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Chapter 704
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 705
Eleanor stepped in to defuse the tension. She cast Fiona a sharp glance to remind her to keep an eye on Molly.Fiona was irritated. Due to her status as a concubine, she hesitated to intervene when Molly made her rounds of greetings. They had talked about this beforehand—tonight was meant to be a solemn event. It wasn't about making connections. They should focus on being quiet, copying scriptures, and praying for the departed souls. Those were the best ways to socialize.But from the moment Molly arrived, she started trying to make small talk and acting overly familiar, as if they were at a banquet. Hadn't she noticed how the expressions of the older ladies had shifted?Fiona stepped forward and said softly, "Lady Molly, let's copy scriptures together."She had brought a few holy texts, and had even copied some scriptures while attending to the sickly in the palace.Molly reluctantly took a seat at a low table and began copying the scriptures. The holy texts were in a different l
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 706
Surprisingly, Jacob and the others were unconcerned about what would happen in Harmony Palace tonight. With the assassins on the move, they would surely breach the dungeons. Given the many high priests attending the sacred ceremony at Harmony Palace, the Capital Guards and the Garrison Unit would likely be heavily focused on guarding the area. When the assassins were spotted, the people Jacob had in place would cause a commotion and draw the Capital Guards and Garrison Unit's attention. Once inside Harmony Palace, the assassins would head for the dungeon. They knew the residence's layout and where the dungeon entrance was, so they would lead everyone straight in.However, Carissa was puzzled by something. The queen dowager had sent food offerings to support Eleanor, drawing a large crowd. Victoria wouldn't act so arbitrarily. In all the years Carissa had known her, she had never done anything like this. The only one who might orchestrate such an arrangement was Salvador.With J
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 707
When the clock struck eight, the assassins made their move.A row of figures dressed in black silently descended upon Harmony Palace, swords at the ready. The priests were reciting their prayers in the main courtyard. By then, the noblewomen had finished burning their copies of the scriptures. Now, some were writing while others continued to chant prayers.Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the stillness of the night. The ladies fell silent, their voices abruptly cut off."Assassins!"The cry sliced through the air like a dagger, echoing heavily in Eleanor's heart. She was right in the main courtyard, yet hadn't seen any attackers. That meant the assassins must have infiltrated the inner and back courtyards of Harmony Palace.As she prepared to rush outside, Rosalind stood up and seized her arm. "There are assassins out there, Grand Princess Eleanor! It's too dangerous!""Let go of me!" Eleanor spun around with a look fierce enough to shock everyone present.Panic spread am
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 708
Barrett noticed the crowded space and the presence of the high priests. If anything were to go wrong, the consequences would be dire. He stepped forward to address Zane, saying, "Sir, it's best if you retreat to a safe place. Once the assassins are captured, you can continue your prayers."Zane shook his head. "There's no need for that. Attend to your duties. This altar is already open tonight, and I will not leave until my prayers are complete.""There are assassins! It's dangerous!" Barrett insisted.With his hands clasped in prayer, Zane replied, "The assassins are not here for me. If they harm me by mistake, then it is simply my fate."Seeing he couldn't persuade the Spirit Elder, Barrett turned to the few remaining guards. "Stay with them and ensure their safety."With that, he drew his sword and rushed deeper into the chaos.Eleanor arrived at the western courtyard and stood her ground. Before her were over thirty guards. This place was the most crucial of the four entr
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 709
On the ground lay bundles of arrows and several crossbows. There were also rows of knives and swords, along with a selection of bows. A few large barrels were stacked in one corner.As Rafael approached, the pungent scent of gunpowder wafted toward him. The barrels were sealed tight and covered with several layers of material. Yet, the unmistakable smell of gunpowder lingered in the air.The area where the barrels sat wasn't illuminated. The only source of light was at the entrance to the dungeon.Rafael turned around just as Eleanor's household soldiers arrived. Their eyes widened in shock at the flickering light illuminating the dungeon. Many stood frozen, momentarily forgetting to confront the assassins.Rafael stepped forward with his sword drawn, taking down several household soldiers in quick succession. It was then that he spotted Barrett entering with a handful of capital guards. Barrett barely had time to take in the scene before he charged toward the so-called assassin,
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 710
The assassins had already led Michael and Max Lewis into another dungeon.Inside, they discovered Daniel and his family huddled together—along with seven or eight women, some mad and others weak from illness.As soon as Michael laid eyes on Daniel and his family, his expression darkened. "Get them out of here immediately," he ordered. "Escort them with the ladies. There are capital guards and Harmony Palace household soldiers stationed outside. They'll be safe there."Women were also imprisoned in the adjoining cells, but they were all severely disabled. Some had lost arms or legs, others had disfigurements, and some had even been mutilated beyond recognition. Their wounds had been treated carelessly, leaving many infected. One woman's severed leg had already begun to rot.When the capital guards entered and witnessed this scene, they could hardly believe this was a grand princess' residence. It was more fitting to call it hell!Pinching their nose against the terrible stench
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 711
The newcomers reeked of filth. Among them were two who seemed utterly mad. They rushed forward to grab the fresh fruit from the offering table, gnawing at it as if they were starving.A few others were so weak that they could only lie on the ground. Their faces were pale and drawn, indicating they had been ill for a long time.Just as the onlookers were trying to comprehend the identities of these unfortunate souls, another group was ushered in.Even before they entered, the stench hit those already in the room. It was nauseating, the foul odor reminiscent of rotting flesh. Molly covered her nose with a handkerchief and retreated to a corner, trying to distance herself from the horrid smell.The high priests opened their eyes. Upon seeing the limping women brought in—missing limbs, battered, and broken—a short prayer slipped from their lips. The high priests were compassionate and had a high level of spiritual practice. Despite that, the sight of such suffering stirred their ange
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 712
At that moment, Barrett was gripped by the fear of impending death. Memories of his first battle at Victory Pass flooded his mind, when enemies had surrounded him and he nearly succumbed to their blades. Wyatt Sullivan had saved him, sacrificing an arm in the process. That day, Barrett had also been fraught with the terror of dying.As he was lost in thought, Barrett was suddenly kicked to the ground. Panic surged as he caught sight of a glinting blade rushing toward him. He rolled away desperately, tumbling until he landed at Eleanor's feet."Die!" Eleanor's face twisted in fury as she raised her sword, aiming for his chest.Barrett seized the sword's blade with both hands, hoping to use its momentum to rise, but the household soldiers were already closing in.Just as it seemed all was lost, a throng of capital guards burst in. Michael leaped from the staircase, delivering a swift kick that sent the household soldier aiming a blade at Barrett sprawling. He saved Barrett just
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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
