Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1345

The Mystic Army's defensive measures turned the capital into a place of unease and tension. With a curfew in place, many businesses in the entertainment districts found their activities stifled. Coffeehouses and taverns closed their doors at sunset, and by night, the city seemed as lifeless as a tomb.

The strategy now was simple-if the enemy did not move, neither would they.

The riverworks project continued without interruption. As long as the work did not stop unnecessarily, the Mystic Army would remain on standby, prepared to mobilize at any moment. Carissa knew that this was the only way to gain an advantage.

If the work remained uninterrupted, it would benefit both the court and the people.

Though no open battle had yet occurred, the air was thick with tension, the scent of war hanging over the city. The city gates were now under constant scrutiny. It was unlikely that the true mastermind behind the rebellion would stay away from the capital.

His life and wealth were at stake, so how could he command remotely?

Carissa suspected that the true mastermind might already have returned to the city. However, Violet, who was still living at Willowbrook Estate, had seen no signs of anything unusual.

tasks. The servants who left to buy the daily necessities

say the least. Carissa needed

dealt their punishment. All the men were to be exiled, and even Cedric would not

estate right now. Though Zoey had left money with Isaac, the current situation meant they had no choice but to take up

had feared that Viola would protest living in such humble conditions, as she had always held herself above such things. But

Carissa felt they could easily become fast friends-one a scholar, the other a warrior. Courtney had been demoted to a commoner, but she had not been enslaved. This meant she could still return to Gracewood Women's Academy. In

them what they wanted to do. They said they wished to remain at Skye Embroidery and learn embroidery from Camila. An education might not always guarantee a livelihood for a woman, but working with her hands

literate, and Zoey had never treated them poorly. Even Oliver's concubines had always respected

main hall, Carissa and

her demeanor calmer now that she knew her brother-in-law and son had been exiled to the Southern Frontier. Though the journey would be arduous, she took comfort in the

was completely different from the

she said, "If it weren't for you, I fear we would still