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Chapter 78

Author: Summer's Blaze
“Carissa, take a bath and change into clean clothes. I’ll take you somewhere,” Rafael said.

Carissa looked up, and asked, “Where are we going?”

“You’ll find out when we get there. Everyone else, please leave. I need to bathe and change clothes as well,” Rafael said.

Carissa and the generals complied, and exited the tent.

In such cold weather, taking a bath required a lot of hot water. Fortunately, Ilyrian had an ample supply of firewood. It had been challenging to get a hot drink, even in the camp outside Tower City. Taking a bath was a luxury.

Since Carissa held an official position now, Rafael had sent a criminal slave to attend to her.

The criminal slave, who was about forty years old and smelled terrible, was called Thirteen. She used to run a small business in Heartshire City.

Due to a business dispute, she smashed a vase on a competitor's head. The competitor didn't die, but ended up becoming mentally challenged. She was sentenced to be exiled to the military camp as a
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  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 80

    Since Salvador received the first military report, his blood had been boiling with excitement."Carissa Sinclair, Hector Sinclair's daughter, the legitimate heiress of the Duke of Northwatch—who knew she would be so outstanding? She's even surpassed Aurora Yates!"When Salvador got the news that Ilyrian had been captured, he slapped the table and laughed with wild joy. "Excellent! A general's daughter is never weak!"He immediately summoned Jeremiah and Davis to show them the victory report. Jeremiah was so moved, tears welled up in his eyes. "We've reclaimed Ilyrian! Carissa Sinclair has done a tremendous job. She captured and held the support depot, allowing us to cut down on the cost of supplies. Just think of how much food and money this will save Starhaven! Hector, can you see this from the heavens? Your daughter is truly remarkable. She's living up to the Sinclair family's reputation!"Davis was covered in goosebumps from excitement, and added, "Starhaven had Hector in

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    Salvador first promoted Carissa to fifth-rank Valor General, then promised a future second promotion to fourth-rank Illustrious General. His actions showed just how much he expected from her.Recognizing that Carissa indeed possessed such capabilities, the prime minister had no objections."The deadline General Yates promised has already passed, yet the reinforcements still haven't arrived," Jeremiah pointed out.Salvador was a bit displeased but made an excuse, "Traveling through snow is truly difficult."Davis chimed in, "Your Majesty, Lady Sinclair has been promoted to a fifth-rank Valor General, while General Warren and General Yates are only fourth-rank Tactical Generals, which is a rank lower than General Sinclair."Barrett and Aurora had accomplished great deeds by negotiating the peace treaty with Westhaven, effectively stopping the fighting and establishing firm borders. By rights, their contributions should be considered as greater than Carissa's, who had merely assisted

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    Barret and Aurora stepped forward to greet Rafael."General Warren, reporting for duty!""General Yates, reporting for duty!"Rafael looked up with a smile. "You've finally arrived.""Heavy snow blocked the roads, which delayed our arrival. Please forgive us, Marshal," Barrett explained."The weather is to blame, not you or General Yates," Rafael replied.Glancing at Carissa, Rafael noticed she only looked up briefly and didn't come over to greet Barrett, so he suspected there was some issue between them.Meanwhile, Timothy and Owen, veterans of the Duke of Northwatch's army, scrutinized Barrett. Seeing his handsome and manly demeanor, they were quite satisfied. After all, Melanie had personally chosen Barrett as her son-in-law. How could he be anything less than worthy?Timothy stepped forward, patting Barrett on the shoulder with a hearty laugh. "General Warren, it's good to finally meet you! You're a lucky man to have married such a fine woman."Owen also smiled and said, "

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    Everyone present, including Rafael, was stunned by Aurora's words. Rafael quickly looked at Carissa, whose eyes were slightly red. She met his gaze and nodded faintly.Timothy, Owen, and other veterans of Hector's old army were equally shocked by the terrible news."How could this have happened?"Carissa softly replied, "Eight months ago, Westhaven spies infiltrated the capital. Everyone in my household... except those who accompanied me to Valor Estate, was killed.""Oh my god!"The generals could hardly believe this devastating news. Hector and his six sons had died on the battlefield, and now they learned that even his family had been wiped out. It was a tragedy beyond words!But why would the Westhaven spies do such a thing?"Lady Sinclair, you even hid this from them? What are you trying to do?" Aurora continued to provoke."Enough!" Rafael scolded sternly. "How many troops did you bring?""I brought one hundred thousand Capital Army soldiers, ten thousand Sacred Fire Reg

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    Barrett pulled on Aurora's hand as he addressed Rafael, "Marshal, please calm down. General Yates was just momentarily impulsive. She didn't mean to challenge your authority.""If you cannot accept military orders, leave the Southern Frontier immediately. I need generals who are absolutely obedient," Rafael replied coldly.Though Aurora was still unwilling to accept it, she dared not speak further and resigned herself to merely giving Carissa a cold glare.As a noble lady from a prestigious family, Carissa was naturally held in high regard. Her inherent wealth and status were far beyond that of a humble general's daughter. Yet, Aurora had earned her position through sheer effort and sacrifice, unlike Carissa, who seemed to have her achievements handed to her.As Aurora reluctantly followed Barrett, she said, "My military rank is low and my background is humble, so I have no right to argue. I will, of course, obey your orders, Marshal."Her statement was clearly a jab at Carissa.

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    No wonder Carissa knew that soldiers from Westhaven had disguised themselves as Sandorian soldiers and gone to the Southern Frontier battlefield. That was also why she had traveled alone for a thousand miles to bring Rafael the news."Take your time to calm down, then talk to me," Rafael said as he sat down beside her, his tall figure acting like a protective barrier shielding her from the world."What else do you want to know, Marshal?" asked Carissa, who had calmed down considerably.Rafael's eyes were like a dark sea churning beneath the surface. "Everything. Why you suddenly got married, what happened after you got married, and everything surrounding the Westhaven spies massacring your entire household."Carissa didn't know why he wanted to know about her marriage, but she answered truthfully, trying to keep her emotions steady and her recounting as straightforward as possible."When I returned from the Pathfinders Guild, I learned of my father and brothers' sacrifice. I told

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  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1397

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    After Evelyn finished crying, she didn't say much. However, she stubbornly insisted on going to deliver Oliver his final meal. Her eyes were swollen and her voice was thick with congestion, nearly a rasp. "I know the court allows family to see their loved ones before execution," she said, her tone strained. "I don't want anything else—just this one thing. I need to see him and make sure he's fed. I don't want him to die hungry and become a vengeful spirit."Tears began to fall once more as she cast a tearful glance at Zoey. "You have children, too. You should understand what it means to be a mother. To the world, he may be seen as the greatest of villains. But to me, he will always be that helpless child that hasn't changed."Zoey remained silent for a long moment, then finally said, "Mother, do you know how the final meeting is arranged? It is at the execution ground. Are you sure you want to see him getting decapitated?"Evelyn trembled, her body shaking with emotion. "You must

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  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1394

    Oliver was a notorious criminal, and he should have been sent directly to the Supreme Court. However, Carissa took a different route. She had him detained at the Capital Guard headquarters, where he was to be interrogated first. Afterward, she planned to report the matter to Salvador. She would credit Zoey for her tip, and then plead for Caspian and Cedric to be allowed to return to the capital as soon as possible.Celeste was still detained in the Capital Guard headquarters. If she and Oliver met, it might uncover more secrets—such as just how deeply the Spencer family's collateral branch was involved in this mess.The two prisoners were held in adjacent cells, separated by only a narrow iron bar. When their eyes met for the first time, both faces changed instantly.On the way here, Oliver kept cursing Zoey for betraying him. But when he saw Celeste, he completely forgot about Zoey. He snarled, his teeth clenched. "You wretched woman, look at you now! It's true—bad people get w

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1393

    Carissa and Violet set off together to investigate, disguising themselves as ordinary visitors. Upon arriving at Glowmere Sanctuary, they first offered candles and prayers before seeking an audience with the abbot. They made their identities known and inquired about a priest named Reuben.The abbot immediately summoned the priest in charge of guests, Carson Jenkins, as it was Carson's responsibility to handle the arrangements for priests who came to stay at the temple.Glowmere Sanctuary was one of the three largest temples in the capital, with a bustling number of visitors each year wanting to stay and listen to teachings. However, very few were actually allowed to stay.Carson recalled Reuben clearly. Reuben's spiritual skills weren't particularly high; originally, he wasn't eligible to stay at Glowmere Sanctuary. However, a few years ago, he had spent considerable time in the Southern Frontier, helping to guide the souls of the dead. Such compassion was a rare virtue, and it wa

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1392

    Zoey composed herself, her features hardening into a mask of calm. "You should leave quickly. Once I've gathered the money, I will come find you. Until then, don't wander around and avoid being seen by the Capital Guard."Sensing the concern in her voice, Oliver was relieved. Women, no matter how sharp they might be with others, always seemed to lack a certain sense when it came to their husbands. After all, which woman didn't long for her husband's love?"You must hurry," he urged, "three days, at most."Zoey feigned hesitation, as though the request weighed heavily on her. "Given our current circumstances, as you well know, how could I possibly gather 3,000 silver coins in just three days?"Oliver's eyes gleamed with resolve. "Isn't Courtney a part of the Hell Monarch's household now? I know you have your ways. I'll wait for your word. But remember—three days! And don't tell anyone about it, not even Mom or Viola."With that, he pulled his hat low over his face and turned to

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1391

    The citywide search tightened, and it actually forced Oliver to come out of hiding. But he wasn't searching for Viola—he was searching for Zoey.She had gone to Hell Monarch Estate to deliver a set of clothing for Courtney today. While she was out, she decided to pick up a few things for the ladies of Skye Embroidery. Afterward, she was making her way back to the workshop through the west alley when Oliver appeared.Her first instinct was surprise.Hadn't he told Viola not to tell Zoey about his presence? Why would he risk coming here personally to see her?"My dear, it is I," came a voice from beneath a wide-brimmed hat.His face was obscured, but the voice—there was no mistaking it.For a moment, Zoey was too stunned to speak, but then a surge of fury gripped her. She clenched her teeth, trying to swallow the anger that threatened to consume her. With a swift glance, she confirmed that the alley was deserted.Her heart sank as she regretted her earlier complacency. She had ass

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1390

    Zoey questioned Viola in detail, asking how she had come across Oliver, what state he was in now, and whether he had brought his child with him.Viola recounted, "I was out yesterday to buy a stew pot, hoping to make some medicinal broth for Mom. After I purchased it, he came up to me. I was startled at first, thinking it was some pervert."But when he called my name, I recognized his voice. His face was so dark and haggard, and his eyebrows were shaved off. He has lost so much weight. If I hadn't carefully examined him, I wouldn't have believed it was Oliver."Viola paused as she recalled the encounter and Zoey's earlier words, still feeling a sense of unease.She continued, "He didn't have a child with him. He was alone. He told me he was forced to flee, and now there are arrest warrants for him everywhere. He has no money left, and with a child to support, things are really difficult for him. He asked me to talk to Mom about gathering 3,000 silver coins."Zoey quickly asked, "I

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