Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1322

Violet observed the group before her.

Two of them were shorter in stature, stocky and muscular. They had arms that appeared unusually thick, and their necks had visible veins bulging slightly. The other three were taller. Though their breathing seemed normal, Violet couldn't help but notice that their shoes were nearly spotless, showing no sign of dust.

This suggested they practiced Silent Force, a type of internal martial arts.

Those who mastered Silent Force could control their breathing, making it shallow or deep at will. Judging by their composure, Violet suspected their skills were considerable.

"Do you know martial arts?" she asked.

The group all shook their heads, their faces looking notably sincere. "No."

Violet took another look; in a sudden motion, she threw a punch at the shorter man.

His eyes flickered with alarm, but then he quickly shut them, his face showing a look of fear.

Violet retracted her fist. From the brief flash of light in his eyes, it was clear this was the instinctive reaction of a martial artist. However, he controlled it well and didn't raise his hand to block.

This, in fact, revealed something. Even someone who didn't know martial arts would instinctively make a blocking gesture if suddenly attacked in the face, regardless of whether they could defend it.

However, the short man didn't do that.

Violet smiled faintly and turned to leave.

The group exchanged a cold, silent glance before slowly backing away.

Chaya had been watching from a distance. She placed her hand on her forehead, her gaze conflicted. It was hard to tell if she was hopeful or frightened, but she was certainly no longer as calm as she had been earlier.

Violet and the others were assigned to quarters beside Emerald Hall, which was Hayden's courtyard. It was a section of the estate filled with rose bushes, aptly named Rose Hall. A thin wall separated them, and those with sharper hearing could probably make out conversations from Emerald Hall, especially if someone were speaking loudly.

Chaya also resided in Emerald Hall, though not in the same room. Originally, when Eleanor had sent her to Hayden as a concubine, Hayden had no interest in one. He had taken her in more as a casual companion to ease his boredom. She had her quarters, but she had recently been staying in Emerald Hall.

That was what Violet had heard from the servants.

Living here, Violet couldn't help but notice the strange atmosphere that seemed to hang over Willowbrook Estate.

At night, many people seemed to be walking around, as though on patrol. Bun had noticed it too, rising from his seat and spotting a few shadows moving in the distance.

The atmosphere was tense—so different from the lighthearted feel of the day.

Violet didn't know where this heavy atmosphere came from, but it felt like there was an invisible killing intent even while she was lying in bed. During the day, they got up and observed everyone in the estate.

The staff all appeared well-rested, including the five individuals Violet had observed the night before. They gave no indication of working through the night.

It seemed that Willowbrook Estate housed quite a few people, after all.