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Chapter 513
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 514
Samuel was furious and embarrassed. He snapped, "You think so little of me, yet you're still eager to cling to me? Our feelings were never truly mutual. Our marriage was your obsession from the start, and I was simply pressured by the influence of the royal family…""Be quiet." Leona's eyes were red, and her lips trembled again as he spoke of their marriage. She felt deeply ashamed and distressed. "I did have feelings for you, but you also claimed to have feelings for me. That's how this wretched union came about. If my family had any power, would you have dared mistreat me?"Her tears fell uncontrollably despite her best efforts to hold them back. Though she tried to remain composed, her natural weakness meant that her emotions got the better of her, and the tears flowed freely.She was so thin and fragile, and she was trying to stifle her sobs but failed. Her appearance stirred a fleeting sense of guilt in Samuel. Yet, this guilt was short-lived. He had vowed to be loyal to
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 515
Samuel returned to the manor on Hibiscus Lane and immediately went to rinse his mouth, spitting out the blood. He couldn't let Ruby worry.In Hibiscus Lane, there were only two shop servants—one in the kitchen, and the other likely attending to Ruby. Samuel used the cold water in the dining room to rinse his mouth, feeling a sharp pain throbbing in his head. The left side of his mouth felt as though it were splitting open, and he had to endure the pain for a while before he could force back his tears.Leona was so ruthless. She had her husband beaten time and again. Samuel had been blinded by her gentle and mild demeanor, not realizing how jealous she truly was.Her cousin, the Hell Monarch's princess consort, was just like her—they were one and the same.He had been beaten, and both his grandmother and father would surely know. So, he had an excuse to leave in anger. If he were asked to return again, he wouldn't go back so easily."Bill, bring me that handkerchief..." he call
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 516
After being roused from his stupor by the servants, Samuel sat in the courtyard, feeling as though his heart had been hollowed out. No matter who called out to him, he remained unresponsive.Outside Hibiscus Lane, Henry's men kept a close watch. When they reported back to Henry, he frowned. "Didn't Celeste say she would sever ties with him properly? Forget it. He's of no use anyway. The reputation of the Earl of Gracehold's family is already notorious. It wouldn't matter what he did."Samuel spent two days at Hibiscus Lane, refusing to eat or drink. Celeste's departure wasn't the most devastating blow to him. The real blow was the words she had spoken before leaving.He had high ambitions and had achieved the rank of third place in the national examinations, garnering the admiration of many noble young women in the capital. He saw himself as a genius, someone born to stand apart from the ordinary, destined to rise above the common crowd. In his mind, he wasn't just exceptional
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 517
That day, Claire reported that several suspicious individuals had entered the capital and checked into Prestige Lodge.The reason they were considered suspicious was because they carried a distinct aura of violence, one that set them apart from the usual martial arts practitioners. This bloodthirsty presence was something the scouts were highly sensitive to. As soon as the scouts detected it, they began to track the individuals closely. After they checked into Prestige Lodge and didn't come out, the scouts reported their findings.Upon hearing the report, Violet went to find Carissa.Carissa frowned when she heard the news. The capital was the most prosperous and bustling place in the kingdom, with a significant number of merchants and martial artists coming and going."People who have killed excessively often carry a distinct scent," Violet said. "That's what Claire said, and that's why those people are highly suspicious. Could they be plotting to assassinate the king?"Carissa
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 518
Violet looked at Carissa, and asked, "If they're not targeting Aurora, could they be targeting you and the marshal's household?""I don't know," Carissa admitted. She hadn't been able to analyze it yet. After all, she only knew that a few individuals with a heavy aura of bloodlust had entered the capital, and there was no other information. "I need to have Rod strengthen the defenses of the estate. Tomorrow, I'll take Ryan to the academy and have Rod station people outside for a few days until those individuals leave."No matter what, caution was paramount. With Rafael and Jacob not in the estate, it was better to take extra precautions rather than rely on luck.That day, Travis began setting up defenses. With five hundred soldiers stationed in Hell Monarch Estate under the king's nose, Salvador might feel some trepidation. However, their actual utility was significant.Setting up the defense was quite straightforward. They worked in three-hour shifts, and there were more than
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 519
The woman's face was pale, her hair and clothes drenched by the rain. Clearly embarrassed by her disheveled appearance, she used her sleeve to cover her face and murmured to Carissa, "Thank you. Thank you so much.""No need to thank me," Carissa said. "Are you hurt badly?""Not too badly... Oh!" The woman shifted her foot and winced as a sharp pain shot through her left ankle, letting out a cry of discomfort."It seems like you might have twisted your ankle," Carissa observed. She helped support the woman, and the maid rushed over to assist as well. However, the maid's hands were covered in blood, likely from scraping them on the rough ground during the fall.Carissa frowned, and said, "My carriage is just up ahead. I have some medicine and ointment in it. Why don't you come with me, and I can take care of you there."The woman hesitated. "W-Wouldn't that be too much trouble? And I still don't know your name."Carissa replied, "My name is Carissa. We've met before."The woman in
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 520
The carriage stopped at the northern corner of Silverbrook Academy, while the Marquis of Elderglen's family's carriage followed behind to avoid traffic congestion.The rain grew heavier, and the crowd increased. With Kayla's injured foot, it was inconvenient for her to return to her carriage at this time. She had to wait until the carriages bringing children to the academy had dispersed before she could leave."Are you here to send your son to school, Lady Kayla?" Carissa asked, knowing that Kayla had adopted a son but unaware of his age."Yes, it's his first day at school, so I came to see him off." A genuine smile appeared on Kayla's face as she spoke of her son, making her expression seem more natural."How old is he? What's his name?"Kayla replied, "He's seven years old, and his name is Alexander."Violet laughed and said, "From that name, one can tell he comes from a family of generals."Kayla's expression momentarily faltered, a hint of bitterness showing in her eyes befo
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 521
Carissa called Violet over, asking her to help place Kayla on her back. With Kayla securely on her back, Carissa hurried back to the carriage. "Stay here. I'll find it for you," she promised.Kayla shivered uncontrollably, her hair soaked through. It was impossible to tell whether the moisture on her face was from tears or rain, and her lips quivered violently. "Please… Please, you must find it.""Don't come out!" Carissa's tone grew more urgent. "Take care of yourself. We can't have you distressed, even in spirit."Kayla covered her face and wept.Carissa instructed the coachman to keep an eye on Kayla, then turned back to continue the search.After a little more than half an hour, the carriages began to thin out, but the rain still poured relentlessly. The sky was ominously dark. Even with the help of the coachman from the Marquis of Elderglen's family and three others, they were exhausted and unable to find the earring.Just as they were about to give up, Carissa noticed a
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1588
Having failed to convince my mother, I went to my father. However, his response was even more severe.They thought I opposed the marriage because I hadn't spent time with Phineas. They were also convinced that since the match was already being arranged, it would be best for him to take me out and build some rapport between us.I didn't want to go, but my mother's maid forced me into the carriage. The maid was also told to watch me closely to ensure I didn't speak out of turn.Phineas looked all polished up, with shiny hair and a face like he had powdered it that morning. He initially showed me some respect, but soon enough, his true nature began to show. He made crude comments about my appearance, saying that if it weren't for my looks and the fact that I was from the Spencer family, he would never have considered marrying me.His condescending attitude made me uncomfortable. If that had been the worst of it, perhaps I would have simply let it go. But on our way back, he pinched me
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1587
Startled, I quickly turned around. Not far behind me stood a man, half-hidden in the shade of a tree. He wore a simple black outfit, his figure thin and unkempt, with dark circles beneath his eyes.It was him—the scholar from the bridge who sold paintings, the one Mr. Klein had called a hopeless case, a student who had dropped out to care for a woman."You're speaking nonsense," I exclaimed, wide-eyed, a shiver running through me at the thought of his strange words. "I've never heard of any water demons here. You're just trying to trick me."Though I had no fear of death, I was uneasy at the thought of demons, particularly if they were going to trap me beneath the mud."I'm not lying to you." Cassius stepped forward, his frail frame seeming even more fragile against the breeze. "If you look around, you'll see no one is here. Why else would such a lovely place be devoid of visitors?""That's because the people who come here are not tourists. They come to pray, and they leave once t
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1586
After a while, my cousin and her maid returned to find me. I asked the maid to hand thirty copper coins to Cassius. He smiled and thanked me kindly.I thought our meeting was just a chance encounter and I would never see him again. However, to my surprise, during Grandma's birthday celebration a month later, I saw him again.Our family was hosting a grand dinner, and Leonard Klein, a renowned scholar, had come with his apprentices. And there Cassius was, standing among them.In Ebonflow, the rules for social gatherings weren't as strict as in the capital, with women being allowed to be in the front hall during a banquet. Of course, Cassius didn't recognize me. After all, I had been wearing a veil when we first met, so he had only seen my eyes.He didn't stay long. After presenting Grandma with a beautiful painting, he quickly excused himself, saying he had business to attend to at home.Once he left, Mr. Klein spoke of him with a tone of regret, explaining, "He's a clever young man
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1585
Anyone who knew me, Liana Spencer, spoke of me with scorn. Even strangers who heard my story would spit on the ground and say I had no shame.Everyone knew that running away with a man was worse than theft or murder. It was a disgrace no family could easily bear.Many asked me the same question: Did I regret it?I never regretted marrying him, but I did carry guilt in my heart. Because of me, the Spencer family's name was dragged through the mud. My brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews had a much harder time finding good matches because of my choices.As a daughter of the Spencer family, I lived in comfort from the moment I was born. I wore fine dresses, ate the best foods, and was showered with love. My parents doted on me, while my brothers spoiled me terribly.But there was something wrong with me.By the time I was fourteen, I still hadn't gotten my monthly courses. We consulted physician after physician, and I drank countless doses of bitter medicine, day and night. Yet, no
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1584
Snow fell softly in the dead of winter, blanketing Victory Pass in white. At that moment, the world seemed to have been made pure again.For years, I wore nothing but a tattered priest's robe. I carried a broken bowl and wandered from place to place, asking for food. I stopped only briefly at temples along the way to rest for a night or two and kneel before the statues to beg for forgiveness.I could have stayed at the first monastery I was sent to. Life there wasn't easy, but it wasn't so hard either. I had warm meals and shelter from the cold. But I knew if I stayed in comfort, I would never wash away my sins.Only by suffering, by staying on the road and bearing the cold, the hunger, the pain, could I find peace in my heart.And so, I came to Victory Pass.My sandals had long since fallen apart. Thick calluses had grown on my feet; I could walk barefoot over rocks and barely feel a thing. Even with every piece of clothing I owned layered over me, the winter cold still cut throug
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1583
It was during the Verdant Hunt that Connor fell out of favor with Dad, who scolded him harshly before we left the hunting grounds. Once we returned to the palace, Connor fell ill. Ryan and I were both terribly worried, but Mom was delighted.She held me close that evening, her smile sharper than usual. "After this, your father is sure to be tired of your brother."She told me I must work harder than ever, and to listen closely to the royal chancellor and my uncle."Study better than anyone. Earn their praise. And most importantly, outshine your brother," she said.My heart felt torn. Mom often spoke of the rewards that came with being crown prince, and I won't lie, I was tempted. However, those were all distant things.At the time, I was close to Connor, Ryan, and even our youngest brother, Cecil. We all got along so well. How could I possibly hate my older brother?Those thoughts tangled inside me, day after day. I lost focus. My studies slipped. I made mistakes during riding pra
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1582
Before I took the vows and entered the monastery, my name was Caden.From the time I was young, I often heard the same praise whispered around me: "This child is sharp beyond his years—clever, quick-witted, the finest of the three princes."I heard it so often that I came to believe it myself. At times, I even felt proud. But whenever I let that pride rise too high, Mom would bring me back to earth.She would look at me, her eyes soft but filled with something I couldn't quite name—pity, perhaps. And then, she would sigh and say, "What a pity you were born of my womb. If not, you might have risen above that foolish one. But fate favored him, not you."That "foolish one"—I knew well enough who she meant. I had heard her say it so many times in private, though never once in public.It puzzled me greatly as a child. Mom clearly disliked my eldest brother, Connor, more than anyone. Yet, whenever he came near, she would smile warmly and speak kindly. She would even flatter him, calling
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1581
Two childhood friends were now each giving their all on very different paths.Clarence had started with herbs, then medicine, and in time, healing became his entire world at Eldermere Keep. At first, it was merely something to pour his heart into, because he knew he would never be allowed to leave the mountain and open a medical hall of his own.But then Ryan came, and afterward, sent Clarence a letter.That letter changed everything.For the first time, Clarence began to hope that maybe, just maybe, he could go down the mountain after all. And once that hope took root, he threw himself into his studies with more energy than ever before. He barely slept, rarely left the apothecary, and sometimes forgot to eat.Because of the pain he had once endured, he focused his efforts on curing injuries and chronic pain. Of course, a good physician had to know more than one thing, so he studied every field without neglecting any.There was a fire inside him now. A quiet flame that had not bur
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1580
"Elise, must your mouth run on without end?" Carissa frowned at her daughter, who had been chattering away beside Ryan from the moment he stepped through the door.The little girl's face was flushed from the sun, her hair tangled into a messy nest that made it clear she had only just returned from playing outdoors. She hadn't stopped talking since Ryan came back from his travels, pestering him with questions about what he had seen and done.Elise turned to Carissa with wide eyes, looking up with a face so innocent it could soften stone. She truly had inherited the best features from both her parents."Mom, I haven't seen Ryan in such a long time. Every moment without him felt like an eternity. We've been apart for so long, so of course I have a lot to say to him."Carissa's frown deepened. "And who taught you to speak in such a ridiculous manner? An eternity—where did that come from?""Sage Isaac said it to Aunt Violet. He went back to Meadow Ridge for a few days and said it to her
