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Chapter 788
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 789
After a thorough comparison, they found that the armor from Harmony Palace was actually made with better materials and craftsmanship than the Ministry of Defense's armor.The battle gear made for generals was especially impressive. When tested in Salvador's study, the armor withstood several blows without any damage, while the blades of the swords chipped instead.However, the ballistae tested were deemed a lower quality than the Ministry of Defense's, which slightly eased Salvador's anger.At least it proved one thing—Cecilia hadn't lied. She hadn't stolen the designs for the ballistae or armor, as the two were clearly distinct. Still, Gareth was likely to face repercussions. It was unacceptable for him to let such critical weapon blueprints leak.Fortunately, Salvador had not changed his stance on the concubines' daughters, and was quite supportive of Carissa's proposal for their unified supervision. After all, those women had indeed been manipulated, and no real harm had come to
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 790
Just as she took a few steps out of the royal study, Carissa was intercepted by the queen's head maid, Lydia, who smiled and curtsied."Your Grace, it's been a while since we last met."Carissa returned the smile. "It has. What brings you here, Lydia?""Oh, it's nothing urgent. Her Majesty mentioned she hasn't seen you in some time and would like to invite you to Everspring Palace for some tea."Carissa's throat was parched and she felt the pang of thirst. However, she also knew that an invitation from the queen rarely came with good intentions.Could she decline?Seeing the determined look on Lydia's face, she realized that refusal wasn't an option."Alright, then. Please lead the way.""Of course, Your Grace," Lydia replied cheerfully before setting off.The distance from the royal study to Everspring Palace was a bit of a trek, but the weather was pleasant, with a gentle breeze that eased some of the oppressive atmosphere from the study. As she walked, the tension slowly bl
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 791
Kylie's voice cut through the tension, "How did you investigate this? If you can share it with His Majesty, then you can share it with me. I refuse to believe my dad could be that kind of man."Carissa met her gaze firmly. "Your Majesty, perhaps you should ask your dad directly. This involves a treason case. While I can share the outcome with you because it directly concerns your dad, revealing the details of our investigation to you might not be wise, as this is a matter of state."Kylie was stunned.Carissa was right—Kylie shouldn't pry into the investigation. It was forbidden for the women of the royal harem to interfere in political affairs. Given that the Quinton family was at the height of its power and she was the queen, whose actions were closely watched and scrutinized, any mistake could be magnified.Lionel furrowed his brow. How was he supposed to approach his dad about this? He didn't even know whether the claim was true. So, even if his dad dismissed it as a lie, a nag
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 792
Lionel sighed heavily. "A second-rank official is allowed up to four concubines. Since Dad already has four, taking another would exceed the limit. While many officials bend the rules, His Majesty expects his ministers to set a proper example. Since Dad is a model civil servant, he wouldn't want to tarnish his reputation."Kylie's expression darkened, her voice trembling slightly as she exclaimed, "It's foolish! If he takes a liking to someone and brings her in as a maid, wouldn't that leave him free to do as he pleases? With how things are now, the love between our parents will become a laughingstock, and Dad's reputation will be ruined!"She gripped the armrest tightly, fury shining in her eyes. "And the Hell Monarch! Why did he have to announce it publicly?"Lionel felt a knot of confusion in his chest. He was unsure of how to face his dad. However, he felt compelled to explain further, given Kylie's distress."His Highness already sent word that he would be coming last night, b
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 793
Herbert stared at Malcolm, momentarily speechless.Malcolm shut his eyes, his mind racing as he spoke methodically, "After I settled her, I looked into her background but didn't find anything suspicious. Gradually, I forgot about her. I only instructed the servants to keep an eye on her. I never laid a hand on her, which the servants there can testify to. It was my oversight. I've been too busy and let her slip my mind. I had no idea she was actually Lord Henry's concubine's daughter."Joy flickered across Herbert's face, but it quickly faded as he realized this was merely a facade—a lie crafted by his brother to placate him.He knew Malcolm well. If there was a suspicious individual nearby, he would have ordered an investigation. No matter the results, that person would never be allowed to stay. They would definitely be chased away or kept at a distance, never allowed to get close.Herbert's heart grew heavy, and disbelief crept into his voice as he asked, "Why would you do this?"
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 794
Lionel commanded everyone to step outside. Instantly, the entire house erupted in chaos as people hurried out. Some even nervously identified themselves.The woman knelt before him, a lilac cloak draped over a crimson dress that accentuated her delicate features, giving her an alluring charm. She had known something was amiss when her daughter was taken away today. Perhaps she had even anticipated her fate before that moment.With Eleanor's downfall, it was only a matter of time before they were discovered."What's your name?" Lionel asked, his voice laced with barely contained anger."Casey Kingsley," she replied, her voice slightly husky yet undeniably enticing.Lionel fixed his gaze on her. "When was the last time you saw my dad?""Yesterday afternoon," she answered. "He rested here for about two hours."Lionel stared at her in disbelief, feeling as if he had been struck.Yesterday? His dad had been here just yesterday?He was the Civil Minister and had likely spent his lun
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 795
Marjorie's tears stopped as her expression turned to worry. "Yes, your dad has never liked that so-called first female official. Now that she's discovered things he couldn't, he must be feeling quite miserable."But then a thought struck her, and she asked, "Didn't they say the woman already had a daughter? Did you see her when you went?""Don't be ridiculous. There's no child at all, just her and a house full of people watching her," Lionel replied."Then, that's good." Marjorie sighed in relief.Seeing that he had managed to calm his mom, Lionel felt a bit more at ease himself. However, he knew it wouldn't be so easy to smooth things over with his grandfather.Malcolm had gone to explain the situation to Gerald himself. While he had accepted his son's explanation, he had also slapped him and told him to get out.Malcolm felt a whirlwind of explosions as he stumbled out of his dad's room. He knew he couldn't blame the Hell Monarch for this mess. He had always adhered to benevole
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 796
Malcolm shifted uncomfortably, as if sitting on pins and needles, but he still managed to ask, "Your Highness, what will His Majesty do with these women?"Rafael replied, "You should ask Commander Sinclair. She's in charge of this matter."Malcolm awkwardly turned to Carissa, his gaze evasive. "If I may ask, Commander Sinclair…"Carissa cut him off, answering directly, "Lord Lionel has already spoken to me. I've informed him that the families can either keep the women or send them to the Capital Guard for centralized supervision. It's up to you, Lord Malcolm. If you choose to keep them yourself, they cannot leave the capital or have contact with anyone else since the mastermind behind the treason case hasn't been identified yet."Upon hearing this, Malcolm let out a small sigh of relief and inquired, "If we hand them over to the Capital Guard, where will they be taken?""We're currently reaching out to various convents in the capital to find one large enough to accommodate them. T
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1514
"This journey was not only for the sake of Orivenia and Starhaven, but also for Nerathia. No need for thanks; relations between kingdoms are always driven by mutual interests. It is only through personal friendship that true sincerity arises," Faelan replied.Carissa nodded thoughtfully, but curiosity got the better of her. "Might I ask if you know my mentor, Adrian Russell?"Faelan chuckled. "I do. He has been to Nerathia and even stayed at my training grounds for a time. My guard commander, Shadow, is quite close with your mentor. They would often drink together.""Ah, I see," Carissa mused, thinking back to the shadowy figures she had seen.She wondered which of them was the esteemed Shadow. It would be a great pity if she couldn't meet him.As if reading her mind, Faelan chuckled. "In three or five years, we'll visit Starhaven. When the time comes, I'll introduce you to Shadow."Carissa was about to express her thanks, but Violet interjected, "Why wait three or five years? Co
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1513
After two days of touring, Liam finally spoke to Carissa."Your country has a Miracle Healer named Sebastian Dalton, right? He's been making a medicine called Snowdrop Pills. Snow Blossom is a key ingredient, but your kingdom has only a limited supply. It grows at the Southern Frontier, but only high atop the snowy mountains. It's difficult to gather and incredibly scarce."However, in our kingdom, Snow Blossoms are not so rare. It's found on many high peaks. The Snow Blossom that Healer Dalton uses now is bought secretly from Orivenia's herbal merchants at a steep price. It's so expensive that every Snowdrop Pill he sells is at a loss."Carissa knew that Snowdrop Pills were rare because some of the ingredients were hard to find, but Sebastian had never specifically mentioned which ones.However, if he was buying an ingredient from Orivenia, it made sense why he needed to keep it a secret. Previously, there was no trade between Orivenia and Starhaven, especially when it came to med
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1512
The position Faelan took at the table represented Nerathia's stance in the negotiations.They were neutral!Carissa couldn't help but marvel once more at the power of a strong kingdom.The initial stages of the talks were tedious, with the same points being repeated over and over. The translators were busy, their voices echoing with historical debates. This was inevitable, as conceding too early would only lead to further compromises.As such, the first round of negotiations yielded no agreement. It was simply a test of boundaries.The second round began the following day. Again, they emphasized the same points.But after the second repetition, Faelan spoke up, saying, "There is no point in prolonging this. The dispute over the border has lasted for decades. It will not be resolved in a day. Let us set the border issue aside for now. What I wish to know is whether both sides are committed to establishing peace and mutual non-aggression between your kingdoms."The answer was unan
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1511
Carissa noticed that the nobles and officials of Orivenia seemed unaware of Nerathia's intention to intervene in the negotiations.Their faces betrayed confusion, but after a moment, they revealed expressions of joy and confidence. It seemed they also believed that Nerathia's involvement would provide Orivenia with solid backing.Seeing this, Carissa felt a slight sense of reassurance. If that were really the case, Lisandra would have informed them beforehand. Or at least, she would have let the negotiating officials know.But why hadn't she?It seemed there was only one explanation. Lisandra was also hoping for mutual concessions. Few at court supported her, so she had brought in Faelan from Nerathia—someone whom everyone would trust.This made sense of the conversation from the previous night, when Lisandra had invited Carissa and Violet to the palace. The remarks about unmet wishes were clear now. The example of the women taking part in the civil service examinations was just t
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1510
In banquets like these, no one truly ate with much enthusiasm. Most dishes were merely tasted before being set aside, barely touched before servants whisked them away.But the Nerathians were different. They treated every dish with genuine respect, cleaning their plates entirely, no matter what was served. Their wine glasses, once filled, were immediately emptied again. The palace servants attending to them must have been exhausted, constantly refilling their glasses and replacing empty plates.Violet recalled their meal at Spring Pavilion. Just like tonight, not a single scrap had been left behind. She wanted to say something to Carissa, but the only sound in the hall was the clinking of cutlery and the quiet shifting of plates. Speaking now would be too conspicuous.Still, one glance between them was enough.Violet's thought was clear—the Nerathians' presence at this banquet must be tied to the negotiations. Carissa agreed.However, their exact role remained uncertain. Were they
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1509
The banquet began in the late afternoon, with Liam personally escorting the Starhaven delegation to the palace again.As they had suspected, the coronation ceremony had already been held. This evening's gathering was mainly focused on the border negotiations. Upon entering, Carissa and Violet noticed that there were no other foreign emissaries present—only royals, nobles, and officials from various departments.While they showed no hostility toward the Starhaven delegation, they weren't particularly welcoming either. Since a translator was needed for communication, conversations remained minimal, limited to simple greetings.Just as they were settling in, Lisandra turned to the Starhaven delegation and remarked, "Today, we have guests from Nerathia joining us as well. They should be arriving shortly. I believe you will find that you have much in common."Davis' eyes brightened immediately. "Guests from Nerathia? Who might they be?"His excitement was understandable.The weapons t
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1508
Lisandra continued, "The irony is, when I was a grand princess, I could call for women to join the ranks of government without hesitation. Now that I am the queen, I must move slowly, cautiously, balancing all the factions, weakening their hostility and wariness toward me. There are so many things to consider and so many forces at play. At times, I grow impatient, and I wish I could simply rid myself of those who oppose me."Carissa thought for a moment before replying, "In truth, whether one is a king or an official, man or woman, I believe their goal is the same, Your Majesty. It's to ensure the long-term stability of the kingdom and the peace and prosperity of the people. "When the nation prospers and war is no longer a threat, any reforms you wish to make will face less resistance. But for now, you must first secure your position, Your Majesty."Her meaning was subtle, but Lisandra understood clearly. The kingdom was still in turmoil, with various factions causing obstacles. Si
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1507
The royal palace of Orivenia stood resplendent and imposing, its golden architecture gleaming under the night sky, exuding an air of solemn grandeur.Upon passing through the first palace gate, the carriage rolled smoothly along the wide palace path, its spaciousness a stark contrast to the more cramped streets outside. However, what stood out the most was the abundance of lamps. It seemed as if oil was no object, for the palace grounds were lit up as though the night itself had been banished. As they got out of the carriage and walked along the winding corridor, the large trees ahead were hung with many lamps. Anyone trying to hide in the trees wouldn't stand a chance; they would be seen immediately.Liam led the way. As they approached a grand palace hall, two female attendants stepped forward. They exchanged a few words with Liam in the Westic before smiling and nodding to Carissa and Violet."Ladies, Her Majesty invites you to enter the palace," Liam said with a polite gesture
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1506
By the time they reached the capital of Orivenia, it was the 13th of August. A full month had passed since they left Starhaven.The afternoon sun shone brightly, and Kendrick lay back in the carriage as they entered the city.Since entering Orivenia's borders, they had endured seven assassination attempts. The last one had been particularly brutal, likely involving suicide soldiers. Many of the Mystic Army were injured, and even Violet had been grazed on the shoulder. Thankfully, it hadn't struck anything vital.Kendrick's fear was understandable. The attack had come when he was emerging from the washroom. The assassin's sword had pierced his chest, nearly plunging in completely. It was Carissa who noticed in time and swiftly turned, driving her spear into the assassin's chest before dragging him back with the hooked tip of her dagger, saving Kendrick's life.Though the injuries were minor, Kendrick reacted as if he had been mortally wounded. He howled in agony for half the night b
