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Chapter 647
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 648
Samuel's eyes were hollow as he was pushed to take a few steps forward. Suddenly, he turned back to face Noah."Dad, if you see Ruby, ask her if she ever cared for me at all, even if just a little?"At Samuel's words, Noah felt his vision darken. It was as if something was lodged in his throat and nearly choking him. He swayed for a moment before collapsing to the ground.Abigail burst into loud, heart-wrenching sobs, which drew a crowd of onlookers from the streets.The turmoil between the Earl of Gracehold's family and Harvey's family was already well-known, and the people of the capital were now buzzing with gossip. With Noah sitting on the ground and Abigail in tears, the spectator could only watch with detached curiosity. The sorrows of the nobility were mere entertainment to the common folk. They felt no empathy, only a desire for more gossip.Upon returning home, Noah and Abigail learned that Dorothy had fainted and suffered a stroke. Despite quickly ordering everyone to
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 649
Harvey lowered his gaze and showed no trace of anger, yet the veins in his hands resting on the armrest bulged slightly. "You're right.""Don't worry about Leona anymore. Your daughter's loyalty clearly lies elsewhere. She would rather follow Carissa than return to your estate with you. Honestly, she's no great loss," Eleanor went on. Harvey remained silent, but frustration gradually clouded his eyes.When Yuvan saw this, he quickly changed the topic. "Well, the matter of the Earl of Gracehold's family is settled. The king won't employ officials who are disrespectful to their families, so their good days are over. I came here today regarding Aurora. I sent assassins after her, but Carissa got in the way. She cost me some of my best men.""It won't be easy to kill Aurora now, Yuvan. The king has dispatched the Capital Guard to watch over Valor Estate. They're in civilian clothing, but I've looked into it, and they're definitely from the Capital Guard," Harvey replied. "Also, Aurora
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 650
After Harvey finished speaking, Yuvan fell into deep thought for a moment. "But it's ultimately better for her to die. That way, all the blame will fall on the Sullivan family. Aurora is cunning and fears death. With her being so despised, I fear the common folk would find her words hard to believe. Also, the Sullivan family has guarded Victory Pass for so many years without ever harming a single civilian. If someone were to spin that narrative to clear their name, it could very well absolve them of any wrongdoing," Yuvan said. Harvey replied, "But our goal isn't to wipe out the Sullivan family. We only need them out of Victory Pass so we can place our people to guard it. Oliver hasn't aligned with us yet, so we must take control of Victory Pass. As long as we control the elite troops in both areas, or if the conflict drags on, we can implement our original plan of inciting the civilians uprising across the region. This will highlight the king's failures and make him the target of
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 651
In Pathfinders Guild, Kyle held a letter in his hand as he approached Everett. "Sage Everett, Rafael wrote to me and asked me to go to the capital. He said he needs my help."Everett sat in meditation with his eyes closed and didn't respond. He had been angry for quite some time, and his temper showed no signs of cooling. He didn't want to deal with anyone, and wasn't letting anyone leave the mountain. As a result, those who typically ventured out were now stuck here, while those who had gone out and hadn't returned didn't dare to come back. Winona was an example.Before Everett left for the Southern Frontier, he had strictly ordered that no one was to construct residences in the northern part of the mountain. He had plans for that land. He wanted to build a five-story Starcatcher Tower. It would allow them to reach for the moon and practice martial arts, which would be very helpful for training their Lightfoot Skill. More importantly, he had other reasons for wanting it.Ever
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 652
Jacob understood the difficulty of the situation. After a moment's thought, he suggested, "How about this? I'll sketch a rough outline, and you can fill in the details with my descriptions."Kyle regarded him, and asked, "You don't remember what she looks like, right?"Jacob's expression twisted with pain. "I always thought I would remember her forever, but when I try to recall her face now, all I can see are flashes of her smile and her running toward me and calling out to me. But her actual features? No matter how hard I try, I can't conjure up a clear image.""Then you won't be able to draw it yourself," Kyle said as he shook his head. "Don't beat yourself up over it. It's been over a decade. Forgetting is quite normal, especially with painful memories. Our minds tend to protect us from hurt. Remembering her brings you pain, so you'll slowly forget those memories."Kyle patted Jacob's shoulder. "But if she were to stand before you again, you would recognize her instantly. Peop
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 653
Leona had many visitors today, so she hurriedly changed her clothes before stepping out to greet them.Helen noticed Leona's rosy complexion, and felt relieved. It seemed Leona was doing just fine, and her cheeks were even brighter than her own. After the formal greetings, Helen took a seat. Upon inquiring, she learned that Leona had just finished practicing martial arts with Alana.Helen grumbled inwardly. It was true what people said—spend some time with martial artists, and even proper young women would be throwing punches.Leona chuckled awkwardly. "I was feeling a bit bored and thought I'd join Alana for some training, but I don't think I can reach that level of elegance to show off at any events."As usual, Helen was blunt and said, "Martial arts itself is hardly elegant and fit for high society, so you shouldn't worry about that. Just do what makes you happy."Gillian cleared her throat loudly. Didn't Helen feel awkward saying that? Most of the people present were martial
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 654
Time slipped away as they spent the day at Leona's side. After half the day had passed, Alana started ushering people out, insisting Leona needed her rest. Also, the rain had let up, so everyone returned to their own residence.Logan visibly exhaled in relief as he took Kiera's hand and walked briskly ahead. As he moved, he suddenly realized he had been impolite. He quickly stepped aside to let Helen and Rafael pass first.Helen watched her son-in-law, and sighed inwardly. Logan was such a clueless man. When he and Kiera got married, he looked clean and fair, but now he looked tanned and grimy. Even Kiera's skin tone had become darker. Those who didn't know them might think Kiera married a farmer.Fortunately, Kiera liked Logan well enough, and being a member of the Quinton family gave him some redeeming points in Helen's eyes.Carissa had been trailing behind, observing the couple hand in hand as they happily swayed along. Their affection for each other was undeniable. But when Ki
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 655
Kyle looked up and said, "You two should head out for now. We're not finishing anytime soon. There's still plenty I need to adjust, and we might end up painting a dozen or more portraits."Rafael stared blankly at the completed painting of the adult woman on the chair. He felt the woman in the portrait resembled Carissa's mom. Not the Melanie he had seen before heading to the Southern Frontier, but the one he remembered from his teenage years.Back then, Melanie had a rounder face, and her smile was soft and gentle."Let's go," Carissa said as she tugged on his sleeves lightly. Rafael glanced down at her. "Carissa, don't you think she resembled someone?""Who?" Carissa asked, her gaze drifting back to the painting. There was no sense of familiarity for her.Seeing that she didn't share his thoughts, Rafael quickly amended his statement. "Perhaps I was just seeing things. Let's step out so we don't disturb them."As they walked out, Rafael recalled his younger days of following
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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
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
