Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 954

Jacob rubbed his stomach, his hands massaging his face as he let out a long sigh.

What a tough situation!

Then, he muttered, "What's the update from Hartstone Estate?"

"Three carriages have been moved, and they're parked at the back door. They're loading up things looks like gold, silver, and other valuables from a distance," came the response. Jacob nodded. "He's trying to run."

"Should we send someone to intercept them on the way out?"

Ever the diplomat, Jacob turned to Everett for advice. "What do you think, Sage Everett?"

With a calm expression, Everett replied, "Where can he go? He's definitely heading for Valken. Send someone to follow him, and along the way, take all his valuables. Let him head to Valken empty-handed. Once he's there..." He gave Winona a pointed look.

"Have your people keep a close watch. Everything he does and every move he makes needs to be reported back."

Winona gritted her teeth and responded with a firm, "Yes, sir!"

Jacob was aware that he would need to send someone to keep an eye on things, but the idea of stealing all of Hartstone Estate's valuables struck him as particularly ruthless-and he couldn't help but admire the cunning. Everett glanced at Kyle and Winona, and finally relented. "Fine, you can go now. Put the jars down and get on with your business."

were so large that they barely fit through the door. Had the door been any smaller, they wouldn't be able to get in or out. Once the jars were placed down, they returned, bracing themselves for more reprimands. Having been punished so many times before, they knew the

for your forgiveness, Sage

punishing you because I'm heartless. If you want to blame someone, blame your hopeless mentor. He's up on the mountain experimenting with gunpowder and

of them exchanged a look. Was Adrian still messing around with gunpowder

battlefield. It wasn't the first time he had tried-each time ended in failure,

he had destroyed Everett's courtyard. Could

help herself, blurted, "How did it go? Did he

one that only fueled Everett's irritation. The moment the words left her mouth, Winona saw the change in

tell your people to handle their business. Then,

that, Winona quickly left, her

the scene unfold, a

arts world, they were nothing in front Everett. All their usual grace and intimidation melted away. Each punishment was met without a word, and they didn't dare utter

them—Jacob suspected even Carissa would be

wasn't long before Winona left, and soon enough, Rafael,

was in the

couple's reactions were entirely

pleased,

Still, both