Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1401

Gerald and Clifford met in the Supreme Court's interrogation room. They sat across from each other, an old wooden table between them.

Carissa sat behind the scribe's desk, not far from them. Even if they spoke in hushed tones, she could hear every word clearly.

The only sounds in the room were the quiet rustle of breath, the steady beat of hearts, and occasionally, the almost imperceptible sound of a sigh.

Yet, no words passed between them.

Neither of them exchanged even a fleeting glance. It was as if they were two strangers who were forced to sit together—distant, indifferent.

Carissa wondered if it was her presence that made things so strained, though she could not leave. All she could do was endure the awkward silence alongside them.

At last, Gerald asked, "Why?"

Gerald was truly baffled, struggling to reconcile the person before him with the image of someone he thought he knew. No matter how he looked at Clifford, he could not align the two.

Clifford clasped his hands together and shook his head. "Why bother asking? History is written by the victors."

"Is there not always a reason for things?" Gerald asked, his voice hoarse with emotion.

Clifford paused to think before responding, "I've realized that the things I've always wanted to do in life are out of reach. Didn't King Sigmund say it? I'm a rebellious person. I think my thoughts were never truly rebellious enough, so I resolved to do something truly reckless. Once that was done, nothing else seemed worth mentioning."

Gerald's eyes narrowed as he focused on him. "You led a rebellion this time. There are thousands dead, and countless more wounded. The stench of blood still hangs in the air. I don't believe this is something you would do. When did you start valuing human life so cheaply?"

Clifford pursed his lips and remained silent. He looked completely numb.

"Clifford, you're not like this," Gerald said. "What is it that has led you to this point?"

"I am exactly like this," Clifford replied, his tone tinged with bitterness. "The man you knew is nothing more than a facade you created for me. You blindly believed I was as you imagined me to be."