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Chapter 929
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 930
In the royal study, Salvador took a sip of his coffee and looked up at Rafael."I wasn't aware the Supreme Court was investigating this case along with the Ministry of Justice. Did I issue such an order? Or is it that after your investigation into Eleanor's rebellion went nowhere, you're now trying to help the Ministry of Justice with their case out of the kindness of your heart?"Salvador's words carried a note of questioning, tinged with displeasure.With the usual "understanding" between them, Rafael would normally be expected to confess to a fault, kneel, and then withdraw to maintain the appearance of harmony between the king and his brother.So, Salvador resumed drinking his coffee slowly after he spoke, waiting for Rafael to kneel and make an apology. Deep down, he was accustomed to his brother's silent endurance and deferential nature.But this time, Rafael didn't kneel to apologize. Instead, he stood tall and replied, "Your Majesty, Commander Warren was the commanding gen
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 931
Despite kneeling on one knee, Rafael's posture remained firm and unwavering. "To demonstrate fairness, I request permission for the Ministry of Justice to interrogate Commander Warren, so that his testimony can be corroborated with that of others. This will help reveal the truth of the matter to the people of Westhaven."Please believe, Your Majesty, that I do this without any personal agenda. The people of Westhaven know more about the massacre of the villagers than we do. If we try to shield Commander Warren, it will only make them angrier and they will think we have no intention of negotiating in good faith."He lifted his gaze, locking eyes with Salvador, his voice growing more audacious as he added, "It will also dishearten the soldiers and citizens of Victory Pass, making them believe that you intend to cultivate loyal generals and place all the blame on the old veterans who have spent their lives guarding the border."Crash!A cup shattered on the floor.Salvador's chest he
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 932
Salvador paused the movements of his quill, his voice cold as ice as he said, "That statement wasn't wrong. I do intend to cultivate new generals, but I am no fool. Even if I want to raise new blood, I would never abandon the veterans who have served the country loyally for half their lives."Doesn't Rafael understand why I want to cultivate new generals? Though the Hell Monarch Army no longer answers to him, his prestige still commands respect. His unparalleled achievement in reclaiming the Southern Frontier stands as an immovable mountain, one I cannot shift by even a single inch. Yet, he dares threaten me."With a sharp snap, the red quill in his hand broke, the sound cracking through the tense silence. He threw it onto the desk, his expression darkening."I bet Rafael doesn't want to be accused of being a traitor, but what can I do about it if he truly has ambitious designs?" Salvador added.Anxious, Derek hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I am certain the Hell Monarch harbors no
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 933
Patrick's voice turned harsh, "You're the reason for General Sullivan's return to the capital for questioning. Are you really trying to make him carry all your crimes? How can you say such a thing?""Someone is making excuses for General Sullivan! I'm sure of it!" Aurora snarled, raging like a cornered beast.Had she not been shackled, she would have lunged forward."It's not fair! General Sullivan is the leader of Victory Pass, so he should bear the heaviest responsibility. You all flatter Prince Rafael and Carissa, trying to take down Barrett, but he had no idea about how I massacred the villagers or killed the prisoner. He's being unjustly accused!" she yelled."If Commander Warren didn't know, then General Sullivan definitely wouldn't have known." Patrick scoffed, turning to the scribe. "Write this down—Aurora has confessed that both Commander Warren and General Sullivan were unaware of the matter.""No! I never said that!" Aurora shouted in protest.Patrick's voice cut throu
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 934
The scribe meticulously recorded Aurora's words, which once again pieced together the truth as told by Zeke and the others.Aurora had proposed returning to Victory Pass to finalize the details of the treaty, but Liam had dismissed the idea and said it wasn't necessary. The terms had already previously been discussed between the two kingdoms, though neither side had agreed on them.Aurora had indeed seen the terms in question before. They were Starhaven's demands—a ceasefire, as well as the pushing back of the border to its original demarcation, using the base of the mountain outside Fawnrun City as the boundary."I was momentarily tempted by my desires. I thought that if I signed the treaty, I would claim all the credit," she confessed. "So, I had Marshal Liam pull his forces back about six miles and leave only 12 men behind. This served two purposes. First, it helped Barrett with his plan to burn the supply depot. Second, I needed to ensure my own safety and that of my soldiers af
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 935
The confession was presented to the king. After Salvador read through it, he furrowed his brow as he listened while Patrick detailed Aurora's admission.The king was well aware of the entire Fawnrun City affair—the massacre of villagers and the killing of the prisoner. The entire matter was soaked in blood.However, he didn't know the specifics. The confession didn't detail the grisly events of the massacre, but Patrick had described them. Hearing these bloody details, even Salvador, despite his position as king of Starhaven, couldn't help but slam his fist on the table in a fit of anger as he cursed Aurora.Patrick could understand Salvador's fury. Even he felt a chill run down his spine. Fortunately, someone like Aurora had asked for a marriage based on her military merit. If she had served in court or as a military officer, she would have been a huge threat, just like how Carissa currently was."Has the Hell Monarch seen these confessions?" Salvador asked after his outburst.Pa
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 936
Around noon the next day, the Westhaven envoys arrived in the capital. The Protocol Department and the Diplomatic Affairs Department made the arrangements for their reception and provided lodging at Concord Lodge.Westhaven's government system was similar to Starhaven's, though they did not have a position equivalent to the prime minister. Instead, they had a cabinet and various ministry departments that were similar to Starhaven.This delegation to Starhaven was led by Lisandra, along with Leroy, Westhaven's Defense Minister. They were accompanied by various cabinet members—Garrick Horton and Amos Bailey, both Secretaries of State; Klaus Reed, the Diplomatic Affairs Department Minister; and Icarus Mendez, commander of the Sovereign Guard.Also present was Harlan Fitzgerald, the guard captain of Lisandra's household soldiers, as well as two interpreters and three female officials. Since the names of the female officials had not been announced, their identities remained unknown. The
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 937
The next day, Winona's sources gathered information that after the Westhaven envoys had checked into Concord Lodge the day before, Harvey had secretly returned to his estate. Early this morning, he had disguised himself and left again, apparently mobilizing some people.Winona thought for a moment, then seemed to understand Harvey's intentions."Be careful. If he's working with Leroy, he might try to make a move against you," she said.Carissa nodded. "Got it."In fact, Rafael had already informed her the night before, having spotted someone amongst the Westhaven guards who resembled Harvey. So, the two of them had spent the whole night speculating, coming up with various possibilities.The royal banquet hall glittered under the lights, as bright as daylight, its beams twinkling like stars in the sky.By the time Rafael and Carissa arrived, the Westhaven envoys had already entered the palace and were seated to the right of the hall. The guards and palace attendants waited outside
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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
