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Chapter 465
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 466
A few days later, after court had adjourned, Salvador retained Rafael for a private conversation.Ignoring the stack of documents left untouched, Salvador signaled to Derek to set up the chessboard. "It's been a while since we last played chess together," he remarked.Rafael adjusted his belt, and sat down comfortably. "After days of poring over case files until my head felt like it was spinning, it's a blessing to have a reprieve. I'm deeply grateful for the leniency, Your Majesty."Salvador watched Rafael's actions with a furrowed brow. "You're still clinging to those old military habits? How rude. You are now head of the Supreme Court and a high-ranking member of the court. Remember to maintain your dignity and composure.""Why worry about appearances in front of my own brother?" Rafael replied with a bright grin."Do you act so freely in front of your princess consort as well?" Salvador said, placing a white piece on the board with a deliberate motion.Rafael held a black p
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 467
"Who doesn't want children? I look forward to the expansion of the royal family," Salvador said. "He's only a few years younger than me. At his age, he should be considering fatherhood."Derek replied softly, "Perhaps Prince Rafael understands your concerns and does not wish for any discord among brothers. Do you remember? From childhood to adulthood, he has always seen you as his role model and pride. Whenever he spoke of you, his expression was always one of admiration."At Derek's words, Salvador reflected on many past events, and his gaze softened considerably.After a long pause, he sighed deeply. "Perhaps I have been overthinking things."Derek silently poured more coffee, understanding from years of service that such sudden sighs often reflected nostalgic sentiments rather than a shift in his cautiousness.Rafael's decision to delay having children was a wise one. At least for now, without offspring, Salvador could feel somewhat at ease. Rafael had only recently returned fr
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 468
Rafael nodded, his admiration for Carissa always evident in his gaze."That's right. The family, including her, consisted of thirteen people. She killed twelve of them—her father-in-law, husband, and three sons, all of whom were in good health, as well as her mother-in-law and two unmarried daughters. The remaining victims were servants and maids. "The issue is that this incident happened at dusk, not in the dead of night when everyone was asleep. After dinner, she suddenly turned violent, grabbed a kitchen knife, and killed everyone. This woman had no martial skills and was known to be ill, requiring long-term medication.""A sickly, somewhat harsh person could kill one person, but they'd be quickly subdued. Were they all poisoned? Did they all lose consciousness?" Carissa asked."No, they were all awake. Neighbors who witnessed the scene said the woman seemed to have gone mad and possessed extraordinary strength. She killed anyone she saw. If those neighbors hadn't fled quickly
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 469
Yuvan's gaze remained indifferent as he turned the emerald ring on his thumb. "That's not enough. Keep spreading the word that Rafael, the Hell Monarch, is defending the woman to show he's fit for the Supreme Court post he holds. Claim that he's daring to defy public opinion for personal gain, and emphasize that he's just a military man with no understanding of the law or public administration."Also, suggest that even the king is deceived by him. Because of Rafael's immense accomplishments and influence, the king is forced to give him some regard."The subordinate asked, "Do you really believe he will order a reexamination, Your Highness?""Of course he will, if there are doubts." Yuvan smiled faintly, a cold, bloodthirsty glint in his eyes. "I understand him well. He is meticulous about human lives. Anyone who values life so seriously will be extremely cautious. With such significant doubts, if he doesn't call for a reexamination, he cannot reconcile with his own conscience.""
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 470
At the Supreme Court, Patrick was growing increasingly anxious. "Your Highness, why have you summoned Sebastian? He has never examined the deceased. No matter how skilled he is, he's not a coroner."Rafael remained calm. "Please be patient, Mr. Lloyd. Given the magnitude of this case and the uproar it has caused, if we mishandle it and wrongfully accuse someone, the entire kingdom will condemn us."Patrick was accustomed to handling cases, so how couldn't he know that there was the slightest doubt in the case on hand? But with the perpetrator's confession, witness testimonies, and physical evidence, what ground was there for a retrial?"It's a waste of time! Every extra day the perpetrator lives is a sign of disrespect to the victims she has murdered," he argued.Rafael replied, "The case documents from Brightmoor District also recommend execution. It is only April, and with swift couriers, it only takes about a month for the documents to travel back and forth. Why are you so imp
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 471
Sebastian pulled out a sheet of paper, listing various drugs and poisons, along with their effects and side effects. He showed it to them briefly before explaining each one in turn.The first was called Hellfire. It caused hallucinations, magnifying a person's deepest obsessions and thereby granting them greater strength. However, it required an antidote. The woman, after killing her family, had attempted to chase down the neighbors. But when the officials arrived, she had calmed down. So, Hellfire was not the cause.The second was called Shadecap. This was a type of fungus that could induce hallucinations and madness, potentially leading to self-harm or violence. Before such effects occurred, the person would display symptoms like crying or laughing uncontrollably and moving erratically. Shadecap wouldn't give someone enough strength to kill twelve people.The third was Soulgrip Threadworm. Also known as a parasitic worm, the parasite would enter the brain and allow another person
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 472
After the case was reported to Salvador, he appointed Patrick as a special investigator to investigate the matter in Brightmoor District. Ivy accompanied him.The fact that the investigation was being conducted by a special investigator personally appointed by the king, and one who was the head of the Ministry of Justice no less, would manage to stir some doubt among the enraged populace.Kyle, too, made a rare public statement regarding the case, outlining its ambiguities. Previously, the scholars who had condemned the situation had done so fueled by the public's anger. Their passionate outcry was driven by a wish for justice for the deceased, and to protect traditional family roles and authority.But now that Kyle had spoken up about the case's doubts, the scholars also changed their tune. They no longer asserted anything with certainty, but expressed hope that the investigation by the special investigator would bring about the truth so that the dead may rest in peace.Yuvan had
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 473
To demonstrate the potency of the Soulgrip Threadworm, Ivy ordered a chicken to be brought in. She made it swallow the threadworm, and then used medicinal smoke to stimulate the threadworm's power. The crowd watched in astonishment as the chicken went wild, pecking at anyone it encountered and flying frantically around the courtroom in a frenzied display of aggression.Even the most renowned local fighting rooster, which was brought in to challenge the erratic chicken, lost an eye in an instant.The chicken only calmed down after Ivy used more medicine, and it slowly threw up the Soulgrip Threadworm."This creature is called the Soulgrip Threadworm, and it's controlled by someone. When Lola ingested it, it was merely an egg. These eggs are resistant to high temperatures. Once inside the body, it will travel through the bloodstream to the brain. This process generally takes about six months, which aligns with James' account. Now that the threadworm has matured, anyone who is expose
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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
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1413
When Sylvia moved to her new residence, all the concubines sent gifts. The royal relatives, upon hearing the news, hurried to send their congratulations as well.As for what to send, other households usually left the decision to the lady of the house. But at Hell Monarch Estate, the ones in charge were Jacob and Luke.They searched through the storerooms, but nothing seemed quite right. Either the items were too expensive, or they were just simple gold, silver, or jewels. Even the golden vases seemed too small and trivial.As for the larger items, such as coral trees or folding screens, Jacob wasn't inclined to part with them. The coral tree, in particular, was rare. The one in the estate had been a wedding gift from the Pathfinders Guild when Carissa married.In the end, their eyes landed on the most abundant item in the storeroom—Kyle's orchid paintings.This would certainly make a strong impression—expensive and elegant, yet not unique to the estate. If it wasn't enough, snow w
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1412
Among the harem, Kylie was most wary of Sylvia and Grace. Sylvia was caring for Cecil, while Grace was caring for Caden, the second prince.Cecil was not Sylvia's biological son and was still very young, so Kylie need not worry too much. But Sylvia had once been arrogant, with an impressive family background and a sharp aptitude for power games.In the past year, Sylvia had softened somewhat, co-managing the affairs of the harem with Grace. She had learned how to win hearts and minds, and her support for Skye Embroidery and Gracewood Women's Academy had earned her some reputation among the common folk.In contrast, Grace was far more restrained. She co-managed the harem with Sylvia and would occasionally seek Kylie's opinion, genuinely treating her with respect due to her being the queen.But Caden, a sharp and well-mannered boy, was Salvador's and Victoria's favorite.If the position of Crown Prince were to be decided now, it would naturally fall to Connor. But once the princes g
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1411
Kylie had yet to remove her hairpins, and her makeup was still untouched, her face brimming with quiet anticipation.Earlier that day, a message had arrived from the court, announcing that the king would visit the harem tonight. She had waited for hours, but had heard no news that he had sent for any concubines. In her heart, she felt a surge of joy. If no summons had come, it meant he would be visiting her chambers."Lydia, go and see if His Majesty has arrived yet," she urged once again, her third time asking that evening.Lydia was standing to the side. She smiled and said, "Your Majesty, please be patient. If His Majesty was coming, he would surely send word beforehand so you can prepare to receive him.""Yes, you're right," Kylie sighed, brushing a loose strand of hair from her temple. "It's been so long since His Majesty visited my palace that I nearly forgot how it goes." Her smile was soft and alluring. "We are husband and wife, after all. What couple do not have thei
