Semua Bab Her Graceful War Song: Bab 461 - Bab 470

Serena's voice trembled with frustration as she shouted at Barrett, "Barrett, your accusations are so unfair! If you hadn't been demoted, would I have been forced to do this?"Barrett's reply was sharp, his tone unforgiving, "Since when does my future need you meddling in it? I will fight for my future on my own! You did this for yourself! You have feelings for Prince Rafael—what's so special about him that all of you keep chasing after him?"Serena had been putting on an air of self-righteousness, but she was now completely exposed. Hearing her brother disparage the man she loved, her face flushed with anger and embarrassment. "He's much better than you! Even Carissa would rather divorce you and marry the prince! Doesn't that prove he's far better than you? Besides, which noblewoman in the capital doesn't want to become the Hell Monarch's princess consort?"Barrett's expression darkened. "You want to become the Hell Monarch's princess consort, but he already has a legitimate wife

Seeing Margaret's pallid complexion, Carissa ordered for herbal tonic soup to be brought in. The soup was originally intended for her own use, as Rafael had advised her to keep up her health and prevent any lingering ailments from the battlefield.Noticing Margaret's breath was more hurried than usual, as though she was seething with anger, Carissa said gently, "There was no need for you to make this trip if you're unwell. What happened last night has nothing to do with you."Margaret drank the herbal tonic soup, clutching her chest for a long time. Then, she started speaking slowly, "I truly wish it had nothing to do with our household. But Jessica is still part of our family, and I saw what happened yesterday with my own eyes."She wanted to ruin Prince Rafael's reputation, only to end up ensnaring her own husband in the scandal. She brought shame upon herself, and left our family no choice but to bring Ms. Warren into our household as a concubine."Carissa had anticipated this o

A few days later, after court had adjourned, Salvador retained Rafael for a private conversation.Ignoring the stack of documents left untouched, Salvador signaled to Derek to set up the chessboard. "It's been a while since we last played chess together," he remarked.Rafael adjusted his belt, and sat down comfortably. "After days of poring over case files until my head felt like it was spinning, it's a blessing to have a reprieve. I'm deeply grateful for the leniency, Your Majesty."Salvador watched Rafael's actions with a furrowed brow. "You're still clinging to those old military habits? How rude. You are now head of the Supreme Court and a high-ranking member of the court. Remember to maintain your dignity and composure.""Why worry about appearances in front of my own brother?" Rafael replied with a bright grin."Do you act so freely in front of your princess consort as well?" Salvador said, placing a white piece on the board with a deliberate motion.Rafael held a black p

Rafael nodded, his admiration for Carissa always evident in his gaze."That's right. The family, including her, consisted of thirteen people. She killed twelve of them—her father-in-law, husband, and three sons, all of whom were in good health, as well as her mother-in-law and two unmarried daughters. The remaining victims were servants and maids. "The issue is that this incident happened at dusk, not in the dead of night when everyone was asleep. After dinner, she suddenly turned violent, grabbed a kitchen knife, and killed everyone. This woman had no martial skills and was known to be ill, requiring long-term medication.""A sickly, somewhat harsh person could kill one person, but they'd be quickly subdued. Were they all poisoned? Did they all lose consciousness?" Carissa asked."No, they were all awake. Neighbors who witnessed the scene said the woman seemed to have gone mad and possessed extraordinary strength. She killed anyone she saw. If those neighbors hadn't fled quickly

At the Supreme Court, Patrick was growing increasingly anxious. "Your Highness, why have you summoned Sebastian? He has never examined the deceased. No matter how skilled he is, he's not a coroner."Rafael remained calm. "Please be patient, Mr. Lloyd. Given the magnitude of this case and the uproar it has caused, if we mishandle it and wrongfully accuse someone, the entire kingdom will condemn us."Patrick was accustomed to handling cases, so how couldn't he know that there was the slightest doubt in the case on hand? But with the perpetrator's confession, witness testimonies, and physical evidence, what ground was there for a retrial?"It's a waste of time! Every extra day the perpetrator lives is a sign of disrespect to the victims she has murdered," he argued.Rafael replied, "The case documents from Brightmoor District also recommend execution. It is only April, and with swift couriers, it only takes about a month for the documents to travel back and forth. Why are you so imp