Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

After Samuel settled down, he immediately began drafting a scathing article condemning the Hell Monarch. Once he finished, he reached out to his old scholar friends, inviting over a dozen people to join him. However, only three or four actually showed up.

Those who did come were stunned after reading his article. They quickly made excuses, claiming they had urgent matters to attend to, and hurriedly left.

Samuel was bewildered.

He chased after one of them, grabbing him by the arm and asking, "You all read how the Hell Monarch bullied me. Aren't you going to help?"

The scholar's name was Sean. He entered the National Academy last year and had once deeply admired Samuel-before Samuel brought a courtesan from a brothel into his home. Today, Sean had come merely out of respect for old ties.

Samuel's article boldly and repeatedly denounced the prince who had just reclaimed the Southern Frontier. It accused the Hell Monarch of disrespecting women-specifically, of disrespecting Ruby. Sean was left speechless.

Once that article was published, the whole world would criticize Samuel and curse his name.

Sean wanted no part of this mess.

In response to Samuel's questioning, he merely said, "If you're upright and set a good example, people will follow without orders. But if you're not, no command will make them obey!" With that, Sean nodded respectfully and left.

Samuel's face turned red with rage. Not only was he one of the top scholars, he was an honored scholar chosen by the king himself. How could he be accused of being anything less than upright? Turns out, his scholar friends were all just a bunch of spineless bootlickers. He used to think they had some integrity, but now it was clear-they were all terrified of the Hell Monarch's reputation.

In his fury, Samuel smashed things in the coffeehouse. However, the coffeehouse staff weren't about to indulge his tantrum. Despite his angry outburst and boastful claims of his lofty status, the shopkeeper remained indifferent and demanded Samuel pay for the damages.

returned to his office. Meanwhile, Helen sat in a daze, waiting for Carissa to come to

her hand and asked, "Carissa,

Ruby's real name—it's likely that more women will be sent

place like a brothel? Isn't that a disgrace to

have known? It was done in secret, so as long as it wasn't exposed,

trying to understand the

concubines and their children? Yet, she was the one who arranged

In

her

with status, it's hard to believe she would be so harsh toward his concubines' children.

had spent years carefully

with noble families.

she had

her husband to

personally

admiration for her supposed

tolerance and generosity.

had been some scandals in the past, they were quickly hushed up, and