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Chapter 729
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 730
The Supreme Court was busier than ever today. At Rafael's command, all leave was canceled. Even the assistant minister, Peter Salter, who was at home mourning a loss, was worried about keeping his position.When the major conspiracy case arose and Rafael asked him to return, Peter quickly put on his official uniform and went back.Eleanor and Henry were brought to the Supreme Court. Rafael would personally interrogate his aunt, while Matthew was tasked with questioning Henry. Peter and Jared Lynch, the Supreme Court's associate chief, would interrogate the remaining officials, servants, household physicians, and other staff.Rafael didn't rush to interrogate Eleanor. Instead, he ordered that all the weapons from Harmony Palace be transported to the Supreme Court as material evidence. Meanwhile, the rest of the team began their questioning.Despite working tirelessly until nightfall, they only managed to interrogate a handful of people. Rafael then ordered shifts for questioning, me
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 731
Rafael frowned as he read through Billy's testimony. The man was clearly terrified of dying.He had confessed everything in painstaking detail—how Celeste seduced him and forced him to risk everything to poison Melanie Lester, the drugs he used, how the illness worsened, and even when he predicted Melanie would die. He also speculated on Celeste's motives, suggesting that she wanted to free herself entirely from Harmony Palace and escape its constraints by poisoning her own mother.Though Rafael hadn't been handling cases for long, he could immediately see a flaw in this story."If Celeste really wanted to break free from Aunt Eleanor, killing her mom wouldn't help. There's a contradiction here. Aunt Eleanor's control over her hinged on her mom. If Celeste truly didn't care about her mom's life, she could have easily lived under Samuel's protection at Gracehold Estate and stayed out of Aunt Eleanor's grasp. And if she didn't want to be a concubine, she could've swindled a good sum f
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 732
Upon returning to the estate, Rafael found that his wife was still awake.Lulu was busy pressing Carissa's official uniform, the one for the deputy commander of the Mystic Army. Although it was just a nominal title, they had gone through the trouble of making her an official uniform back then, never truly expecting she would wear it.The official uniform didn't come with a ceremonial sword, and the black outfit was inlaid with emerald beads. If Carissa were to wear an official uniform from now on, it meant she couldn't dress like a woman anymore.Lulu was filled with joy. When Barrett wanted to take Aurora as a rightful wife, he had belittled Carissa. Now, she was about to take on an official role. Even though being a commander was still a military position, Carissa wouldn't be stuck in the barracks. All the pent-up frustration Lulu had felt was finally released."How did it go? Did you manage to interrogate anyone?" Carissa asked eagerly as she approached her husband.Rafael glan
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 733
"Claire and the others might know where Celeste is, but I doubt they're tracking her. After such a big case, they're likely on standby in the capital," Carissa said."I came back specifically to have them keep an eye on Yuvan's residence in the capital, Edgeview Estate, as well as on Hartstone Estate. While they probably won't dare make any moves right now, the production and transportation of those weapons involve a lot of people. Plus, the dungeon wasn't full, so they are likely still working on getting more. Since Aunt Eleanor has fallen, Uncle Yuvan or Uncle Harvey will have to take over. We need to monitor them closely," Rafael replied."Got it. I'll talk to Violet about it later," Carissa promised.Rafael ordered someone to bring water so he could wash his face and change his undershirt. He still had some time to nap.Jacob was aware of Rafael's return and had intended to ask him about the case. However, he heard that the prince was resting and would be heading back to the Su
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 734
Violet's eyes widened with astonishment. "Oh my! Let me take a good look at this honored person! Where are you off to, Your Excellency? Can I come along?"Carissa playfully punched her friend's shoulder. "You showed up just in time. There's something I can't do without you.""Whatever you command, Your Excellency, I shall carry it out," Violet replied teasingly as she curtsied.Carissa rolled her eyes. "Can't you speak normally? Do I need to give you a beating?"Pulling out a handkerchief and waving it toward her friend's face, Violet's tone remained exaggeratedly sweet as she quipped, "Oh dear, you're being so rude!"Carissa grabbed Violet by the shoulders and tossed her over her shoulder.She landed nimbly on her feet, flipping over with a laugh. "Now, now. What's with the violence?"Everyone burst into laughter, and Sydney remarked, "You're just delightful, Ms. Spencer. It's no wonder Lady Helen adores you so much.""Of course! Lady Helen loves me more than she loves herself
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 735
Violet nodded. "Got it, Ivy and I will handle it. Don't worry."Carissa pulled her down to sit as well. "There's something else I need to tell you in advance, so you can prepare yourself."Violet plopped down next to her friend, raising an eyebrow. "Why so serious? You're scaring me. What is it? Just spit it out!"Still unused to the style, Carissa adjusted her hair as she spoke, "Grand Princess Eleanor is pretty much done for now. Prince Yuvan and his people will definitely be trying to find out whether she's confessed anything or not. Anyone who's had dealings with court officials won't dare reach out to her. I have a feeling your cousin will come looking for you."Violet's expression turned cold. "She won't get a single word out of me. Don't worry about me leaking anything. With her level of cunning, she couldn't trick me if she tried."After a brief pause, she tilted her head. "Wait, are you asking me to pretend to be friendly and play along to fish information out of her?"C
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 736
The courtyard was in chaos. Violet's furious shouting had sent Travis fleeing in panic, while Lulu and Sydney rushed to get a hot compress to reduce the swelling on Carissa and Violet's faces and eyes.It wasn't entirely ineffective. After all, once they applied some powder, Violet's face didn't look as bruised anymore. But Carissa's eye socket was slowly turning black and blue.Lulu offered to put powder on her too, but Carissa waved her off. "What a joke! Have you ever seen a court official wearing makeup? No, leave it.""But your eye doesn't seem to open as wide as usual. You still need to appear before the king today. Wouldn't this be considered disrespectful?" Lulu said anxiously.Carissa didn't think it was a big deal. During the audience, she would mostly keep her head down anyway. She rarely ever raised her head to meet the king's eyes directly. And even if she did, the distance between them would be far enough that it wouldn't be noticeable.Carissa went to the stables he
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 737
Carissa quickly waved her hand. "That's not it, Your Majesty. I got up too early today and was ready before our appointed meeting time. So, I sparred a little with the people at my residence and accidentally took a hit from one of them."Salvador chuckled. "You got up too early? Were you nervous? Worried you won't handle the responsibilities as the Mystic Army's commander well?""I'm a bit nervous, yes. Mostly because I don't have much experience. I'm afraid I might not do a good job and let everyone down," Carissa replied honestly.Looking at her bruised eye, Salvador had to hold back another laugh. But he knew there were serious matters to address, so he straightened his expression and spoke solemnly."You're the first female official of this era. What you're shouldering is far more than just the duties of the Mystic Army's commander. You also bear the queen dowager's expectations and the admiration of all the women in the kingdom. Others in your position only need to focus on se
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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
