MasukShare
Chapter 868
Bab terkait
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 869
Carissa hurried back inside, soothing Helen and sending her on her way.Even after stepping outside, Helen continued, "It's true! You're married now, so what's there to be shy about? When you were younger, you used to tell me everything! I still remember the time a mosquito bit you down there, and you stripped off your pants so I could apply medicine…""Mom!" Rafael's roar echoed through the room.Carissa quickly called for Violet to take over leading Helen away, and instructed Qiana and Sydney to prepare hot water. Carissa would wash Rafael's hair herself.Since he couldn't soak in the hot springs, he sat in the bath chamber, leaning forward as Carissa washed his hair while trying to avoid getting his feet wet. Though he felt a bit useless, the sensation of her fingers massaging his scalp and working through his hair brought a warm, sweet happiness amid the embarrassment.He comforted himself with the thought that if it weren't for this injury, he wouldn't be receiving such speci
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 870
Helen often spoke of Sigmund. Sometimes she praised him, and other times, she complained. But whenever his name came up, she adopted the demeanor of a spoiled little girl, as if she had never really grown up.She had been the most carefree concubine in the palace, occupying her position without having to navigate any intricate schemes. Even if there were plots against her, they never targeted her directly as Victoria always stood guard on her behalf.Helen had been pampered growing up, then pampered again while having children. And now, she was pampered by her daughter-in-law. It seemed she never needed to worry about anything.Yet, she still found trivial matters to fret over, like squabbles with Dakota or Josephine and wanting to compete with them. When she won, she kicked her legs in joy. When she lost, she puffed her cheeks in annoyance for a while. Eventually, those feelings would pass.Even when Eleanor and Jessica schemed against her, she would only feel anger for a moment b
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 871
Whether criticized or understood, news about the embroidery workshop ultimately spread far and wide. The official establishment of the workshop right after the New Year was thanks to Jacob's diligent supervision and the fact that the necessary paperwork had been completed early, with Luke in charge of procurement.Violet tossed a bundle of banknotes into the air and confidently declared, "If it's not enough, just ask me for more!"Luke didn't go shopping by himself. He was accompanied by the Defense Minister's wife, Hannah. They bought everything imaginable—furniture, bedding, pots and pans, looms, assorted threads, embroidery needles, and even chamber pots.Having managed a household for many years, Hannah worked seamlessly with Luke, who oversaw the daily affairs of Hell Monarch Estate. Within just a few days, they had acquired all the essentials. Any custom items would be delivered after the New Year.The embroidery workshop was named Skye Embroidery. Kyle personally wrote it, w
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 872
Barrett's eyes darkened with sorrow. "I know I've disappointed you, Sebastian. I regret my choices deeply.""When the Duke of Northwatch's family was choosing a son-in-law, they set the bar so high. Yet, they chose you. Do you know what Madam Sinclair saw in you?"Barrett's voice got stuck in his throat as Sebastian mentioned his late former mother-in-law."I do. She said I was earnest and honest, and that I promised I would never take a concubine… It was my fault. I broke that promise. I let her down.""That's part of it," Sebastian said. "The second reason is that, even though you're the second son, you were willing to shoulder your family's burdens. It showed you had a sense of responsibility. To put it bluntly, it was going to be hard to restore your family's reputation then, and even harder with just you at the helm."In the struggle to carve out a future, she believed you would have the same tenacity and focus as the late General Sinclair. People who are solid and responsibl
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 873
Barrett left Arcane Sanctum in a daze.Ivy stepped in and asked, "Sir, why did you say so much to him?"She was confused. Her mentor had always harbored a deep disdain for the Warren family. He rarely bothered to acknowledge them. Yet, Sebastian had spent his break time trying to reason with Barrett today.Sebastian sighed softly. "I don't want the world to think that Madam Sinclair was blind and muddle-headed for marrying her daughter to him. While it's true, I just don't want to hear others say it."He stood up and placed a piece of charcoal into the brazier to warm his hands."Besides, he's not truly wicked. He can tell right from wrong when it counts. General Wyatt lost an arm saving him. If Barrett doesn't wake up and continues to be led astray by his mom, then that lost arm will be a tragic injustice," he added."Is there something else?" Ivy felt there was more to it.When Sebastian loathed someone, he wouldn't waste his breath speaking to them.Sebastian's gaze darkened
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 874
On the evening of the twenty-sixth, Rebecca indeed began to hallucinate. Strangely enough, her condition seemed to improve.She could even sit up as she pointed at the air and shouted, "Get out! Go away! You're all useless, nothing but worthless trash! Amelia, how dare you touch me? You're so disrespectful…"Rebecca clutched her own throat as if struggling to breathe, her face turning a deep shade of purple.Since the physician had warned them about her condition, no one thought she was actually seeing ghosts.Barrett rushed to pry her hands away and shouted, "Mom, there's no one here! Amelia isn't here!""She's come to take revenge! She hates me!" Rebecca grabbed Barrett's sleeve, her fierce expression shifting to one of terror. "Tell her I didn't want her dead! I just wanted to enforce some rules! I needed to teach her a lesson! Ah… Stay away, Amelia! How dare you!"Rebecca swung her arms wildly, slapping Barrett across the face again and again. He stood still, letting her stri
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 875
Violet felt no sympathy for Barrett. "I heard from Claire that Serena didn't return for the funeral, but Aurora left Blessed Haven to don mourning attire for that old hag," she said.Ever since the assassination attempt, Aurora had rarely left Blessed Haven. She wouldn't even make an appearance when Rebecca was nearing death, so it was strange that she would come out now to mourn. If someone wanted to kill her again, infiltrating the household during the funeral wouldn't be too difficult.But Aurora was probably smart enough. The treason case had just happened, and it wasn't resolved yet. Who would dare to act recklessly at this time?"Who's helping to handle the funeral arrangements?" Carissa asked.Viola had been in poor health since giving birth, so she couldn't manage it. Aurora likely wouldn't be taking charge either."Madam Charlotte," Violet replied. "After all, they're sisters-in-law. It's not like they have a lot of grievances against each other. Plus, the family hasn't
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 876
New Year's was rather dull.At the palace banquet, some royal relatives, who only made an appearance once a year, came with their families. The men congregated in one area, while the women gathered in another.Carissa, along with several princesses and consorts, accompanied Kylie and the concubines to greet Victoria.The honored and noble concubines were all together, with Helen among them.Molly and Fiona stayed in Ruth's palace and accompanied her, so they didn't come over.Everyone exchanged airy pleasantries—some compliments here, a bit of flattery there—while competing in beauty and showing off their jewelry.Salvador's concubines were also present, leaving Carissa dazzled. She only recognized Kylie, Sylvia, and Salvador's other concubines, Penelope and Grace, while the rest were little more than strangers to her. Those of lower rank mostly kept their heads down, occasionally smiling apologetically or daring to glance up.Salvador only had a few offspring. Perhaps it was du
Bab terbaru
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
