Her Graceful War Song

As Kylie stepped out, she caught sight of the scene before her, and a shadow seemed to fall across her heart. The feeling was difficult to describe.

She approached, seizing the opportunity with the court officials present, and spoke up.

"Prince Connor's failure today was indeed a disappointment. However, he had been suffering from stomach pains and weakness since this morning. I've already called for a royal physician and had medicine prepared."

Salvador's brow furrowed. "What did the royal physician say?"

"He believes it's due to something Prince Connor ate. He's taken the medicine,

and he's feeling somewhat better now," Kylie responded quickly.

Salvador's response was indifferent. "Then take good care of him."

"Of course!" Kylie answered, stealing a glance at the others in the room.

Though their expressions were unreadable, Salvador didn't seem particularly angry. Perhaps this matter was already behind them.

She smiled and was about to congratulate Salvador on hunting the wild boar, but then she heard him say, "His failure today has nothing to do with his illness. If he couldn't catch anything, then he simply couldn't. But to cry and carry on about it— what kind of behavior is that?"

Kylie's smile froze on her lips.

Salvador had kicked Connor out of the woods because he was crying? Wasn't today supposed to be a special day for them to compete and show their skills?

Kylie paused, momentarily taken aback. Perhaps Salvador didn't believe her. She quickly turned to instruct someone to bring Connor out.

With the help of Ryan and Lydia, Connor was led forward.

As soon as Ryan had heard of Connor's discomfort, he rushed to check on him. Although there had been tension between them in the past, their time spent together in recent days had allowed a bond to form.

Connor was ing much better, ugh his face was still pale and he seemed drained. Upon seeing his dad, a flicker of fear crossed his eyes. But remembering the encouraging words of Carissa and Marjorie, he found the strength to approach and fell to one knee.

"Father, I know I've been lazy and careless in my training. I didn't practice my archery properly with Uncle Rafael, and that's why I failed today. I've embarrassed you, and I understand my mistake. I'll work harder from now on and train diligently with Uncle Rafael. I won't disappoint you again."

Hearing this, Salvador's expression softened noticeably. "Good. Remember what you've said today. The other officials have heard it as well."

Connor's eyes brightened as he looked up. "I understand, Father. I won't fail again."

"Rise, then." Salvador's lips curved slightly. "Set your attitude right. Learning takes time, but as long as you're willing to work hard, progress will come."

"Yes, Father. I will learn," Connor responded earnestly, bowing low again before standing up with Ryan's assistance.

Kylie watched this with a flicker of confusion in her eyes, though she felt a quiet relief deep within.

She had expected the matter to pass, but little did she know, after the Verdant Hunt and their return

the palace, Lydia rushed in with ot

urgent news. Dorian had been

'e'

summoned to Salvador's study for questioning.

Kylie shot to her feet, her face paling. "That day... Did Mr. Judd realize anything?"noveldrama

"Most likely, he did," Lydia replied, concern lining her voice. "After all, the poison in the powder is different from food poisoning. He should have been able to tell the difference. And the prescription he gave along with the medicine, was correct."

A wave of panic swept through Kylie. "What should we do now? Will he speak?"

Lydia paused, thinking carefully before answering, "He took the bribe, so he wouldn't say anything willingly. But if His Majesty figures it out, Mr. Judd might be too frightened to keep silent."

Kylie's thoughts drifted back to Salvador's attitude on the hunting grounds by the lake—he hadn't seemed suspicious at all. In fact, he had appeared quite satisfied.

Could someone have said something?

"Prince Connor said he saw Chief Lewis and Lady Carissa after he ran off. Could they have said something to His Majesty?" Kylie said.

Lydia hesitated, her brow furrowing. "I don't think so. They didn't know anything about it."

She paused again, then added,

"Actually, the day Prince Connor

went to the hunt, he seemed full of energy and didn't show signs of being unwell. Maybe His Majesty thought something was off, and that's why he called for Mr. Judd to question him?"

Kylie sank back into her seat, her mind racing. The use of the poison had been a hasty decision, a quick fix without much consideration. So, she hadn't thought it through.

At the time, she figured it would be enough to deceive everyone.

Now, looking back, she realized it couldn't withstand even the slightest suspicion.

Overwhelmed with regret, she muttered, "If I had known this would happen, I should have just followed my mom's advice. It would have saved us all this trouble!"