Her Graceful War Song

Before I went to the Southern Frontier, I had no plan for my life, nor did I have clear goals or particular things I wanted to do. When we reclaimed the Southern Frontier and returned to the capital, the cheers of the people made me wonder whether it was a waste to let life pass by without a purpose.

I began to think about the meaning of life.

Following Cari's lead, I found myself involved in many things, from Skye

Embroidery to Gracewood Women's Academy. I saw so many women whose lives had been filled with suffering; I knew I had the power to help them.

I thought, perhaps, this was one of life's meanings. As it was only one possible meaning, that meant there could be more.

This wasn't a boast, but I always had a strong dislike for evil. So, when I heard of murderers and those who were guilty of terrible crimes going free because of a lack of evidence, I was furious. I believed that anyone who took a life should pay with their own.

At first, I didn't do anything extreme. I simply followed the leads from the Royal Citadel and continued the investigation, handing over the evidence I gathered to them.

Then, I came across a special case—a massacre.

One victim survived, though she had been driven mad with fear. She identified the murderer, but because she was now considered insane, her testimony was not accepted. In her madness, she even pointed to the Royal Citadel's governor as the killer, as well as accused several others in court, claiming they were all trying to harm her.

This led to the release of the original suspect due to insufficient evidence.

From the start, there was no real evidence-only the victim's testimony. There was no weapon recovered or other witnesses. After the victim's erratic accusations, the man was completely cleared of suspicion.

To be honest, when I first learned about this case, I also thought the suspect was wrongfully accused. He was the scholarly type-well-read in the classics and always helping neighbors, who all praised him endlessly.

The Royal Citadel sent officers to observe the suspect for some time. However, they found nothing suspicious, so they stopped the surveillance.

It was by accident that I discovered Cari was privately investigating the case. The words "massacre" and "family annihilation" hung over her like a sword, forever pressing on her heart. She would never forget how her family had been brutally murdered.

So, when another massacre case appeared, she was determined to find the murderer and bring them to justice. It was a way to soothe her own troubled heart.noveldrama

I told her that I would handle the case with Claire, as it would be easier for us to investigate. I promised Cari that we would find the killer.

However, after looking into the case, I realized just how difficult it was.

There were no witnesses and no weapon. Plus, the relationships between the people involved were simple; no one seemed to have any enemies. The only survivor, Rhea Brook, was out of her mind, unable to speak clearly or coherently.

The accused was a young scholar named Stephen Lane, the son of a neighbor. Rhea identified him as her family's murderer, but her claim was dismissed in court when she falsely accused other people as well.

I visited the neighbors to ask questions. The Lane and Brook

families had always been on good terms. Whenever there was

something tasty to eat, they we!!!

share it with each other. They also attended each other's weddings and funerals.

As for Stephen and Rhea, they had grown up together and were very close. Both their families had migrated here to run businesses, making them well-matched in social standing.

Now that this tragedy had occurred, Stephen's parents were taking care of Rhea. After all, she was the only one left from her family, and had been driven mad. It was terribly sad that no one else was around to look after her.

The neighbors were also helping to care for her, so it was clear that the Brook family had a good relationship with everyone around them.

Despite all my efforts to ask around, there was no progress. There were no clues and nothing to go on.

So, I disguised myself and secretly followed Stephen. When he went out, it was only to return to his academy or visit the bookshop. Occasionally, he would meet with his classmates for a drink, but was always careful with his behavior. When he passed beggars on the

street, he would give them food or a few coins.

This man did not seem like a cruel killer at all.

I only followed him because I had no other leads. I couldn't just sit around waiting

for something to happen.

Claire also investigated both

families' businesses. The Brook family's shop-a rouge and cosmetics store-remained open under its shopkeeper, Mr. Salter, with two assistants. He also regularly deposited profits from the business into Rhea's bank account.

The shopkeeper and assistants were loyal and trustworthy. There was nothing suspicious about them.

With that, the case had reached a standstill.

How was I to explain this to Cari?

It was truly frustrating.