Her Graceful War Song

Kylie bristled at the continued reproach.

"And what good is saying all this now? What we need to do is figure out how to turn this around! Now, His Majesty won't let Connor into the woods. Today, Lady Grace's son outshone him completely-are you satisfied now? If you have a solution, say it! If all you're doing is offering empty words, then there's really no need for that."noveldrama

Kylie's resentment toward her natal family was always present, always simmering just below the surface.

Marjorie continued speaking softly to Connor. "When His Majesty returns from the hunt and all the court officials are gathered, you should go to him. Acknowledge that you're not the most gifted and that you've been lazy in the past. But after this failure, you've come to understand where you went wrong.

"From now on, you'll change your attitude, learn diligently from Mr. Young and Prince Rafael, and never again disappoint your grandmother or your dad. You'll ask your dad and the court officials to keep watch over you and ensure you improve."

Kylie's eyes widened, her expression full of disbelief. "Are you mad? You want him to admit in front of His Majesty and all the court officials that he's not gifted and that he's been lazy? Do you want him to be even more embarrassed? Is that your goal—to humiliate him again?"

Marjorie replied calmly, "You can't hide the truth. Everyone can see what his abilities and talents are. The court officials have seen it all. It's better to face it honestly. Instead of hiding his flaws, it would be more impressive for him to acknowledge them openly, reflect on his mistakes, and make an effort to change. That will leave a better impression on them."

"No! Don't tell me how to raise my son!" Kylie snapped, her voice sharp. She waved her hand dismissively. "Leave, now!"

Marjorie hesitated, still wanting to say something more, but Kylie's cold tone cut her off.

"To borrow your earlier words-when I needed your help, you weren't there. Now, when I don't need your advice, you show up with your empty words-what's the point? I don't need it. Go."

Marjorie left quietly, her face clouded with disappointment.

Kylie slumped into a seat, her hand pressed to her forehead as she began to cry.

Seeing his mom weep, Connor's tears, which he had been holding back, began to flow freely. But this time, remembering his grandmother's advice, he stifled his sobs, unwilling to let another sound escape.

After a few moments of silent crying, Connor wiped his eyes and began to think, desperately trying to come up with a way to fix the situation.

For the time being, there was no good solution, but Kylie still had to go out and socialize. After all, she couldn't let everyone only remember Grace and Sylvia, forgetting that she, the queen, still existed.

She had Lydia touch up her makeup, then glanced at Connor and said coldly, "Wipe your tears and come with me to greet the guests. After that, you can go play with the children from the noble families, but don't you dare bully anyone."

"I'm not going. I just humiliated myself I don't want to go anywhere!" Connor protested, tears still streaking his face. All he wanted was to hide somewhere, away from everyone.

Kylie's expression darkened. "You have no choice. If you won't take charge of your future, who else will?"

Without waiting for a response, she grabbed him by the arm and pulled him toward the door.

As soon as they stepped outside, every eye at the lakeside turned toward them.

Connor, still fragile and sensitive, felt the weight of all the gazes bearing down on him. It seemed like everyone was laughing at him. In an instant, he wrenched his arm free from Kylie's grip and began to run toward the woods.

Kylie's face flushed with fury. It was utterly humiliating!

Realizing that calling him back would only lead more defiance, she decided to let him be. She ordered some attendants to follow him as he wandered near the woods, allowing him to calm down before bringing him back.

Max had just finished his patrol when he heard that Connor had run into the forest alone. He

immediately asked if anyone had gone with him. Hearing that only two young attendants had followed, he quickly mounted his horse and rode after the boy.

Today's hunt had opened the forest to everyone. While there were no dangerous

beasts, running into wild dogs or boars could still be extremely dangerous.

As for the noblewomen and court

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officials' families present, most had no idea what had actually happened. They only knew that Connor had gone into the woods, returned in tears, and then run off again. To them, it seemed like nothing more than a child's tantrum.

Their concerns lay with the hunt-who would capture the most game?

Meanwhile, Sylvia, Grace, Penelope, and the other concubines seized the opportunity to catch up with their families, chatting about everyday

matters. Although noble everyday et

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could enter the palace to offer their greetings, having the whole family together like this was rare and precious occasion.

Hannah brought up matters about the workshop to Sylvia.

While Sylvia wasn't particularly interested, she was happy to play her part in maintaining appearances. Hearing that Camila was an exceptional embroiderer, she ordered two summer dresses from Camila.