Semua Bab Her Graceful War Song: Bab 581 - Bab 590

Carissa pretended to discuss the matter quietly with Rafael. They spoke in hushed tones, inaudible to others. As the maid and the guard couldn't hear anything despite straining to listen, their anxiety was palpable.After a considerable pause, Rafael finally nodded."Alright then, we'll head to the capital together," said Carissa.The maid sighed in relief. "Thank you, Lady Sinclair. You are truly a saint.""What's your name?" Carissa asked.The maid bowed. "My name is Greta."Carissa turned to the guard. "And you?""My name is Dustin," the guard replied in a slightly gruff voice.Though he was sturdy and appeared honest, a person's appearance didn't always reflect their true nature.Carissa asked a few more questions but didn't get much more information. It was clear she wasn't expecting to learn anything significant from them.At supper time, a pinch of Sebastian's colorless, tasteless powder rendered Dustin, Greta, and the driver unconscious. Once that was done, Carmen kne

"When we were in Harmony Palace, we weren't allowed to leave our own courtyards. Whether it was practicing martial arts or receiving instruction from the courtesans as my sister did, it all took place within our own courtyards."I've never been to the western courtyard before. However, according to the servants, it's used for religious worship. Grand Princess Eleanor goes there to pray on the first and fifteenth days of each month," Carmen replied.Carissa frowned. "So, there's a temple there?"It couldn't be as simple as a temple. If it were, why would Eleanor be so anxious? It seemed Carissa would need to find an opportunity to investigate further."You mentioned you have some skill in martial arts?" Carissa asked."Greta is my teacher. I've trained for several years. We sisters all have similar skills. Since the grand princess raised us, she needed us to be useful. She wouldn't want to waste her efforts," Carmen answered.Carissa nodded. That was true.Eleanor was not merely

One day, they stopped to rest in a small grove by the main road. About a mile away, there was a clear, shallow stream. The weather was hot, so everyone rushed toward the water.Carmen washed her hands in the stream, but she couldn’t jump in and soak like the men. However, seeing them play so happily, she picked up a stick and started to dance by the water's edge. Although her movements lacked any deadly force, they were graceful and captivating. She danced on tiptoe, leaping and spinning, blending dance with martial arts in a visually pleasing manner.Caught up in the moment, everyone jumped out of the water and began to show off their own martial arts skills.Greta observed Rafael, noticing that his gaze lingered on Carmen with what seemed to be admiration. She exchanged a satisfied glance with Dustin. As expected, the Hell Monarch was indeed particularly attentive to women skilled in martial arts.After a long while, Rafael finally withdrew his gaze. He looked somewhat guilty as

Barrett was on duty today, tasked with helping the Capital Guard maintain order.As the eleven young soldiers rode past him one by one, he carefully studied each of their faces. When his gaze fell on Thomas, he noticed that the once-handsome, striking figure seemed less radiant than before. A mix of nostalgia and complex emotions stirred in his chest, along with a fleeting sense of inferiority.Heroes.Barrett had once been a hero too. When he returned from the Victory Pass battle, the citizens had cheered for him the same way.But now?Now, he had been reduced to a mere ninth-rank capital guard, stripped of the glory that once surrounded him. No longer the golden boy, no longer entrusted with important duties. Watching the eleven young soldiers, Barrett couldn't shake the sense of being worlds apart, like a speck of dirt beneath their feet.If he was ever going to rise again, it would have to be through his brother-in-law's support. Or perhaps, another war would break out, givin

Kiera's residence, Ivory Estate, was located in the palace district where the highest-ranking nobles resided. The common folk referred to it as Noble Street, and it was only about three or four miles from Royal Street.Ivory Estate was also conveniently close to Hell Monarch Estate, just a short distance away on foot. Of course, Helen had no intention of walking. They all traveled by carriage.Ivory Estate was already occupied by staff sent by the queen dowager, tasked with maintaining the property, cleaning, and tending the garden. A number of flower trees had already been planted, and potted plants adorned the grounds.Salvador had been quite generous to Kiera. The estate was vast, with a grand and imposing front courtyard, while the rear was filled with bright and spacious rooms.In the garden, a lake had been dug. It was surrounded by pavilions, towers, rockeries, and arched bridges, with water flowing gently throughout. The surroundings created a peaceful and serene atmosphere