Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Carissa had Violet arrange for someone to keep an eye on Samuel for a few days. Despite everything, this once-renowned scholar, who had been favored by his family's matriarch, still held onto his lofty ambitions.

Over the past few days, Samuel had carried his written articles to the National Academy, hoping to find someone to present them to the king. But no one at the National Academy would pay him any attention anymore.

Believing it was because they were jealous of his talent, Samuel seethed with frustration. Determined, he then sought out people at the Academy of Wisdom. But no matter where he went, people deliberately avoided him.

After all, he was a top scholar who had been personally demoted by the king, destroyed his marriage for a favored mistress, abandoned his family to set up his own household, and even renounced his title as heir.

To make matters worse, rumors had spread that he had married the daughter of a merchant, then forced her to use her dowry to buy the freedom of a woman from a brothel. Even though the civil officials considered that a minor offense, it was still a sign of moral corruption and a disgrace to the scholars.

Then, the truth about Ruby's identity started to circulate.

Although no one knew for certain whether it was true or false, it cast a shadow that made people even more wary of Samuel. He spent several days running around to no avail. Enraged, he blamed Rafael, convinced that it was the prince's influence and power that caused everyone to avoid him.

Consumed by resentment, Samuel drank heavily at a tavern.

In his drunken stupor, he clenched his fist and shouted, "The king's power only protects the nobility! Prince Rafael, with his overwhelming military achievements, does whatever he pleases. Why does no one dare stand up to him? The entire court are cowards, all of them!"

more than three days for those reckless words, shouted in a public place, to spread like wildfire across the capital. Soon, all the court officials had heard

arrogant and self-righteous. Reports criticizing him began piling up

king. Salvador summoned Rafael to royal study for

was Salvador's younger cousin. She had always been kind and well-mannered, adored by everyone

Eleanor's illegitimate daughter sent a ripple of suspicion

Carissa had deliberately leaked

were well hidden had long been exposed. As for how much

about Eleanor-Rafael and Jacob were already handling that situation. What

with her mother, only to be met with a harsh refusal. Ever since, Leona seemed completely deflated, as if all life

and the Earl of Gracehold's family,

cousin might do something drastic. So, she asked Alana and Leah to keep a close watch on the duchess and ensure she

Heather might come looking for you. That night, I overheard the conversation from outside the

to say to her. But if Heather wanted to come, then let her come. True to expectations, as the news of Samuel's outburst against

to confront Heather with a few harsh words, but Violet persuaded

already said your piece