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Chapter 735
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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
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 738
Carissa didn't argue. After all, Salvador wasn't really asking for her opinion—he was practically issuing a direct order.He gave her the position of commander, but at the same time, he promoted someone who had a grudge against the Hell Monarch's household. It was a move meant to sow discord between Carissa and Rafael.Maybe Salvador thought this would give him a sense of security.As Carissa left the palace, Derek watched her retreating figure with a worried expression. He wasn't sure how many more tests of trust she and Rafael could withstand.The truth was that Salvador could have appointed Barrett directly without involving the Mystic Army's commander. If he really wanted Carissa to handle the transfer, it didn't need to go through the Civil Department—just a simple notification would have sufficed.But Salvador was trying hard to keep everything under his control, which only made things uncomfortable for everyone involved, including Barrett.After leaving the palace, Carissa
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 739
Alistair was in his thirties, with well-defined features and a strong, fit build that wasn’t overly large. As he approached Carissa with his men, there was a hint of disdain in his expression.He nodded respectfully, but his eyes betrayed his arrogance as he said, "I apologize for my late arrival. I had matters to attend to. Please forgive me, Commander Sinclair."Carissa nodded slightly, glancing at the twelve captains standing in two rows behind him. Each one looked formidable, their expressions dismissive, as if they couldn't care less about a female commander.It was clear—the caliber of a military leader was often reflected in the nature of their soldiers."There's nothing much to discuss today, so let's disperse and get back to our duties…"Before Carissa could finish her sentence, Alistair interjected, "Since there's nothing of importance and we've all seen each other, I'll take my leave. There's a great deal to attend to in the palace."With that, he turned and strode awa
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 740
Rafael pulled his wife to stand in front of him and gently rubbed her bruised eye. "Does it hurt?""Just a little," Carissa replied, pulling his hand away and glancing back, wary of any onlookers."Don't worry. No one's coming in. What happened?" he asked, concern etched across his face.After maintaining her composure for so long, Carissa finally relaxed. She sank into a chair and rubbed her eye, realizing it was indeed a bit more swollen than earlier.That wretched Travis!"I was sparring with Violet this morning, and then Rod jumped in. Both of us ended up getting accidentally hit by his fists.""Let's dock his pay," Rafael said, both amused and sympathetic.Though Travis was typically well-behaved, he tended to revert to the playful demeanor of a youth when he was with Violet and Carissa.Carissa chuckled. "Docking his pay might cost him his life. Money is one thing, but if Alana finds out and tells his master, she'll certainly send orders for further punishment.""Just sc
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 741
Florence, who was advanced in age, was kept in a small and relatively clean cell. She was also separated from the other Harmony Palace servants. Since being taken to the Supreme Court, she hadn't eaten or drank anything, nor had she spoken a word.Matthew had personally questioned her and urged her to eat, but she just lay in her cell, appearing resigned to death.Rafael was well aware that Florence wouldn't speak ill of Eleanor. After all, she had raised the grand princess, and their bond had long since transcended that of a mere servant and her mistress. Over the years, while people came and went from Eleanor's side, Florence had remained steadfastly loyal.As a result, she was privy to all of Eleanor's secrets—many of which were quite sordid."Matthew interrogated Kurt today. We learned that Aunt Eleanor initially ordered that your uncle's face be ruined and his entire family be killed. It was Florence who intervened and told Kurt not to carry out the order. Otherwise, your uncl
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 742
Florence's cold and hollow gaze was fixated intently on Carissa, who returned her stare.She had seen Florence during her visit to Harmony Palace, where the old woman had worn a stone-blue silk gown. Authority had been etched into every wrinkle of her face, instilling fear in many who crossed her path.However, Florence was dressed in a wrinkled indigo outfit now, and her hair was a mess. Her eyelids sagged and dark spots marred her once-proud visage, revealing the toll of age and hardship. She looked painfully thin, her frailty accentuated by worry and her refusal to eat, making her appear near skeletal.Though Florence seemed indifferent, caught in a state of waiting for death, the truth was that she was anxious—otherwise, she wouldn't have aged so dramatically in such a short time.Matthew had spoken to her, but she hadn't uttered a word, not even sparing a glance in his direction.Now, when facing Carissa, she spoke first, saying, "Don't think you'll hear a single word against
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 743
Carissa didn't find Florence's words ridiculous. Instead, she felt a twinge of sadness. Regardless of the old woman's current thoughts, it was clear she had once held those beliefs deeply.Carissa chose not to counter Florence's claims. From the way she secretly spared Daniel and his family from Eleanor's wrath, it was evident her mindset had changed. The things she said now weren't meant to persuade anyone else—Florence was merely trying to convince herself."Alright, since everything was done by you and Kurt and has nothing to do with Grand Princess Eleanor, why don't you tell me how many women you've brought into Harmony Palace over the years, how many have died, and how many baby boys were killed?" Carissa asked.Florence fell silent, her expression growing increasingly grim."They're already dead. You owe them some justice and should let the families of the abducted women know they don't have to search anymore. Besides, Grand Princess Eleanor has committed the heinous crime of
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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
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
