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Chapter 53
Bab terkait
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 54
Carissa didn't go back to sleep after Charlotte and Amelia left. It was already dusk, and she would be setting off when night fell. There was no point in trying to sleep now.She recalled Amelia's account of Barrett's wedding, and suddenly felt an urge to laugh.So, this was the true nature of the woman Barrett liked. In the end, Aurora's true nature didn't make him happy. Not only that, it also brought disgrace upon the Warren family. All the guests had walked out of the wedding banquet. This was unprecedented.Aurora Yates.Carissa chewed on the name, and suppressed feelings of resentment and anger surged within her like turbulent waves. If not for Aurora's desire for credit, the massacre wouldn't have happened and the people of Northwatch Estate wouldn't have been decimated.Before this, Carissa had never hated Aurora. Whether it was stealing her husband or belittling her, Carissa still respected the latter for her contributions to the country. After all, Aurora succeeded in
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 55
They rested at an inn that evening. Both Lightning and Carissa managing a good night's sleep. Being away from home made her unusually alert. She rose before dawn, washed up, and covered her face with a black cloth before continuing on her journey.The journey was naturally arduous, made worse by the biting cold that even the cloth couldn't shield from, roughening her skin considerably. The previous night at the inn, she had looked into a mirror. Her once smooth skin was now red and almost cracking. She applied camellia oil to prevent it from worsening—it wasn't about beauty, but avoiding pain.On the fifth morning of travel, she arrived at the Southern Frontier. The absence of supply convoys on the road along the way troubled her. It meant that the Hell Monarch thought victory was assured, and didn't need to constantly obtain provisions. However, there was still a fierce battle ahead.Upon reaching the Southern Frontier, she inquired and learned that only two cities, Ilyrian and
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 56
Carissa followed Rafael on horseback, glancing at the campfires spaced every few steps. Her heart sank at what she observed.The Southern Frontier originally had three hundred thousand soldiers, with another hundred thousand seconded from Victory Pass, totaling four hundred thousand soldiers. From her observations, however, not even half of those numbers were left.Rafael had marched through twenty-three cities, reclaiming all but two. It was clear many soldiers had sacrificed their lives.Outside the command tent, vanguards and lieutenants stood on either side. Their armor was worn, their faces weather-beaten, and their beards unkempt.A few generals stood a short distance away from the main tent. Carissa recognized one of them—Timothy Farrell, an old comrade of her father's. He had even held her as a child.Timothy strode up and stopped before Carissa. He studied her face, then said excitedly, "Carissa Sinclair? Is that you?""Timothy!" Carissa's eyes stung.Timothy's lips tre
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 57
At this moment, Carissa felt utterly exhausted. Her legs trembled as she sat down on the mat. She was too tired to worry about proper etiquette. It had been a long time since she had been so rushed, and she was struggling to keep up.Rafael saw her state, and smiled. "You're worn out, aren't you? How many days did it take you?""Five days," Carissa said, catching her breath. "I’m fine, but my horse is really exhausted.""Impressive!" Rafael said with admiration. Then, he called out loudly, "Feed the horses and prepare the meals!"A booming voice responded from outside. "Yes, sir!"Carissa quickly asked, "Aren’t you going to devise a strategy? Or send someone to urgently notify the capital and request more reinforcements?"Rafael leaned against the desk, tapping his long fingers on his leg as he narrowed his eyes. "We will recruit soldiers. Reinforcements won’t arrive quickly. To handle the first battle, we need to first recruit soldiers and gather provisions."He looked at Car
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 58
Rafael’s analysis earned Carissa’s deep respect. Only a seasoned battlefield veteran would understand how absurd it was for an enemy to surrender just because their supplies were burned, especially in a long-standing stalemate like this one. The conflict between the two kingdoms had led to countless battles over the years, both small and large, with decades of strife.Moreover, Westhaven wasn’t without its own supplies. Even if their provisions were burned, they could simply resupply and wouldn’t need to surrender. At worst, they would retreat and have a truce. By doing so, the Starhaven army wouldn’t invade them.“So, what’s the real issue?” Rafael asked.Knowing that Rafael’s investigation would eventually reveal the truth, Carissa decided to be honest. “Aurora Yates killed prisoners and massacred civilians.”Rafael’s expression changed abruptly. “Does the king know about this?”“I don’t know if the king is aware, but…the Victory Pass reports, including the final victory repor
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 59
Calling the food prepared for dinner a meal seemed quite noble. In reality, there were only two pieces of hard flatbread and dried meat—typical battlefield rations. These were the kinds of supplies commonly sent to the front lines.Now that the troops were stationed here, they could have prepared some hot stew or oatmeal. However, it was already late, and starting a big pot of stew just for Carissa would have been unreasonable.Still, they were thoughtful enough to provide a pot of hot water, which was at least something warm to drink and could heat up her body.The small, temporary tent was filled with thick, heavy blankets that were dirty and hardened with grime. Carissa could tell from a touch that the stains on the blankets were dried blood.A tall, young soldier with thick eyebrows and a scruffy beard led her in. He scratched his head and asked, “Is this okay? If not, I can get some hot soup made for you.”“No need, this is fine,” Carissa said with a grateful smile, biting
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 60
When Carissa heard this, she assumed her friends had arrived, and quickly said, “Lead me there.”Dylan guided her to the rear. From a distance, she spotted several familiar figures.Holding her Rose Spear, she leaped forward with her Lightfoot Skill and called out loudly, “Rod, Bun, Thia, Vivi!”The four of them looked up to see her soaring through the air. A young swordsman in green unsheathed his sword, and leaped up to meet her. They exchanged light blows midair.The young man's swordplay was swift as lightning, while Carissa wielded the Rose Spear with a ghostly grace. The red ribbons on the spear flared like scattered fireworks, leaving the soldiers dumbfounded by the incredible skills on display.As they landed, the young swordsman in green snorted. “Your moves are slow.”“Your swordsmanship has improved, Rod,” Carissa said, examining the young man with a bright smile. “And you’ve grown taller.”Travis Mullen was the only male apprentice of Lunar Guild. Since his master on
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 61
After enlisting, Carissa and her friends were immediately thrown into training.The five of them and a group of new recruits were sent to the training grounds. Basic drills like sword practice and wood cutting were incredibly easy for them.In no time, they completed ten training exercises, leaving the new recruits in awe. However, when it came to learning battlefield strategies, they settled down and listened attentively.Aside from Carissa, who was familiar with warfare, the other four had no prior experience with battles.Since Carissa had a tent, albeit a small one, they all squeezed in together comfortably. That evening, they asked Carissa eagerly about her marriage.Carissa hugged her knees, and said with a smile, “Yes, I got married, then divorced. I’m single now.”“That's great!” Cynthia clapped her hands excitedly. “Jasper was so upset when he heard you got married. Now that you’re divorced, you can marry him.”Carissa tapped her forehead with a finger. “I don’t want to
Bab terbaru
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
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1579
Though Ryan had told Cecil he was going on a journey, he didn't stay long at Eldermere Keep. After just seven days, he left and made his way to the Pathfinders Guild.He had initially planned to return to the capital to seek out Claire, but soon reconsidered. Instead of troubling her, he thought it best to directly ask Winona to teach him the art of disguise.It was not difficult to learn, but to do it well—to the point where no one could tell—was another matter. Such skill could not be acquired in just a few months.The simpler form of disguise involved merely altering one's features with makeup and slight adjustments to the face. This was fine for ordinary situations, but could easily be seen through in more challenging circumstances, like on a rainy day for instance.Therefore, Ryan knew he couldn't settle for such a basic method.The more advanced form of disguise involved creating a mask as a false face. However, these masks had their own set of problems. They were thick, unco
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1578
That evening, Ryan and Clarence sat by candlelight and spoke quietly. They avoided discussing court politics as Clarence had no interest in such matters. As long as the kingdom was peaceful, that was enough for him.He was no longer the eldest prince of Starhaven, and only had himself to look after now. Everything else had faded into the past.It was better not to speak of politics; it was too sensitive a topic. In his younger years, Clarence hadn't understood why his "death" was so tied to such matters. But over the years, Sebastian had explained everything to him, bit by bit, including the risks and consequences.The bond between Clarence and Cecil was not without affection. However, to gamble with one's life and future for the sake of family might not be the wisest choice for any of them.Clarence had come to terms with it. Life had to go on; it was better to live it well today than to wonder about tomorrow."Aunt Carissa said you're no longer able to stand, but you were walking
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1577
The azaleas of Eldermere Keep bloomed in a riot of color, spreading across the hills in a blaze of purple and red. The sight was enough to dazzle anyone who set eyes upon it, especially those who had never visited this secluded place. It was the kind of beauty that made one long to stay forever.Yet, there was one exception.A young man rode his horse to the base of the mountain, dismounted, and secured his steed. Without a glance at the dazzling scene around him, he began to walk the path up the mountain, his gaze fixed firmly on the road ahead.The vivid azaleas stretched out along either side of the path, reaching out as if to claim him, but he merely brushed them aside with a casual swipe of his hand.His pace was swift, and he occasionally used his Lightfoot Skill. Eldermere Keep was not high up, but its location was well-hidden, with many winding paths leading in. However, he had studied the map countless times before embarking on this journey, so the route to the keep was et
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1576
Rafael glanced at the robe. "Isn't that mine? Are you saying I've gotten fat? I'm not fat.""Oh, is it yours? It's too long, then. I'll have someone alter it for me," Carissa replied casually.Rafael shook his head. "If you want something loose, just have someone make it for you. Why bother altering my old clothes? It's not even comfortable.""I'm going to Meadow Ridge for a year. Wearing your clothes will make it feel like you're still with me," Carissa said with a bright smile, as if the idea of being apart for a year was no more serious than being apart for a day."A year?" Rafael looked shocked. "You're going back for a whole year? Why?""Well, of course, my mentor misses me, and I miss him too," Carissa replied, placing her hands on her hips as she handed the robe to Lulu, who was standing by with a hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh."But I won't leave right away. Since Ryan is about to inherit the duke's title, I'll wait until that's settled before I go back to Meado
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1575
On the 13th day of winter, Salvador suddenly woke up feeling clearer than before. Saying he was hungry, he specifically asked for beef stew and milk pastries.Derek hurried to make the necessary arrangements. When the food arrived, Octavia sat by the bed as she had done many times before, ready to feed him. But Salvador insisted he wanted to sit up to eat himself.Derek gently helped the king sit up, placing a soft cushion behind him to support his back. Salvador had grown so thin that he seemed to be nothing but skin and bones. His body slouched as he sat, so Derek had to kneel beside the bed, holding his waist to keep him steady.Salvador finished an entire bowl of stew, eating it all without leaving a single bit behind. Then, he picked up a small milk pastry. But after a bite, he felt a little nauseous, so he didn't eat any more.Sebastian sent word to Victoria. After a brief conversation, her face turned pale and tears started to fall almost immediately. Though she had tried to
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1574
Once back at the palace, Salvador was unable to rise from his bed. Sebastian spoke briefly with him, hinting that he didn't have much time left. If there was anyone he wished to see, it should be done as soon as possible.The first person Salvador wanted to see was, of course, Victoria."That child… When he saw me, he couldn't stop asking about you. You didn't love him in vain, Mom," Salvador murmured, his voice weak.Victoria sighed deeply. "How cruel... his life must be lived hidden away in the mountains, never able to leave. Is there truly no hope for his legs?""I believe there is no hope," Salvador replied softly, his lips pale and drained of color. "But as I was leaving, he said, 'Dad, once I've learned enough medicine, I'll cure you. I'll make you better.'"Victoria's heart ached. "What a good child."Salvador's gaze drifted to the ceiling, his voice barely a whisper as he repeated, "Yes, he is a good child."After speaking with Victoria, Salvador asked Rafael to bring in
