Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1447

Once the meal had ended, Violet suggested taking Hadrian and Katherine for a walk to explore the grand courtyard of the Glimmering Tower.

Not far from the establishment stood a bustling entertainment district. It was filled with coffeehouses, storytellers, opera performers, street vendors, and all manner of merchants selling trinkets and delicacies.

Since arriving in the capital, Violet had been preoccupied with various matters and had never found the time to wander about. Now, she took the opportunity to send the couple away, giving Carissa and Janelle a chance to speak privately. Meanwhile, she and Cynthia could slip away to enjoy themselves as well.

As soon as the others departed, the tone of the conversation inside softened.

They had deliberately avoided that topic earlier, but now, it was time to address it.

Outside, the onlookers—noble guests who had been watching the situation with rapt attention—saw the Earl of Southstead and his wife leave. They immediately assumed that Carissa had dismissed them to reprimand Janelle in private. Eager for scandal, they strained their ears, anticipating a confrontation.

But instead of hushed accusations or raised voices, they heard nothing but quiet conversation and the occasional murmur of laughter. If anything, the atmosphere seemed even more harmonious than before.

The constant movement of attendants going in and out made it difficult to eavesdrop, so someone simply lifted the curtain, offering a clear view of the scene inside.

Those gathered outside were no fools. They could tell the difference between forced pleasantries and genuine rapport—and from the looks of it, the two women inside were engaged in a sincere and amiable discussion.

What was even more astonishing was Janelle herself.

For years, she had been the subject of scorn, whispered about with a mixture of disdain and ridicule. Yet here she was—her words poised, her manner refined. She carried herself not as a merchant scrabbling for status but as a woman of noble birth.

And then, belatedly, people remembered—Janelle was not just a mere merchant. She was the daughter of an earl.

The Earl of Southstead's family might have remained distant from the court, their presence in politics negligible, but their lineage was still intact. And here was proof—even the Hell Monarch's princess consort was affording Janelle due respect.

From time to time, Janelle glanced toward the onlookers outside, but she paid them no mind.

When Carissa finally spoke of the ordeal Janelle had been put through, calling it an undeserved misfortune, Janelle merely smiled and said lightly, "You jest, Your Grace. How is that a misfortune? It is nothing less than an opportunity bestowed by fate."

Their eyes met, and in that shared moment of understanding, they exchanged a knowing smile.

Following this meeting, the storm of rumors outside quickly died down.

But while the whispers in social circles faded, tension within the court only escalated.

Since coughing up blood, Salvador had neither held court nor handled state affairs in the royal study. Instead, nearly all authority had been entrusted to Jeremiah.

The court officials didn't know what had happened.

Aside from the six department heads and Irvin, no one was privy to Salvador's true condition.