Semua Bab Her Graceful War Song: Bab 1431 - Bab 1440

Kyle's painting was truly impressive—his brushwork brought the image to life with remarkable detail.Everyone in the room gazed at the figure on the paper, then looked at Salvador, who still sat in his chair without showing any sign of fatigue. It was as though the man had stepped right into the canvas. Even his earlier expression was captured perfectly.The fine lines near his eyes, the few strands of white hair at his temples, the small black mole at the corner of his mouth, and the subtle creases on his lips—all of it was there, down to the last detail. Though the colors had yet to be applied to his clothes, the intricate patterns were already outlined, and it was identical to the real thing.Salvador seemed like he was seeing such a clear version of himself for the first time. He stared for a while, then touched his face and said, "I really have gotten older." He rarely even looked into a mirror. When he did, it was never this clear."You're not old, Your Majesty," Derek said

Just as Jacob feared, many people secretly tried to pry information from the servants of Hell Monarch Estate. Fortunately, they had been warned in advance, so no matter what was asked, they all claimed to know nothing.But the tighter the people in the estate kept their lips sealed, the more it fueled suspicion. This entire affair was far too unusual.A king leaving the palace was nothing like stories depicted—where a ruler could simply disguise himself and slip into the streets with a handful of guards to observe the lives of his people.Even when visiting the households of nobles for a joyous occasion, the king's arrival would be announced well in advance. The host family would have time to make proper arrangements. Some even built new gardens or refurbished their homes, laying down soft carpets, planting fresh flowers, and preparing lavish feasts to welcome him.For a king to leave the palace in the dead of night to privately visit a vassal's estate, traveling by carriage and ac

Kylie stumbled back to Everspring Palace, Salvador's words asking her to relinquish her position as queen echoing endlessly in her mind. Each word crashed down like a bolt of lightning, striking her heart with relentless force. Her head spun and her limbs felt numb."Your Highness, His Majesty was merely speaking in anger. Please don't dwell on it," Lydia said anxiously.With her face drained of all color, Kylie looked like a ghost of herself, her spirit seemingly shattered.She struggled to breathe, clutching at her chest as tears streamed down her cheeks. "In anger? Does that mean he can just dispose of me with a few careless words? His Majesty never speaks rashly. He meant it.""How could that be? How could His Majesty ever consider making Ms. Spencer—a merchant's daughter—his queen?" Lydia tried to reassure her, having overheard Salvador's furious outburst from outside.Kylie's tears fell faster. "Don't you see? It was never about Violet. It's Carissa."Lydia shook her head.

Carissa was still fuming when Violet's playful comment broke through her anger, causing her to laugh."Let go. Come down here and join me."Violet chuckled, giving a quick curtsey. "At your command, my lady."With a swift motion, she discarded her clothing and tossed it aside before slipping into the hot spring.The two women splashed water at each other in a playful, light-hearted manner before settling down, resting their chins on the soft cushions by the edge of the spring.Violet spoke first, saying, "The queen is an idiot. Why bother with her? It's not worth getting upset over.""She's acting like there's something wrong with her. She definitely doesn't seem like someone raised by the Quinton family." Carissa paused for a moment, then added, "Well, I guess the Quinton family has more than its share of troublemakers."Violet nodded. "True. Malcolm kept a mistress, and who knows what to make of the whole thing with Gerald. At least Marjorie is a bit more normal—poor thing."

Once the speculation began to spread, some court officials encouraged Malcolm to approach Kylie for an answer. If these rumors proved true, it would be a matter of great consequence!The Hell Monarch was still embroiled in war at the Southern Frontier. If his wife was the subject of such rumors, how could he possibly remain focused on the battle?Even Davis was deeply concerned. He sought out Malcolm personally and explained the serious implications."The Hell Monarch is fighting for his life out there. This could not come at a worse time. We cannot allow such a scandal to derail his efforts," Davis said.After a brief pause, he added, "I hear Lord Wright intends to make an Oathbound Plea for His Majesty to clarify matters at court tomorrow."An Oathbound Plea was when a court official made a desperate, unwavering petition to the king, sometimes at the risk of their own life or career."The situation hasn't even been investigated and they're already resorting to such an extreme