Her Graceful War Song

Samuel's eyes were hollow as he was pushed to take a few steps forward. Suddenly, he turned back to face Noah.

"Dad, if you see Ruby, ask her if she ever cared for me at all, even if just a little?"

At Samuel's words, Noah felt his vision darken. It was as if something was lodged in his throat and nearly choking him. He swayed for a moment before collapsing to the ground.

Abigail burst into loud, heart-wrenching sobs, which drew a crowd of onlookers from the streets.

The turmoil between the Earl of Gracehold's family and Harvey's family was already well-known, and the people of the capital were now buzzing with gossip.

With Noah sitting on the ground and Abigail in tears, the spectator could only watch with detached curiosity. The sorrows of the nobility were mere entertainment to the common folk. They felt no empathy, only a desire for more gossip.

Upon returning home, Noah and Abigail learned that Dorothy had fainted and suffered a stroke. Despite quickly ordering everyone to keep their mouths shut, word still spread that her illness was caused by Samuel's actions. The shame of disrespecting his family left a heavy stain on Samuel's name. Even if he managed to return one day, he would be seen as worthless.

After her stroke, Dorothy could hardly speak. She spent her days murmuring Samuel's name. In her dreams, she saw him being tormented and dying during his exile. The anxiety and emotional strain took their toll on her health, and she passed away within days. Dorothy's death cast a shadow of disgrace over the Earl of Gracehold's family. They now had to bear the blame for mistreating Leona, and for Samuel's disrespectful attitude. In addition, several other family members who held significant positions in the court were reported to the Oversight Department for their involvement in the mistreatment of Leona.

In a fit of anger, Salvador demoted them all. While Noah retained his title, his family's reputation was ruined beyond repair.

After the court session, Rafael bumped into Noah. They walked together and exchanged a few words. Noah remained fazed for a long time before dragging his heavy feet away slowly.

-

After Yuvan had visited several noble families, he was finally ready to visit Eleanor at Harmony Palace. Coincidentally, Harvey arrived on the same day.

Yuvan was ranked third in the age among the siblings, while Harvey was the fifth. Eleanor was only two months younger than Yuvan, and Harvey was two years younger than them.

In the past, these three had rarely interacted. When Yuvan visited the capital, it was usually merely to exchange pleasantries in the palace. They seldom visited each other directly. Harvey had little connection with Eleanor, unless it was attending her banquets.

Eleanor dismissed the servants from the room, then smiled and said, "It's quite a coincidence that the three of us are gathered here today. I didn't expect you to drop by as well, Harvey."

"You're right," Harvey replied, his

previous humility nowhere to be found. He settled into a chair with

his chin slightly raised, and eft

dignified demeanor befitting a

prince. "It's a rare chance that we get to sit down together and have a good chat."

Yuvan sipped the exquisite coffee that Eleanor had provided, and smiled. "This is really high-quality coffee. It's far superior to what I drank back in Valken." Eleanor replied, "I've only got two jars left. I only brought some out today because both of my brothers are here to visit me, and I felt it worth sharing."

Yuvan shifted his gaze toward her. "You seem a bit thinner, Eleanor. Is something troubling you? Are your subordinates causing any trouble?"

"Celeste is the only one, but she shaped up after a proper reprimand," Eleanor replied, her eyes icy. "Some people just can't seem to understand their place. They really think they're part of my family."Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

"There's no need to get angry. If they misbehave, just teach them a lesson, and they'll be obedient," Yuvan said as he set down his cup, a hint of joy on his face. "The Earl of Gracehold's family is completely ruined."

"Yes, and Leona was caught in the crossfire," Eleanor said as she glanced at Harvey. "Harvey, you can't blame me for this. Leona wouldn't listen to you. She's soft-hearted, and was deeply infatuated with Samuel. Her marriage to Samuel would have only strengthened the Earl of Gracehold's family, so I had no choice but to ruin them."

Harvey forced a smile.

Eleanor continued, "Besides, your original plan was flawed from the start. You expected Leona to win over the Earl of Gracehold's family

and Samuel. How could that ever e

an old

work? The Earl of Gracehold's family is an old noble family and is fiercely loyal to the crown. Also, Samuel was anarrogant man and thought himself above everyone. He would never have listened to us. It was better to eliminate him outright."