Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 724

As the carriage made its way to Hell Monarch Estate, Ethel clutched a lunch box. Despite pouring every ounce of strength into holding back her emotions, tears streamed down her face like a broken dam.

It had been 18 years.

There had been countless days and nights of torment Ethel could never forget. Every single day, she regretted not being kinder to her daughter.

While her in-laws, husband, and son had all showered Jaina with love, she had been the strict one, sometimes even punishing her by slapping her hand, confining her to her room, and leaving her hungry.

Over the years, many memories had faded. However, the image of Jaina's wronged little face, her tear-streaked cheeks, and how she had timidly come to Ethel after being scolded remained painfully clear. Each memory was a drop that merged into a river, eroding the most tender spots of her heart day after day.

Ethel couldn't forgive herself. Jaina wasn't particularly mischievous, so why had she scolded her? Why had she hit her? Why had she caused her to cry? Couldn't she have just pampered her like everyone else?

Inside the carriage, Jacob recounted the events that had unfolded since Jaina's abduction. Each word made Ethel's hot tears fall in heavy droplets.

Jaina had nearly died. She had been left in the woods while burning with fever. Luckily, she had been fortunate. Someone had found her, and she lived.

Life as a performer was harsh. Although Jaina had always been mischievous and loved climbing high and low places, how many times had she fallen while learning tricks? How much pain had she endured?

And her beauty hadn't spared her from bullying, forcing her to move to Stonebridge County.

And poor Lucas, the performance troupe leader! He had saved Jaina, yet he had been murdered before he could receive any gratitude.

Her poor daughter still didn't know Lucas was dead. Jaina probably thought that by following Eleanor to the capital, she could provide a good life for him. She could hire physicians to treat him and people to care for him.

Throughout her life, Ethal had witnessed both the cruelty and kindness of humanity. And now, her daughter was finally coming back to her.

Meanwhile, Violet had just arrived at Grovehill Estate, where she happened to find Jaina on her way to Harmony Palace.

"We sent someone to investigate. You hadn't been gone long when Lucas was killed in his sleep. They slit his throat with a sword."

Violet refrained from telling her Lucas had starved to death. That would be too brutal for Jaina to bear. Being killed in his sleep sounded less torturous.

It was what Violet, Carissa, and the others had discussed before. When they picked up Jaina after their operation during the Emberfest Festival, they would break the news to her gently. Lucas' death would be hard for her to accept, but at least she would be reunited with her family, which could somewhat ease the pain of the loss.

After a long moment of stunned silence, Jaina trembled and finally asked, "Was it Grand Princess Eleanor?"

"She had someone else carry it out, but yes, it was her. She's likely responsible for many deaths, and now, she's been implicated in treason. Don't be too upset. At least Lucas' death has been avenged."

Jaina buried her face in her hands and cried uncontrollably. "I'm such an idiot! How could I have been so stupid? She kept me locked away the entire time. How could I have believed she would treat Lucas well? It's my fault he's dead…"