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Chapter 819
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 820
Since Barrett had just taken office, he needed to work longer hours. He often personally inspected various parts of the palace, except for the inner court. When he wasn't on patrol, he could be found waiting by the door of the royal study or back at the Central Command Office, ready to submit his logs when the shifts changed.The guards on duty were required to record their findings after each patrol. They needed to note down if they found any irregularities. If everything was normal, they also still had to document that. Barrett was free to leave the palace at five in the evening, but he often didn't depart until nearly seven.As he was leaving, he unexpectedly ran into Yuvan. Barrett knew the prince typically entered the palace early in the morning and left before closing time, so it struck him as odd that Yuvan was leaving so early today."Your Highness," Barrett greeted, bowing slightly.Yuvan smiled back at him. "I haven't had a chance to congratulate you on your promotion,
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 821
On the day of the assessment, Carissa ordered that all leaders of the Mystic Army, even if they were just captains, had to be present unless they were on duty.At first, Alistair thought this was a direct dig at him. After a long rant about Carissa to his wife, he finally stepped out the door. Women could be so petty! With someone as small-minded as Carissa in charge of the Mystic Army, who knew how many troubles were going to arise in the future?When he arrived at the Capital Guard headquarters, he quickly learned that the day's assessment wasn't just about him—it was tied directly to the Civil Department's evaluations. That realization made him nervous. He had offended Carissa. If he performed poorly today, he could face penalties like a salary deduction or even a demotion. If he had known, he would have prayed more before leaving the house and sought blessings from his ancestors.Barrett was also there, but he wasn't participating in the assessment since he had just taken
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 822
Next up was each of the twelve captains, but none managed to last the full 20 exchanges against Carissa. They all fell short at around fifteen or sixteen exchanges.Max put up a decent fight, making it through 40 exchanges before he was taken down. When he stood back up and bowed, he wore a satisfied smile—he felt proud of his performance.Finally, it was Alistair's turn.Alistair had been intently watching Carissa's moves. He felt like he had a good grasp on her patterns. He figured he could manage 50 exchanges without much trouble. His leg techniques were his strongest suit, and Carissa's kicks lacked the necessary power. On the other hand, her punches were incredibly fast. If he could focus on using his lower body, he believed he would hold the advantage.He bounced on his feet a few times to stretch his muscles. "I'm up."Carissa wore an enigmatic smile. "Yes, it's your turn."For some reason, seeing that smile sent a shiver of unease down Alistair's spine. He couldn't shake
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 823
Violet smiled slightly before launching herself at Carissa, who sidestepped to avoid her, then grabbed her arm and pulled her back. In a split second, Violet executed a backflip and soared through the air.The two exchanged blows for what felt like an eternity, their movements so swift that it was nearly impossible to follow. The sound of their strikes cut through the air like thunder, and on more than one occasion, their flying kicks shattered nearby flagstones into pieces, leaving the onlookers in shock.Their match made everyone reconsider the earlier assessment—it felt like the true test was taking place right before their eyes. Based on what they were seeing now, Carissa could have easily taken them down in just a few moves.After over a hundred exchanges, the two finally came to a halt, stepping back to catch their breath. Despite their intense battle, their appearances were only slightly disheveled.Barrett watched from the sidelines, feeling a whirlwind of emotions. He had
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 824
A couple of days later, Max and the other two prepared a formal banquet for the apprenticeship ceremony at Glimmering Tower. They invited Violet, along with Rafael and Carissa, to witness the occasion.After returning home that day, Violet felt a wave of regret. How could someone like her, with such a temper, take on apprentices? Being tied down in that way felt stifling, especially since she was younger than them. It wasn't that she couldn't command respect—it just seemed unnecessary.Wasn't it enough to teach them a few things and be known as a sage?She was thinking of ways to decline when they insisted on holding the banquet—at Glimmering Tower, no less. The extravagance of it was absurd and yet stirred a sense of vanity within her.After contemplating it, Violet realized that since the Inferno Guild would eventually be in her hands, perhaps she might as well accept the role.Once she came to this conclusion, she chose appropriate weapons for them. Then, she brought Rafael and
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 825
After returning home from the apprenticeship ceremony and banquet, Violet turned to Carissa and said, "I can't shake the feeling that this whole apprenticeship ceremony was a farce. I wasn't even a good apprentice myself, and now I'm supposed to take on students—students who are older than me and from the Mystic Army, no less! If I can't teach them well, won't I just be dragging you down?"Carissa took Violet's hand and motioned for Rafael to head back inside. She wanted to take a stroll with her friend in the garden."If you really don't want to do it, then just pretend the ceremony and banquet never happened. You can remain their instructor. As for whether you teach well or poorly, there's no need to worry. A mentor can only guide. The rest is up to the individual. Your skills are excellent, and you can certainly keep them in line. If they struggle to learn, that's on them, not you.""It's just… They're court officials. Teaching them martial arts in the way of the martial world mi
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 826
Tonight at Hell Monarch Estate, everyone finally gathered for dinner.Carissa was surprised to find that Kyle still hadn't returned to Meadow Ridge. "Kyle, you haven't gone back yet? I thought you left already! I was wondering why you didn't even say goodbye!"Kyle shot her an exasperated look and bumped her head with his knuckles. "You ungrateful brat! I've called out to you several times and you completely ignored me. I was wondering if I had offended you somehow. Turns out you just didn't see me."Feeling a bit sorry for her, Rafael gently rubbed the back of Carissa's head as he explained, "She's been really busy lately, so she was probably deep in thought and didn't hear you calling her. Just a few words would've sufficed. You didn't need to get physical."Rafael spoke with respect. After all, Kyle was still a senior guild member, but there was a hint of grievance in his tone.Kyle chuckled. "It wasn't like I hit her hard. Besides, she's used to it. If anyone has roughed her
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 827
"The medicine has been delivered, but we haven't heard back yet on whether it's effective," Jacob said.Kyle, who usually stayed out of political affairs, chimed in, "The situation in Westhaven is complicated right now. Crown Prince Edmund is acting as regent, but their king hasn't passed yet. Half the old officials in the court oppose Edmund's aggressive policies. Even though Edmund was close with the late crown prince, Arthur, he completely disagreed with his methods. Liam was once a fervent supporter of Arthur, so I'm afraid the situation won't improve even if he survives.""The old king sure has a strong will to live," Violet remarked. "He's been on the brink of death for ages. What's keeping him alive and clinging to life?"Kyle replied, "It's certainly the chaos in the country. Arthur had the support of the people, and the transition between the old king and the crown prince was almost complete. Now, with the late crown prince gone and a new one in place, the court is mostly f
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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
