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Chapter 9
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 10
After seeing off Sebastian, Carissa returned to Grace Mansion. Half an hour later, Barrett brought Aurora to see her.Carissa was in the study, organizing the household accounts for the month. When she saw the couple enter, her gaze fixed on their intertwined fingers.Carissa took a deep breath, getting a good whiff of the soothing scent that filled the room thanks to the delicate candle that was burning in a corner.This was good. It was better to be upfront and straightforward in this matter."Please, have a seat," Carissa told the two of them, after sending Lulu out.Aurora had changed back into women's clothing and was now wearing a crimson pleated skirt embroidered with golden butterflies. As she sat down, the skirt draped elegantly, the butterflies seemingly frozen in motion.Aurora wasn't conventionally pretty, but she exuded a strong presence.Locking eyes with Carissa, she spoke first, "Carissa!"Having been immersed in military life and killed enemies, Aurora thought
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 11
Though Aurora felt a pang in her heart, she replied calmly, "I'm not a petty or jealous person. Besides, I can understand the need for it. When you have your own child, your future will be secured."As for whether he still shares your bed after you get pregnant, that's none of my concern."Her last sentence clearly showed signs of annoyance.Barrett quickly promised, "Don't worry, if she gets pregnant, I will never touch her again.""No need to reassure me, I'm not that petty." Aurora turned away, clearly displeased.Watching the two people in front of her, Carissa felt a sense of absurdity.Standing up, she looked at Aurora and said sternly, "Being a woman in this world is already hard enough. Why must you degrade us further? You're also a woman."Just because you've been on the battlefield and killed enemies, does that give you the right to treat other women like this? Do you only see me as someone who relies on having a family's heir to survive? Am I destined to do nothing bu
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 12
Lulu felt heartbroken seeing her mistress treated this way. Carissa had held back due to decorum, but as a lowly servant, Lulu wasn't afraid.Her eyes reddened with tears as she spoke, "I may be just a humble maid, but I know right from wrong. You're a female general, yet you got involved with someone else's husband on the battlefield. And now, you're bullying my mistress under the guise of military achievements..."Before Lulu could finish, Barrett angrily slapped her across the face.Then, he turned to Carissa and coldly said, "Is this what you teach your servants? There's no sense of respect!"Carissa hurried over to support Lulu. The fact that her cheek swelled instantly showed how hard Barrett had hit her.With a sharp gaze, Carissa turned back and swiftly delivered a slap across Barrett's face."Do you think you can hit my people as you please?"Barrett hadn't expected Carissa to strike him back over a servant girl, especially in front of Aurora. After all, a man's face wa
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 13
Seeing everyone’s distress, Barrett took the list of gifts.After reviewing it, he asked Charlotte, "What's the issue here? They're asking for two thousand silver coins, two pairs of gold bracelets, two pairs of malachite bracelets, two sets of rose gold hair ornaments, and fifty rolls of brocade. That's all. The miscellaneous items aren't a lot either.""That's all?" Charlotte sneered coldly. "Unfortunately, our household can't even scrape together a thousand coins right now.""How's that possible? Who manages the finances? Do we not have money?" Barrett asked in surprise."I manage the finances," Carissa said calmly."You manage the finances? Then, where's the money?" Barrett questioned."Yeah, where's the money?" Charlotte chuckled coldly. "Do you think our family is some wealthy noble family? Valor Estate was granted to your grandfather by the late king because he was a senior military commander."Your father and uncle's annual salaries plus stipends don't exceed two thousan
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 14
Rebecca paused momentarily.Borrow?Well, Rebecca herself had said that it was a loan, and they would repay Carissa once things eased up. Now that her daughter-in-law had phrased it that way, the older woman had no way to retort.Still, Rebecca couldn't help but inwardly criticize Carissa for her lack of understanding. The girl had no family left. What else would she spend her money on if not for the Warren family?Barrett shook his head. "I'll figure something out on my own. I won't need to borrow from you."With that said, he turned and left the room.All eyes turned to Carissa, who curtsied politely and said, "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave.""Carissa, stay here!" Rebecca's face darkened as her anger surged.She was no longer coughing or weak, especially since she had taken the medicine that Sebastian had prescribed yesterday.Carissa looked at her mother-in-law. "Is there something else you need?"Rebecca spoke with great seriousness and concern, "I know you
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 15
Rebecca refused to believe that Sebastian wouldn't come. After all, he had visited yesterday to deliver medicine, and had even given detailed explanations about her condition.She immediately sent someone to the physician's office to fetch Sebastian, but he didn't even show up.Instead, he had a message relayed to Rebecca's steward through the resident physician. The steward, in turn, relayed the exact words of the resident physician to Rebecca, who almost lost her temper once she heard it.Sebastian's message was, "There's no need to call for me again. The actions of the people in Valor Estate are disheartening. Treating a person who lacks integrity would shorten my life. I don't wish to die prematurely."Fuming, Rebecca exclaimed, "Carissa must have stopped Sebastian from treating me! I never imagined she could be so cruel."When Barrett married her, I thought she was gentle and virtuous. I didn't see any signs that she was such a treacherous person during the year she lived her
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 16
Barrett wandered around outside, trying to borrow money from his acquaintances. However, all he managed to secure was a thousand silver coins. It was far from the over ten thousand silver coins needed for the betrothal gifts and wedding party.The truth was, he could easily borrow twenty or thirty thousand from prestigious families, since he had just returned victorious. After all, he was now a rising star at court, and everyone was eager to curry favor with him.But he couldn't bring himself to do it. Borrowing money was an awkward and sensitive thing to do. As much as possible, he wanted to preserve his dignity.After much deliberation, he thought it might be less humiliating to borrow from Carissa than from others.On his way back home, he saw Bryan riding towards him.Without waiting for his brother to speak, Bryan said, "Barrett, hurry back home. Your wife is about to drive Mom to her death!"Hearing Carissa was causing trouble again, Barrett sighed irritably. "What has she
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 17
Barrett took a deep breath, staring at his wife in disbelief. Was she really serious about wanting to leave, or was this just another way to manipulate him?But no, he could never agree to a divorce. Divorcing Carissa would bring a storm of public outrage that would drown both him and Aurora.Plus, his fellow soldiers would be ashamed of him, as everyone in the army revered Carissa's father as a legendary hero. He couldn't afford to lose their respect."Carissa, I won't divorce you," said Barrett, sounding both frustrated and resigned. "I'll make sure you're well cared for, but you need to stop causing all this trouble. What you did this time was the worst."How could you use my mother's illness to blackmail me? Don't you think that's too cruel? If you're upset, take it out on me. Stop tormenting my mother. It's disrespectful, and it'll ruin your reputation."Carissa's expression was icy as she taunted, "Is it that you won't divorce me or that you're too afraid to? Divorcing me wo
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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
