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Chapter 954
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 955
Rafael wisely avoided commenting on the previous subject and quickly changed the topic. "When did you arrive? Why didn't you send someone to let me know?""You have your own things to handle. I'm just here to keep an eye on things for you. How's everything going? Have you captured the target?" Everett asked.From Everett's tone, it was clear he was already aware of the assassination attempt that had taken place earlier that evening. Rafael, looking rather pleased with himself, answered proudly, "Carissa and the others have already apprehended Commander Icarus and delivered him to the Supreme Court. He claimed to be the best fighter in Westhaven, but ended up being utterly defeated when he faced Carissa."Everett responded with a neutral grunt before casting a brief glance at Carissa. "She has no real skills except for her martial arts. Icarus isn't the top fighter in Westhaven, either. That kingdom has many skilled warriors who choose not to serve in the court. Beating him isn't
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 956
The confession was written entirely in Stellish, which Westhaven envoys couldn't fully understand. The two interpreters read it aloud in Westic for them.Icarus took full responsibility for the plot, explaining that his motive stemmed from Hector's past victory of Westhaven, which had resulted in the deaths of many Westhaven soldiers. He also harbored a deep grudge against the Sullivan family, particularly Carissa, whose grandfather, Dominic, had guarded Victory Pass for many years and fought in countless battles. Consumed by hatred, Icarus had seized the opportunity to strike at Carissa when he came to the capital, hoping to vent his anger.Even after hearing the confession, the Westhaven envoys didn't seem any less tense. Regardless of their stance, this meant the attempt on Carissa's life was tied to Victory Pass.The Westhaven envoys couldn't help but respect the Hell Monarch for his straightforwardness in not bringing this matter to the negotiating table directly. Instead, he h
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 957
Leroy was seething with frustration. Today's negotiations had been his opportunity to take the initiative by demanding accountability and making unacceptable conditions, then declaring the talks a failure. After that, he would return to Westhaven and declare war.Yet now, not only had he been unable to follow through with his plan, the negotiations had also shifted into a disadvantageous position. To make matters worse, his niece, the grand princess, was looking down on him. The humiliation gnawed at him.Jeremiah, who had been sitting quietly to the side, felt a sense of resolve settle over him as he watched the proceedings. If they could negotiate peacefully, that would be ideal. The massacre in Fawnrun City was Starhaven's fault, and they were willing to offer apologies, compensation, and make amends—but only if given a chance for peaceful negotiations.Westhaven had distributed the case files regarding the Fawnrun City incident, which contained numerous firsthand accounts from
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 958
Lisandra spoke first. She believed Starhaven had violated the agreement between the two kingdoms, which was to not harm civilians or execute prisoners of war. The slaughter of civilians and the brutal treatment of a war prisoner during wartime were actions that would outrage both man and god. Similarly, the massacre of the Sinclair family by Westhaven's spies was a grave mistake."We seek peaceful negotiations, and for that to happen, both sides must acknowledge these facts. Only with that understanding can we proceed with talks for peace between our kingdoms."Once the translator relayed her words, both Rafael and the negotiating officials from Starhaven agreed with her.Thus, the negotiations officially began.Westhaven put forward five conditions. Firstly, Starhaven must issue a formal apology to the people of Westhaven for the lives lost. Second, Starhaven was to pay compensation of 10,000 gold coins.Third, compensation of 3,000,000 bushels of grain was to be delivered to
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 959
After the Westhaven envoys left the Diplomatic Affairs Department and returned to their lodgings, the Starhaven negotiators remained behind and continued discussions about the next round of talks.Jeremiah was involved in the conversation, his voice calm but firm. "If we're going to compensate with grain, we can't offer such a large quantity. Last year, there was a poor harvest and the military wages were insufficient. If we give them 3,000,000 bushels of grain, we're essentially funding their war efforts. We can compensate, but it can't exceed 300,000 bushels."He paused, then added, "Also, His Majesty insists that we cannot make any concessions on the border issue."Having delivered his points, he left the room. From the way Rafael had been conducting the negotiations, Jeremiah felt confident in the direction they were heading.Meanwhile, at the Ministry of Justice, Barrett requested a meeting with Patrick.After his conversation with Aurora the previous night, Barrett had bee
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 960
Once Carissa arrived at Silverstone Estate, she quickly briefed Zoey on the situation. Zoey immediately said, "This involves General Sullivan, so not a moment can be wasted. I'll go immediately."Since Barrett had been taken to the Ministry of Justice, Viola had been on edge. She had even returned to her family for help, hoping they could pull some strings on Barrett's behalf. However, Zoey outright refused."This is a matter between kingdoms," Zoey had said. "What could a woman like me possibly do to change anything?"Still, Zoey had made inquiries. She learned that while Barrett was detained at the Ministry of Justice, he was being given special treatment and hadn't suffered any undue hardship.Zoey shared this information with Viola, but it did little to calm her. She complained incessantly, saying she had worked so hard to see Barrett appointed as commander of the Nightsteel Guard, only for him to end up in prison because of Aurora. She even blamed Natalie for arranging the m
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 961
Leila had heard that Zoey was investigating the servants in Valor Estate, but she had no idea what it was about. When she was brought in, she wore an expression of complete confusion.It wasn't until Zoey questioned her about having coffee with a friend from her hometown the day before Rebecca's funeral that Leila realized what was happening. She quickly dropped to her knees and confessed, "Madam Zoey, that day, the person I had coffee with was a close friend of mine. She's a maid at Lester Estate. She mentioned she'd be returning to our hometown and asked if I had any messages for my family. She also invited me to go shopping for some gifts together..."Having been questioning for a long time, Zoey grew a bit impatient. She interrupted and asked bluntly, "Did she ask you to pass on any messages to Aurora that day?"Leila thought for a moment, then replied, "Yes, she asked me to tell Madam Aurora that Mrs. Lester would also be attending Madam Rebecca's funeral.""Did she give you
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 962
After seeing Zoey off, Carissa and Violet returned to the council hall.Most matters had previously been discussed in the large study, but since Everett had arrived, he insisted that important matters be reported in the council hall. He would remain in the hall from morning until night, listening to everything that was brought before him.Rafael hadn't returned yet even though the negotiations had concluded hours ago. It was likely that he was still in discussion with the delegation about tomorrow's talks.Once Carissa finished reporting the day's findings to Everett, he gave a conclusion everyone was already aware of."It's a case of silencing witnesses—tracing the killer leads nowhere."Kyle spoke up, his voice thoughtful, "Sir, is it possible that Aurora never had to speak with the Westhaven people at all? That someone else already reached out to them and is just focusing all the blame on Dominic?""But Harvey has already fled," Carissa replied. "I doubt Leroy would trust him
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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
