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Chapter 444
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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
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 447
After Dakota took her seat, she smiled and said, "As for fortune, it pales in comparison to the blessings of Madam Clayton from the Marquis of Jadehill's family."Mary smiled and said, "Everyone here is indeed blessed, and Lady Dakota is even more so. Lady Helen is blessed as well, having a virtuous daughter-in-law. The Hell Monarch has achieved unparalleled military success, which is also a great blessing."Helen felt a lot better after hearing that. It was no wonder people said others had seen and experienced so much more than she has. Just a casual comment like that could be so comforting.She immediately beamed. "I do wish that Rafael could enjoy the idle pleasures of the capital city like Lord Kendrick, surrounded by wives and concubines and with children in pairs. It pains me to see my son working tirelessly from dawn until late into the night. I worry for him."Dakota smiled and said, "That only proves Prince Rafael is capable."As she spoke, she held her grandchild close a
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 448
Viola's expression froze.The Farrell family? It was a distant memory she had nearly forgotten. She hurriedly took a seat in a corner, unsure who from the Farrell family had come. Her former mother-in-law was unlikely to be here, as she had long preferred to stay at home and rarely ventured out.However, just as she settled down, she saw Opal assisting her former mother-in-law, Alice, into the room, followed by several young women from the Farrell family."Madam Opal." Carissa quickly stepped forward, greeting Opal and then Alice politely. "How is your health, Madam Alice?"Seeing Carissa, Alice's eyes softened with sympathy, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. But she knew the importance of today's occasion and managed to keep her emotions in check, smiling as she replied, "Thank you, Lady Carissa. Everything is well."After speaking, Alice, along with Opal and the children, went forward to pay their respects to Helen and exchanged pleasantries with the attending
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 449
The atmosphere had indeed become awkward; even Helen, who was usually a bit slow to pick up on things, noticed it. She took the initiative to break the silence."Not long ago, Carissa added many rare and beautiful flowers to my collection. Why don't we go take a look? The bougainvillea on the wall has also bloomed, and it makes for a vibrant display. If we don't see it now, it will soon wither."Carissa joined in, "That's right. If you're not interested in flowers and would rather see the performances, follow me."She first helped Helen down from her seat, and then took Alice's arm gently. "Come, let's go enjoy the flowers. It's been a while since we last spoke, and I'd like to catch up with you."Alice appeared somewhat dazed. She couldn't understand why Viola had married Barrett, and now, why was she here today? The Farrell family had allowed her to return to her natal family, hoping she would find a suitable match—but Barrett was not that match. Alice felt a deep sense of revu
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 450
"The Prince family is not to be trifled with. Regardless of what kind of person Barrett is, as long as the Earl of Silverstone's family stands, Viola will not be wronged," Carissa said.She paused, and continued, "Don't worry about others—just focus on yourself. After all, you are no longer family. She will not be buried with Thomas in the future, and since the divorce letter was given to her, who she marries is her own business. Whether her future is good or bad will be something she has to face on her own."Alice sighed slowly. "You are right, Your Grace. I have indeed meddled too much."Alice wasn't actually very familiar with Carissa. They had only met a few times when Carissa was younger. Later, when Carissa returned from Meadow Ridge, their families had interacted occasionally, but it was mostly through Melanie. Carissa had only come to offer a polite greeting once in a while.But with her son gone, Alice felt adrift. Seeing Carissa, she was reminded of how her son had served
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 451
Zoey sighed. "Viola wasn't invited to this banquet. She insisted on coming along. When she married into the Farrell family, after your son died in battle, you returned all the dowry and even gave her Thomas' pension. You even gave her two more shops. Now, everything has been moved to the Warren family. On her wedding day, she even compared her dowry to Lady Carissa's."This isn't something I should be telling you, but I couldn't bear to see you worrying about her. You shouldn't concern yourself with her matters. It's more important to take care of your own health. If Thomas' spirit sees you constantly unhappy, he might not rest in peace."Alice was shocked beyond measure upon hearing this. Viola wasn't someone Alice would have imagined being like this. She understood propriety and respected her elders, but how had she become this way?Had Viola always been hypocritical, or had she changed?Zoey looked at Alice, a phrase stuck in her throat but left unsaid."Thank you for infor
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 452
Viola was anxious. "What I'm saying is the truth. The rumors were mostly unfounded, likely spread by the Hell Monarch's princess consort out of resentment. Moreover, the recent incident of dung being thrown at our residence was also orchestrated by her."Alice turned abruptly and walked away, her steps unsteady and her face pale. Viola's words had struck her deeply.After hearing Zoey's remarks, Alice had thought that even if she accepted Viola's marriage to Barrett, the affection she spoke of couldn't be genuine. But now, hearing Viola's words, Alice felt a coldness wash over her. She could hardly believe that Viola would compare Thomas to someone like Barrett.She found Opal and gripped her niece-in-law's hand tightly, fearing she might lose control of her emotions and disrupt Helen's birthday banquet.Opal took her back to the theater area, where Carissa noticed them and asked, "Are you feeling unwell? Perhaps you should go back and rest. The days are long, and you can come
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1422
After leaving the palace and returning to Hell Monarch Estate, Helen brought Ryan over to visit Carissa. Once the boy had finished speaking to his aunt and was sent on his way, Helen couldn't help but immediately blurt out everything she had overheard in the palace, including the harsh punishment Victoria had decreed.After hearing this, Carissa comforted her mother-in-law, saying, "The people stuck in the harem have nothing to do all day. They can't go out like you, strolling through the streets or attending plays. Of course, they make up stories to pass the time. Otherwise, how would they get through such long days?""But that doesn't give them the right to speak like that! To say such ugly things—that Rafael has been made a fool of behind his back? Is that the kind of thing people should say? Is that what elders should be saying? It's disrespectful!" exclaimed Helen, livid.Carissa sighed.She couldn't help but wish she had seen the signs earlier and gotten "injured" sooner. Bef
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1421
Before long, Helen stormed back into Serenity Palace, her temper flaring.Ignoring Keith's presence, she angrily exclaimed, "It's as if those living in the palace have no world beyond their own little corner! Narrow-minded, petty, with hearts as small as the tip of a needle! They can't stand to see anyone else succeed."Carissa has earned His Majesty's favor and is always by his side during discussions. But what do those people say? They talk about the so-called 'propriety between men and women' and even suggest it's improper for her to be alone with him in the royal study."How ridiculous! Have they forgotten that Carissa is a court official? Where else is she supposed to be if not in the royal study? In the harem, competing for His Majesty's favor?"Victoria slowly sipped her coffee. "Is that what they're saying?"Helen's eyes practically bulged with fury. "At first, I didn't know. They praised Carissa endlessly, saying she had changed and was always accompanying the king in the
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1420
Feigning illness was no simple task. Carissa couldn't just immediately claim she was too sick to handle official duties after today's awkward incident in the royal study. That would be too obvious, and would make future encounters between them awkward, with unspoken tensions lingering.For those in high positions, that might not matter much. But since Carissa and Rafael were officials, they couldn't afford to be disrespectful.After some discussion, it was decided that Carissa should go about her routine as usual the next day—returning to the Capital Guard headquarters and leading a team outside the city to maintain order. A few days later, they would stage a minor incident.Due to the recent chaos caused by bandits, many people had flooded into the capital seeking refuge. However, without proper documentation, they were unable to enter the city and were left stranded outside.Following Zoey's lead, many noble families and wealthy merchants had set up temporary relief efforts, offe
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1419
As soon as Carissa left, Salvador's smile vanished. He barely sipped his soup before dismissing Grace and Caden. Grace said nothing. She simply instructed the servants to clear the dishes, took Caden's hand, and curtsied gracefully before taking her leave.Once the hall was silent, Derek closed the door and turned toward the king. "Your Majesty, it's not yet time for the next council meeting. Why don't you rest for a short while?"In the past, Salvador had always taken a brief respite during the noon hours. But ever since summoning Carissa for these conversations, he hadn't rested at all.Salvador massaged his temples and sighed. "Very well. My head's starting to ache.""Should I summon the royal physician to examine you?" Derek offered."There's no need. Those useless quacks at the Royal Medical Department have yet to cure a simple headache, though I've taken more than my share of their remedies."Salvador stood and made his way into the inner chamber, lying down fully clothed.
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1418
Of course, Carissa couldn't share her thoughts with Derek, so she simply thanked him and left.After that, Salvador continued the same routine of summoning her for idle conversation after court meetings. Sometimes, these sessions lasted an hour, and other times, they lasted two hours.Gradually, Carissa learned to take it in stride.As his subject, if Salvador wanted her to act like a competent friend, she could oblige. Still, she couldn't help but think about how these midday breaks, a time the king should have spent resting, were now wasted on trivial chatter.During this period, Grace visited a few times to deliver soup. Sylvia also came by, as did Penelope and even Jeanette.Since the royal study was off-limits to the concubines, these women couldn't enter. Instead, they had to hand the soups to Derek, who would deliver them inside. However, if they brought along one of the princes or princesses, they were allowed to step into the study for a brief visit.Perhaps because the
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1417
This pattern continued for nearly ten days.Back at the estate, Carissa discussed it with Jacob and Kyle, but no one could make sense of Salvador's intentions.At first, they assumed the king was trying to gather information about the Pathfinders Guild. After all, Adrian had not only modified the six-barreled matchlock and red cannon for this battle, but had also rallied numerous martial arts guilds to defend the capital.Given Salvador's naturally suspicious nature, it wouldn't have been surprising if he harbored doubts.But the more time passed, the more it seemed like that wasn't the case. The king didn't show much interest in the specifics of Meadow Ridge or Adrian's actions. Instead, he seemed more entertained by Carissa's childhood escapades.In recent days, Salvador's favorite stories were those of her mischief at Meadow Ridge—brawling, causing trouble, and forcing her mentor to go door-to-door apologizing and paying reparations.Whenever she recounted those tales, Salvado
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1416
Carissa had known for some time that Barrett had lost an arm while saving Wyatt. Cindy had mentioned it in a letter—not intentionally, but while talking about the Sullivan family's situation and the battle, it came up briefly.When Carissa read it, she didn't dwell on the matter, nor did she mention it in her reply.In the chaos of war, it was often impossible to distinguish who saved whom.She naturally wished for every soldier to return home whole and unharmed, but war was brutal and unrelenting. Blood and sacrifice were inevitable.While Carissa had acknowledged Barrett's actions, Salvador had only recently learned of them. The latest victory report from Victory Pass detailed Barrett's courageous efforts—how he had fought valiantly, saved lives, and lost an arm in the process.The earlier reports that came back on horseback had contained only critical updates on the battle's progress, with no mention of individual achievements. Only the detailed victory reports included a list
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1415
Salvador now regularly summoned Carissa to the royal study to discuss military matters, granting her a seat at the table where battle strategies were planned and debated. Her place in these discussions was earned by leading the Mystic Army to crush the rebels.It was a position forged in blood and sweat, with no one daring to challenge her right to it.The reports that shaped their discussions came from Victory Pass and the Southern Frontier. These dispatches provided the foundation for the court's analysis of the situation, guiding decisions on logistical support and strategies.Yet, even when strategies were drafted, Salvador refrained from issuing direct commands. Instead, he offered suggestions, a gesture that showed his trust in Rafael and the Sullivan family—though that trust extended only as far as their abilities on the battlefield.With winter approaching, the soldiers needed winter clothing and more weapons. Most of their discussions revolved around supplies.Leroy and V
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1414
The garden at Tranquil Palace wasn't small, but it couldn't be compared to the royal garden.If one took their time strolling along, admiring the flowers, or stood still to enjoy the view for a while, one could easily spend a good portion of the afternoon. But Carissa was accustomed to walking briskly. Flowers didn't require her lingering attention—she could glance at them and move on, seeing little difference between one bloom and the next.She had seen fields upon fields of flowers, all of which had left a lasting impression on her. These meticulously tended peonies in their pots, though, hardly stirred any great interest.By the time they finished their walk, some of the other ladies hadn't even finished their coffee. Just as Jeanette began to speak of Skye Embroidery, they found themselves back at the main hall of Tranquil Palace.Jeanette forced a smile. "Shall we go inside and congratulate Lady Sylvia?"Carissa shook her head. "I have matters to attend to, so I'll have to
