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Chapter 490

Author: Summer's Blaze
In the sitting room, the fragrance of coffee filled the air.

Lulu brought out some cloud cakes. It was raining outside, and her shoes were soaked. As she walked across the cloud-patterned stone floor, several clear footprints were left behind.

Carissa didn't speak. She sat in a chair, slowly sipping her coffee, with only a high, square table separating her from Heather.

The cloud cakes were placed on the table. Lulu, holding a tray, retreated to stand at the door, keeping watch. Carissa picked up a piece of cloud cake by hand and ate it slowly. The sound of her chewing was barely audible.

Heather also took a piece with a fork and brought it to her mouth. She ate with refined manners, taking small bites and using a tiny porcelain saucer underneath to catch any crumbs that might fall onto her purple floral gown.

Heather's skin had a yellowish tint, and the purple gown she wore made her complexion look even duller. Her eyes were lifeless and shadowed with dark circles, clearly the re
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  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 491

    Carissa was silent for a moment before saying, "Lulu, show our guest out."Heather's anger flared. "Carissa, I haven't finished speaking yet, and you're already so eager to drive me away? I am your aunt!"In her rage, Heather threw a cup to the floor, her chest heaving with emotion.Carissa glanced at the shattered cup on the floor. The liquid spread beneath her feet, dampening the tips of her shoes.She raised her head to meet Heather's gaze, her voice stern and cold as she said, "If you had vented your anger this way at Gracehold Estate, by smashing a cup in front of them and cursing Samuel for his heartlessness, I would have been glad for Leona and still respected you as my aunt."But didn't you see how aggrieved Leona was that night? Yet, you were only making excuses. When she asked if you would accept her back into the house if she got a divorce, a simple nod from you would have been a great comfort, even if you only advised her to endure."Her words about divorce might have

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 492

    The news of Carissa's anger towards Heather reached Helen's ears.After calling Lulu in to get the full story, Helen was furious."Who wouldn't be infuriated by such behavior? It's only because Carissa is younger that she put up with Lady Heather. If I were there, I'd have slapped her a few times myself!"Hurry, get the kitchen chefs to prepare some sweet treats- No, better yet, go buy an assortment of pastries from the best bakery in the capital. Cheer Carissa up. Don't let her stay angry and make herself ill over such spineless people. It's not worth it to ruin her health over them."Helen's maid, Mindy, hurriedly prepared to buy the treats, but Violet said, "I'll go. I'm quick on my feet.""Yes, you should go, Violet," Helen said anxiously.She had seen her daughter-in-law angry before, but this time, Carissa's frustration with Heather was something she couldn't express. It was like when Helen was extremely annoyed with her sister but dared not show it.No, it wasn't quite th

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 493

    Carissa handed Helen a pastry with a smile. "Mother, I'm not angry anymore. Please have some."Seeing that Carissa had taken the pastry directly with her hands, Helen frowned slightly. Her daughter-in-law was still rather rough around the edges, wasn't she?After hesitating for a moment, Helen accepted the pastry. Well, it wasn't like she would get sick from eating something a bit dirty.-The Oversight Department was busy once again as they launched a formal investigation against Samuel. They accused him of immoral conduct, public insults towards the court, and showing blatant disrespect for royal authority.They argued that Samuel was unworthy of being recognized as one of the top scholars, and petitioned the king to remove his name from the National Examination Register. They also called for his removal as the heir to the title and estate of the Earl of Gracehold.During the morning court session, Salvador stripped Samuel of his title as heir, but didn't revoke his status as a

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 494

    "Your Majesty, what is Septimus' true identity?" Rafael asked.When Rafael received Septimus' intelligence from Louis, he had investigated all the military commanders and captured soldiers, only to find that none of them were named Septimus Tetra.Salvador shook his head. "I don't know. It's likely that no one knows. Your late father-in-law received the initial intelligence. Perhaps he knew his identity, or perhaps even he didn't know. Since Septimus was able to escape from the enemy camp, it indicates that his martial arts skills are quite impressive, and that he is no ordinary soldier."Rafael frowned.When he received the intelligence from Septimus, he hadn't inquired about his identity. Moreover, even if he had asked, Septimus' identity would likely not have been disclosed to avoid compromising the intelligence. It was too risky."Your Majesty, he has provided a lot of valuable intelligence and has done our kingdom a great service. We must rescue him," Rafael said.Salvador n

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 495

    At Hell Monarch Estate, Carissa was helping Rafael pack his belongings, her expression marked by a hint of worry."Why don't I go with you? I'm not comfortable with you going alone.""I won't be alone. I'll have Dylan and Jacob with me. You should stay behind to handle Kiera's wedding arrangements. Besides, Ryan will be going to the academy soon.""How is Jacob's martial prowess?"Carissa wasn't very familiar with Jacob. Although he was an important figure in the estate, he often seemed rather inconspicuous."He's average in skill but sharp-witted."Hearing that, Carissa was still uneasy, considering the dangers of infiltrating the Sandorian border city."Then, perhaps Violet should go with you?"Rafael embraced Carissa, kissing her forehead. Her concern genuinely pleased him."No need. I've invited my master to accompany me.""Sage Everett is going with you? That's good."Everett was highly skilled and elusive. Even when he was far away, he seemed to appear out of nowhere w

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 496

    Rafael left the city that night, taking Dylan and Jacob with him. At the same time, a carrier pigeon flew back to the Pathfinders Guild, carrying a letter requesting help from Everett.After Rafael left, Violet pulled Carissa into the next room to sleep together, under the excuse that she was worried Carissa would feel lonely after getting used to having someone beside her.Carissa knocked on her head. "I'm not lonely at all. You're just bored, aren't you? Why don't you go play with Rod?""I'm not going to him. He's all high and mighty now ever since becoming a drill instructor for the household soldiers. He walks around like a peacock," Violet said, lying on the bed with her chin propped up on her hands. "And I'm not bored or lonely. I just wanted to chat with you. In a couple of days, we'll have something fun to watch—Serena's going to be taken into the Marquis of Ironridge's family as a concubine."Carissa folded her arms behind her head. "I know, but I've been thinking about

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 497

    The two friends chatted through the night. After experiencing the battles in the Southern Frontier, Violet had matured a great deal. Especially now that she was living in the capital, she had come to learn much about the affairs of powerful families. She realized that the world wasn't as simple as it had seemed back in Meadow Ridge.Life in Meadow Ridge had been far too easy. Every day was spent causing trouble, walking dogs, teasing cats, digging around for snakes, or chasing wild boars. The worst thing that ever happened was getting beaten up by apprentices from other guilds.As they talked, they grew sleepy. Violet turned over and casually threw a leg over Carissa, yawning. "I really envy you for having such a good mother-in-law. Lady Helen's always so protective of you.""I know.""Maybe I should just marry the marshal too, then she’d be my—"Before Violet could finish her sentence, Carissa kicked her off the bed. Violet jumped back up and started pounding on Carissa, laughi

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 498

    Rebecca looked at Carissa, taking in the latter’s entire appearance. Carissa exuded an undeniable air of luxury and authority now—she was truly different. Rebecca's gaze was filled with anger, regret, resentment, and frustration; a mix of emotions that made her teeth ache.Serena shared those feelings, but hers were laced with even more hatred and jealousy. She had been so close, just a step away from becoming the Hell Monarch's concubine."What bad luck!" Violet muttered coldly.Carissa only glanced at them briefly before turning her attention back to the smiling young heir of The Golden Tower. Business people really did have sharp eyes. Even on the day when she looked completely disheveled, he had still recognized her.Well, it wasn't that surprising. She and her mother had visited The Golden Tower before, and had met him.Carissa smiled and said, "Nathaniel, there's no need for such formalities. We'd like to go up to the third floor to pick out some jewelry. Would that be a

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  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1504

    At the break of dawn, the large procession set out for Orivenia.Carissa didn't feel much regret in leaving. After all, they would pass through Victory Pass on the way back, and she would have the chance to meet with her grandfather and his family again.Once they had left Victory Pass, the road grew rougher. Many sections were full of deep potholes or had been intentionally damaged, making it difficult for the carriages to move forward.However, Kendrick was determined not to ride a horse again. Even after days of rest, his legs were still sore from the relentless friction of the saddle. Walking was manageable, but sitting on horseback? That was pure agony.So, despite having earned his merit at Victory Pass for establishing an orphanage there, Kendrick insisted on traveling by carriage. When the wheels got stuck or the path became too treacherous, the Mystic Army soldiers dismounted and pushed the carriage forward, inching their way through the difficult terrain.Fortunately,

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1503

    Wallace gave the order, and Barrett was tasked with the job of investigating. He led a group to search the area.Barrett was aware that Carissa had arrived at Victory Pass. He had been there to greet the group. However, he had stayed at a distance, watching from afar without approaching. From that distance, he hadn't been able to make out any faces, only a vague silhouette that seemed to resemble hers.He had thought his actions unnecessary. After all, what business did he have with her? The affairs of the capital were nothing for him to involve himself with.While the diplomatic envoy rested in Victory Pass, they spent their time discussing strategies and rehearsing their approach. Everyone understood that while this negotiation might seem easier compared to the last, it was by no means a simple task.Lisandra had long kept this matter at the forefront of her mind and would not easily yield to any compromises.The Sullivan family also feared that someone might infiltrate the envo

  • 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

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