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Chapter 1328
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1329
Strangely, the movements that had been occurring every night suddenly stopped. Violet and her group went to investigate, only to find that the Willowbrook Estate was eerily quiet. There wasn't a single patrol guard, and the servants had all gone to bed early.Everyone had a strange feeling that something was wrong with Willowbrook Estate. It seemed like it was covered by a thin veil. If they could just lift it, they would see what was really going on. The problem was, where was this veil?It felt close, yet far away. They couldn't figure out the right approach.Meanwhile, Hayden continued his usual routine—eating, drinking, and occasionally going out. He would take Violet and the others with him to dine, drink, listen to music, watch plays, and sip a little wine. Then, he would return home in a slightly tipsy state as the evening sun set.His days were nothing but leisure, completely unaffected by the turmoil at court or the wars beyond. He often boasted to Gordon and Sonny, "T
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1330
Violet sprawled across Carissa's desk. "Haven't you read this letter a dozen times already? Why are you still looking at it? Do you miss Prince Rafael that much?""He mentioned Prince Nicholas before he left, but I think there's something he hasn't fully figured out yet. The more tense the situation gets, the sharper his mind becomes. I wonder if he has figured something out recently and has given me some clues," Carissa replied."Why the need for hints? Why not just write it plainly in the letter?" Violet asked."This letter was sent directly to the king, who then passed it on to me," Carissa explained. "If it was something Raf deduced or suspected, he wouldn't have written it plainly. His Majesty has already opened it and read through it."Violet scrunched up her nose in distaste. "Reading someone's personal letters? That's pretty low. But still, why didn't he just send it to you directly?""Because that's the fastest way to get to me," Carissa said. "And sending a letter direct
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1331
When asked about the ongoing project to build the river channel and the foundation dam, Edwin took out the blueprints and explained everything in detail."The project has become quite large. It had been planned for years, but with the war depleting the treasury back then, we couldn't move forward. All we could do was clear the river silt every year."However, since the end of last year, we've begun constructing a reservoir at Gatekeeper Creek and started diverting the river. The river channels around the capital are also being reinforced, and the silt is being cleared. We expect most of it to be completed by the end of this year."Impressed by the scale of the project, Carissa asked, "So, what kind of workers are used for building the reservoir, setting up the foundation dams, and clearing the river channels?"Edwin thought she was concerned about the treasury's funds being drained for the war, so he reassured her, "Part of the workforce is made up of conscripts, and the rest are h
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1332
Jacob had received the complete file on Cameron.The 47-year-old was a native of Valken. He had passed the first level of the national examination at the age of 13, then went on to pass the second level by 18. In Valken, he had been renowned for his abilities, often referred to as a man of extraordinary talent.However, after passing the second level of the national examination, he delayed traveling to the capital for the next level due to his mom's illness. Instead, he took up a position as a scribe in Valken's local government.Cameron's career had been nothing but steady. Both the people of Valken and the Ministry of Infrastructure had praised him for his decisiveness and ability to get things done. In the triennial evaluations by the Civil Department, he consistently received high marks.In fact, some even said that being limited to the Waterworks Department was a waste of his talent. Of course, there were also those who believed his lack of connections was the reason he hadn't
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1333
The man Gerald had asked Carissa to look into was named Clifford Murphy.One of the Murphy family's ancestors had once fought alongside the founding king, earning the hereditary title of the Marquis of Doveshire. But for reasons unknown, Clifford fell out of favor with Sigmund, and his noble rank was reduced to the Earl of Paxford. After that, he moved out of the capital to live in seclusion near Ebonflow. By now, few in the capital likely remembered him."He never married, and the Murphy family business belongs to him," said Claire.Carissa's eyes widened in surprise. "He's the one behind the Murphy family business?"The Murphy family business in Ebonflow was known to be immensely lucrative. While it didn't rival the Spencer family, it involved many industries, with extensive connections.There were many people in Starhaven with the surname Murphy, but since Clifford had long since secluded himself, refusing to see visitors, no one suspected that he was the true owner of the Murp
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1334
The topic was a delicate one, so Jeremiah took a few sips of his drink before continuing."To be honest, the truth of the matter is somewhat unclear. The official reason for Mr. Murphy's loss of title was that he showed great disrespect to King Sigmund. In a fit of anger, King Sigmund stripped him of his noble rank. Later, he was given the title of a mere earl."There were rumors going around court that Mr. Murphy and Lord Quinton had some unclear and complicated feelings for each other. King Sigmund was intolerant of such matters. When he found out about it, he berated Mr. Murphy harshly in his fury. The loss of his title crushed Mr. Murphy's spirit, and that was when he left the capital."Carissa had suspected something like that, though she had never imagined anyone who served so close to the king would let their personal feelings show so openly. Besides, she was sure Clifford knew Sigmund's temperament. Such a lapse in discretion seemed out of character for someone so experience
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1335
It was a dark red brocade box, thick with dust. Edgar blew on it, then wiped it with his sleeve. With a snap, he opened the clasp and took out a malachite pendant, gesturing for Jeremiah to take it.The prime minister hesitated before accepting it. Upon a closer look, he saw an intricate carving of a griffin encircling the malachite. It was unmistakably a personal item of Sigmund's."Look at the back, Mr. Murray," Edgar said.As soon as Jeremiah flipped the pendant over, he froze. On the back, there was a circle of griffin patterns, but they coiled around a single maple leaf. Carved beside it, in delicate script, were the letters 'S.C'. The maple leaf and the 'S.C' were placed on opposite sides—one large, one small.Carissa also saw it, but she didn't understand its meaning.Jeremiah let out a heavy sigh and spoke softly, "The late king's first and middle names are Sigmund Constantine. As for Mr. Murphy, he spent some time wandering the martial world and earned the nickname 'the I
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1336
In recent years, the workers requisitioned for the riverworks project came from both inside and outside the capital. The same group of workers and conscripted laborers for the riverworks project were employed for various tasks.Cameron was the head of the Waterworks Department, which was under the Ministry of Infrastructure. Under the guise of river repairs and irrigation drainage projects, the department had seized a considerable amount of land and resources.They scattered houses across these areas, but not in any organized way. Workers and some conscripted laborers for the riverworks project now lived in those places.The river channel crisscrossed the land, and the areas they'd taken covered all directions—east, west, south, and north. Jacob marked these locations and connected them with lines, revealing that they encircled the palace district like an inescapable net.If these workers were private soldiers of the true mastermind behind the rebellion, then guarding the city gate
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Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1599
Back to me—Violet—again, and I had to complain a little.About my husband, Isaac Prince, of course.Heavens help me, but that man truly had a talent for being infuriating!Before our marriage, we had come to an agreement. In the future, whatever I chose to do, he would not interfere, would not advise, and most certainly would not involve himself.Well, it had only been a year since our wedding, and that agreement had already gone out the window. Now, he insisted on doing everything with me.But could he even be part of the work I did? Of course not.The Pathfinders Guild had strict rules, and there was even a rather fearsome man—Sage Everett—keeping watch. If they ever discovered I had taken Isaac with me to personally punish people in my own way... Wouldn't they grind my bones to dust?Yet, Isaac claimed he was a man of the martial arts world, and that in such a world, one settled debts of gratitude and grudges alike. And yes, that included other people's grudges too. He argued
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1598
At times, I taught my students to face life with courage and own up to their mistakes. Yet, I had not done so myself.All these years, I had hardly seen Thomas. If there was an event where he might be present, I would quietly avoid it.Back when I was still stubborn, Zoey had scolded me, saying I owed Thomas an apology. At the time, I didn't quite agree. In fact, I felt rather aggrieved.But thinking back now—what was I so aggrieved about? Who truly owed me anything? Had the heavens not already treated me kindly enough? Everything I lost, I brought upon myself.More than once, I had unfolded a sheet of parchment, intending to write him a sincere apology from the heart. Yet, each time I put a quill to paper, the ink would fall, but not a single word would follow.I feared the letter would seem sudden and out of place, that it might stir suspicion in his wife's heart, or in Barrett's. Even though Barrett and I were husband and wife in name only, I still didn't wish to disturb the pe
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1597
It had been a month since I arrived at Victory Pass, and I began to wonder what I ought to do with myself.Though I was Barrett's wife in name, in truth, we had very little to do with each other. He spent most of his time at the camp, only returning now and then. As such, I had plenty of time on my hands and thought I might start a little trade.Victory Pass was not quite as I had imagined. I thought a border town like this would surely be cold and short on supplies. But to my surprise, one could buy almost anything here—save for things like the finest jewels and luxurious brocade.That was not to say they couldn't be found at all. When merchant caravans brought such treasures, they were quickly stored away and sent on to Orivenia, where they would be sold to nobles and the wealthy.The common folk in Victory Pass bought ornaments for their prettiness rather than their worth, and no one really cared whether they were costly or not.I had been thinking about what sort of business I
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1596
I heard Franklin endured quite a few rejections from Isaac. In the end, Franklin had no choice but to release Merrick and send him to plead on their behalf—only then was Gabriel rescued.With the matter settled, they were deeply grateful to Isaac, though they all knew it had been a calculated move. What else could they do? After all, their son had behaved badly and been caught in the act.When Merrick learned of his mother's mistreatment of Courtney, he kept quiet for a time. However, once they were married, he made it clear that he wished to live separately. He didn't want to cause a rift in the family, but in Starhaven's official evaluations, being dutiful towards family mattered more than talent. A single accusation of being disloyal could end a person's career.Merrick's reason for wanting to live separately was perfectly reasonable—he said he needed peace and quiet to prepare for his upcoming exams. His family was too large, so the distractions would make it difficult to focus.
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1595
I finally understood Cari's plan.Maya had made a scene at the Prince family's residence, and would naturally have to go there and apologize. But the real plan was to use the scandal around Gabriel's disgrace to put pressure on the Saunders family. From now on, even if Courtney married into their family, they would be too scared to mistreat her.With both leverage and a secret weapon in hand, it was a solid move.But for me, today was about getting some justice, especially with Maya. I wasn't going to leave without making my point.Once Michael and the others left, I turned to Maya. "I heard you say that your family is one of high standing and noble reputation. Truly, that's a laugh. What kind of noble family would kidnap a woman and make a scene by beating up someone at another person's residence?"I was ready to tear your whole house apart and expose your hypocrisy to the city today, but you're lucky. Since Merrick genuinely cares for Courtney, I don't want to make things too ug
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1594
The reactions of the Saunders family were telling. They stood frozen, as if they couldn't believe what they were hearing. It was clear that no one in the capital had warned them, and they hadn't heard anything about it.Seizing the opportunity, I spoke again, my voice icy, "Who doesn't know that my husband, the third son of the Prince family, dotes on Courtney more than anyone? She's been wronged so severely, and he's beside himself with worry."I had to talk him out of rushing to the grand queen dowager to complain about this. But since I'm here, whoever it was that raised their hand against Courtney should step forward and accept the consequences."Isaac, while holding many positions in the capital, was most known as my husband, an apprentice of the Pathfinders Guild, the armory's overseer in the Ministry of Defense, and the owner of several enterprises in the capital. His connection to the Prince family was downplayed, but it still proved useful in situations like this.Among hi
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1593
Let me tell you about the day the Saunders family crossed a line even I, Violet Spencer, couldn't ignore.It was beyond outrageous!The Saunders family held nothing more than a minor earl's title, yet Maya dared act so arrogantly! In all my years alive, I had encountered plenty of ill-mannered women, but never had I encountered one among the powerful and influential.When I heard that they had dragged Courtney out and slapped her, calling her shameless for having feelings for a young man, I wanted to storm into Averton Estate, break down their door, and give them a taste of their own medicine.Cari was angry too, but she reminded me that we couldn't just go rushing in without thinking. The most important thing was to check on Courtney and Viola—who knew if they might do something rash?I had to admit, Cari had been in court long enough to know how to handle these things. She could stay calm when it mattered most.I rushed straight to the Prince family's residence. As I feared, I
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1592
When did I truly realize how wrong I was?It wasn't when Thomas returned, nor was it after my divorce from Barrett, nor even when the Prince family fell into misfortune.No, it was when talks were going on to arrange the marriage of my niece, Courtney.During the Prince family's fall from grace, I was imprisoned and narrowly escaped death. As I reflected on the past, I knew I had made mistakes and was willing to change. But I wasn't fully aware of just how deep my mistakes went.At the time, I thought it was all my own problem. No matter how much I suffered, it was my burden alone. No one else had the right to speak on it.I knew that my sister-in-law, Zoey, had suffered because of my stubbornness. She had worked tirelessly, running here and there, trying to help me, and perhaps I had grown accustomed to her always doing that for me. Because of that, I felt both gratitude and respect for her.Still, I wasn't ready to face the full weight of my past. I didn't want to dwell on it—i
Her Graceful War Song Chapter 1591
Carissa stopped and turned back to me. "Her family treats her well. It's just that things didn't go smoothly when they were arranging for her niece's marriage. Thankfully, that niece is now married to a good man."I think Viola worries that, being unmarried at her age—twice wed, no less—she might invite gossip. She doesn't want to burden her nephews and nieces or trouble her sister-in-law."I nodded, thinking of Zoey—the fierce woman who was also kind-hearted. She had one son and one daughter, as well as more children from her late husband's concubines. She had likely faced many challenges while arranging marriages for all her children. I imagined the amount of gossip and judgment she must have endured.I truly cared for Zoey like a sister-in-law, and I felt for all she had gone through."Think it over," Carissa said.I nodded, then glanced outside, where there wasn't a soul in sight.I couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you afraid that Prince Rafael might grow jealous, you being her
