Her Graceful War Song novel 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.

Even after the recent upheaval, Leona remained steadfast in her resolve. Alana eventually sought counsel from Carissa. Carissa personally met with Leona and had a long and private conversation with her. Afterward, Carissa gave her blessing—on the condition that Leona publicly disavowed her ties to Harvey.

Since trouble was bound to come from Harvey, severing their father-daughter relationship would ensure Leona wouldn't be implicated in the future.

Leona 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 heart cold.

When 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 once.

After enduring her tumultuous marriage to Samuel, Leona had come to understand that some relationships could not be forced. Love was like that, and so was family. To force affection where it did not exist only led to pain for everyone involved. Letting go was better—for herself, and for them.

-