted down, and its value assessed, so that an appropriate return gift could be prepared for future occasions.The ladies were adorned in delicate makeup and draped in jewels that shimmered with an air of opulence, exuding a wealth that was beyond words. Helen's smile had become somewhat rigid from the sheer number of well-wishers. She glanced over at Carissa and saw that the latter remained composed, her smile as natural as if it had sprung from her heart.Helen couldn't help but admire Carissa's ease. She handled such grand occasions with an unflappable grace.Rafael and Jacob received the male guests in the main building's reception room. Since it was Hele

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  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1502

    Spring Pavilion was full that day.The restaurant wasn't very big to begin with, and it usually had some customers. The black-clad men that lady brought had taken up all the remaining seats.Carissa, Violet, and Travis had to sit at a small table the owner had set up at the last minute, separate from the others.The man's voice, soft and apologetic, reached Carissa's ear. It was warm and pleasant. "These are my brothers-in-arms. We've been traveling since last night and haven't had a bite to eat. If it troubles you, I can have them wait outside and just pass them some bread each when we're done."Violet paused, surprised, but quickly shook her head. "No need for that. Please, let them stay. They can sit where they like and order what they wish."The man smiled kindly. "You are kind-hearted, miss. In that case, we'll order freely, and we'll take extra.""Alright… That's fine," Violet replied, casting a glance at the sea of black. The men were dressed in a way that suggested some

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1501

    Carissa studied the man and woman carefully, feeling a sense of unease. She couldn't quite place their age. They looked to be in their thirties, yet there was an undeniable vitality about them, as if they were no older than twenty.Her gaze moved to their eyes, particularly the man's. His eyes were as deep and mysterious, yet they held the calculating sharpness of a seasoned old fox.Before Carissa could say anything, the man stepped forward and spoke. "This is where the orphanage is being built? Is the local government funding it?"Travis glanced at them, noting their perfectly spoken Starhaven dialect. They clearly weren't from Victory Pass, yet he saw no malice in their faces. He nodded. "Yes, it's a place to take in abandoned children," he replied. "It's being supported by the local government."The man nodded. "That's a good cause."Carissa stepped forward. "Are you from the capital?"The man regarded her but didn't answer her question. Instead, he asked, "Are you the He

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1500

    Kendrick didn't wake until well into the afternoon the following day, his body heavy with exhaustion and hunger. When his eyes finally fluttered open, he felt as if his entire body had been shattered. Every muscle ached, and lifting even his arm seemed like a Herculean task.The weariness sank deep into his bones, and he had no energy to move. His attendant, a trusted servant by the name of Avery, stood at his bedside, awaiting his attention. He said quietly, "Your Highness, Lady Carissa has been waiting for you for half the day. She wishes to speak with you."Kendrick had initially planned to stay in bed, have all his meals brought to him, and then drift back to sleep. He was simply too tired to move. But when he heard that Carissa had waited so long, he immediately threw the covers off and commanded, "Prepare me, quickly."Over the course of the journey, Kendrick had come to understand just how formidable Carissa was. As a woman, she had never once complained about exhaustion

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1499

    After lighting a candle for Edith, everyone returned to the backyard. They wiped away their tears, set aside their grief, and gathered around Carissa to ask about her married life. The most frequent question was about how well Rafael treated her.That was how families were. They knew she was capable, yet they couldn't help but yearn for her spouse to treat her with genuine love and care.Carissa had many cousins, all daughters of her uncles, but most had only met her a handful of times. Still, when they saw her, they were all overjoyed.Her cousins were all married, and many had returned to Victory Pass with their husbands and children. Having heard so much about Carissa, they couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and sympathy.Among them was Shayla Sullivan, the eldest daughter of Carissa's second aunt. She had married Chase Hudson, one of Dominic's subordinates. But within a year of marriage, Chase died in battle before their child had even been born.Now, the child was 12

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1498

    After nearly twenty days of grueling travel, they finally arrived at Victory Pass on the third of August.The heat had been unbearable along the way, causing many in the party to fall ill. Fortunately, Carissa had come well-prepared with plenty of medicine. They had also brought along a royal physician, Dorian, who was able to manage the illnesses without any major issues.But Kendrick, having never endured such hardship, was exhausted beyond measure. By the tenth day of their journey, he could barely speak. His face and lips were pale, and the exhaustion was evident in every line of his features.When they finally reached the outskirts of Victory Pass and saw the Sullivan family and the troops come out to greet them, Kendrick collapsed. The sight of him fainting right there gave everyone a fright, and they quickly rushed to carry him back.However, Carissa barely noticed Kendrick's condition. As soon as she saw her family, she ran straight into her grandfather's arms, tears stream

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1497

    On the twelfth day of July, the Starhaven envoy delegation departed the capital in a grand procession, heading toward Orivenia.Rafael rode alongside the group for five miles, only reining in his horse reluctantly when Dylan and Jacob both insisted it was time to stop. Carissa turned back to wave at him, her smile as bright as ever. There wasn't a hint of sadness on her face.Rafael gazed after her, his eyes filled with longing.But under his breath, he muttered, "She's heartless, truly heartless."The sun had risen high, and the road was still and stifling with the lack of wind. Still, Rafael waited until the last of the procession had disappeared from view before reluctantly turning his horse around and heading back.This journey to Orivenia was a significant one. Carissa had brought along three hundred men from the Mystic Army, as well as Travis, Violet, and the others.Though the two kingdoms enjoyed a temporary peace after the last conflict, Leroy had made public what happen

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1496

    The evening before the trip, Carissa, accompanied by Rafael, made her way to bid farewell to Helen. Since she was leaving early in the morning, before her mother-in-law would be awake, Carissa chose to say her goodbyes the night before.Helen had known about the trip to Orivenia for some time. At first, she hadn't fully understood the situation and felt Salvador's order was a bit much. Why did it have to be Carissa, of all people, who had to undertake such a long and tiring journey?But after hearing from Violet that the real purpose of the journey was for Carissa to visit her maternal family, Helen only sighed quietly."The greatest pain in life is the separation from loved ones, whether by life or death. And the greatest joy is the reunion with loved ones after a long time apart."Of course, those words were spoken to Violet, and would never be said in front of Carissa. To say them to her would be like rubbing salt in an open wound. After all, Helen had come to love and cherish h

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1495

    In the blazing heat of July, a letter from Westhaven arrived.Westhaven's king, Edmund, had abdicated. Grand Princess Lisandra was now queen. She had taken the throne and assumed control of the kingdom, and its name was officially changed from Westhaven to Orivenia.The new queen invited Starhaven to send an envoy delegation to attend her coronation and to discuss the long-standing border disputes. Lisandra had already ascended the throne, so attending the coronation was merely a formality. The true purpose of the visit was to negotiate the border issue.When the Westhaven envoy delegation previously came to Starhaven, their primary goal was the border—an issue that had been put on hold due to internal unrest. It was also the matter that had weighed most heavily on Lisandra's mind. So, with her coronation behind her now, she wasted no time in reopening the talks.At the morning court session in Starhaven, there was unanimous agreement that old grudges were behind them. Both kingdom

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1494

    At Hell Monarch Estate, Carissa and Cynthia were busy teaching Roxana and Courtney martial arts. Mostly, it was Cynthia who took charge of Roxana's lessons, while Carissa kept company with Courtney, observing but not actively participating.Work at the Capital Guard headquarters was actually quite busy, but time seemed to slow down, bringing a sense of calm to everyone's hearts. No matter how long this period without suspicion would last, they decided to cherish each day as it came.But there was one thing that weighed heavily on Carissa's mind—Rafael's health.Although he was gradually recovering, his vitality had been severely damaged. Working tirelessly every day, leaving early and returning late, with irregular meals and inconsistent medication, he wasn't able to rest properly, which was always a worry.Bun came down the corridor and approached Carissa, saying, "Vivi says she won't be home tonight."Carissa nodded, her expression unchanged. She didn't need to ask. She knew exa

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