Her Graceful War Song novel 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.

The only people around Hayden were the two elderly servants, while the other household servants were busy with various tasks. The servants who left to buy the daily necessities were being closely watched by Bun and had no contact with the outside world.

It was a headache, to say the least. Carissa needed to take a moment to breathe.

The Prince family had been dealt their punishment. All the men were to be exiled, and even Cedric would not escape this fate. Exile to the Southern Frontier wasn't so bad, at least. There, they would have some protection.

As for Zoey, Viola, and Evelyn, they weren't in a position to purchase a large estate right now. Though Zoey had left money with Isaac, the current situation meant they had no choice but to take up residence in Skye Embroidery.

At first, Carissa had feared that Viola would protest living in such humble conditions, as she had always held herself above such things. But the harsh reality of Astral Prison had a way of softening even the sharpest of edges. Viola had said nothing, silently accepting her circumstances.

As for Courtney, Carissa had plans to settle her at Hell Monarch Estate, where she could spend time with Roxana. Roxana was a martial arts prodigy, while Courtney was a sharp, intelligent girl. Though they were of different ages, 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 fact, a commoner woman could easily attend the academy if she wished.

Zoey nodded solemnly. "I will do everything I can to manage the workshop. If no one wants to go out and sell the embroidered goods, I can do it. I'm no longer afraid of stepping out into the world."

"With you here, I can rest easy," Carissa said sincerely.

She truly meant it. Lately, she had been running around like a whirlwind, and the workshop and women's academy had both suffered for it.

Now, aside from the Prince family members, there were over ten women living at Skye Embroidery. Some of the women, having learned there was a place that would take them in, had chosen to leave their marriages rather than endure any further hardships.

Though the numbers were still small, Carissa was optimistic. Progress was progress; they had to take things one step at a time.

Viola was still recovering, so she hadn't come to meet with Carissa. It might have been an excuse, as Rowan had said she was no longer in serious danger.

Carissa suspected that Viola didn't quite know how to face her. After all, she had once been her imagined rival. However, Carissa wasn't bothered. She believed that if Viola stayed stubborn, Kayla's next visit with supplies would only make it harder for her to face Carissa.