Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1048

A few days later, the rumors finally began to die down.

It was curious how fickle public opinion could be. After the storm of gossip, slander, and outrage, some began to look at Skye Embroidery in a new light.

It might be because some agreed with the articles written by those scholars, prompting other academics to interpret the situation more positively.

As one of the storytellers at the Ascension Coffeehouse had put it, Skye Embroidery was, at its core, a lifeline for women cast out of their homes. It wasn't some earth-shattering rebellion against morality or societal order. Could it truly be so difficult for anyone to show even a sliver of compassion?

However, this line of thinking was shared only by a portion of the populace. Most still withheld their approval, though the vehemence of their opposition had lessened. Cooler heads began to prevail, even if grudgingly.

It was around this time that Leona, the Duchess of Everpeace, made a shocking move.

She stepped into the halls of Skye Embroidery and declared to the world that she was severing all ties with Harvey. She no longer recognized Harvey as her dad and announced that Skye Embroidery would henceforth be her home. This decision had not been made on a whim.

When Skye Embroidery had stood empty, with no one willing to take up residence, Leona had already considered moving in. She had discussed the matter several times with Alana and Leah. They had advised against it, saying it would seem too deliberate. They worried it would bring more controversy to the workshop rather than help it.

steadfast in her resolve. Alana eventually sought counsel from Carissa. Carissa personally met with Leona and had

from Harvey, severing their father-daughter relationship would ensure Leona wouldn't be implicated

hadn't made her decision with such practicalities in mind. Many things remained outside her awareness, but her parents' actions or lack thereof had left her

she had fallen into trouble, her parents had turned their backs on her. When her grandfather faced tribulations, they still didn't care or even visit him

-

so

had Serena, tearful and hysterical, sent back to

were assisting Leona in settling in when the new steward from

had once

the Marchioness of Ironridge, everyone assumed she would leave triumphantly. Perhaps, she might even sneer at those she

arms were wrapped around her knees, and she was staring blankly ahead. She hadn't said a word about

to her with confused eyes.

as the Marquis of Ironridge's wife," Leona

reply. Instead, she absentmindedly pulled a tiny sprig of grass stubbornly growing from a crack in the stone. She tugged atit few times, but it wouldn't budge. In her struggle, the sharp edge

her hand, then back at the small blade of grass, transfixed by

no, you're bleeding!" Leona exclaimed