Her Graceful War Song

Connor was transferred to a smaller palace within the royal gardens. It was impossible to return him to the main palace at the moment, with the only choice being to treat him nearby.

As for his condition, everyone could guess by looking at Sebastian's face. It seemed like it wasn't looking good.

Rafael had the room cleared of any unnecessary witnesses, though he did not yet report the findings of the investigation. There were still questions to be answered, and the search for answers continued.

All the concubines, as well as Kylie, returned to the main palace. The queen had initially refused to leave her son's side, adamant in her decision to stay with him. But upon seeing Connor's condition, she fainted once more. It was then that Salvador gave the order to have her escorted away.

Ryan had also resisted leaving. He wouldn't abandon his friend, no matter the circumstances, and insisted on remaining at his side. Seeing the boy's resolve, Rafael allowed him to stay.

Salvador remained in the royal gardens that evening, and Victoria arrived at dusk. The events that had transpired had obviously been reported to her. When she arrived, she took over from Carissa and personally stood guard for Connor.

When Victoria had first taken the eldest prince to Serenity Palace, it had been out of necessity, not affection. Her indifference towards him was not born of dislike, but rather from a need to curb the spoilt boy's unruly behavior. At the time, her firm, authoritative manner had been the only way to bring him into line.

At first, Connor had not understood. He had resisted her corrections, not out of malice, but because he did not yet comprehend the need for change. But over time, as habits were corrected and discipline became routine, a shift had occurred within him.

However, the real change came when Victoria brought Ryan into the palace to serve as his study partner. Trevor was strict, and returning to Serenity Palace felt even more oppressive. But with Ryan as his companion, Connor felt much more at ease. Ryan was outstanding and had a positive influence on the prince, helping him improve more and more.

Now, looking at her grandson covered in needles, Victoria felt as if a knife were twisting in her heart, and she couldn't stop her tears from falling.

A royal physician had prepared the medicine as Sebastian instructed, a potent concoction that, if ingested even in small quantities, might offer some relief. Yet, despite their best efforts, Connor showed no response. He could no longer swallow, his throat entirely unresponsive.

Sebastian remained silent, and no one dared to ask anything. They could only watch as he tried every possible method to save the eldest prince.

As long as Connor was still breathing, everyone held on to the slimmest thread of hope.

By midnight, his breathing was barely there. Sebastian had no choice but to use the Orchidstrike Needle Art technique once more. After the treatment, Connor could finally swallow a bit of medicine, though only with great difficulty.

Ivy, Rowan, and Sebastian's other apprentices had also arrived. Sebastian instructed them to stand guard with the royal physicians. He then signaled for Victoria, Salvador, Rafael, and Carissa to step outside, leaving Ryan behind to remain at Connor's side.

The dim light from the lamp failed to brighten the heavy silence that hung in the room. Sebastian frowned deeply as he assessed the prince's critical injuries— each one severe.

Carissa was the first to ask, "How is Prince Connor?"

Victoria and Salvador both turned to Sebastian, their expressions equally grim.

Sebastian didn't sugarcoat the truth, replying, "He is in a dire condition-very dire."

At those words, the collective hope in the room crumbled. The weight of the statement was enough to send their hearts plummeting.

Choking up as he spoke, Sebastian continued, "The most

life-threatening injury is internal

organ damage and bleeding. Then etnoveldrama

Orchidstrike Needle Art technique is only slowing the bleeding, but his injuries are too severe. Even if he makes it through the night, he may not survive the next three days.

"Aside from internal injuries, he also has a head wound with internal bleeding, and both of his legs are almost completely shattered.

Sealing his acupoints has on net

provided temporary pain relief. The moment I stop using the

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Orchidstrike Needle Art technique, even if the internal bleeding doesn't kill him, the pain from his crushed legs will."

The weight of the boy's suffering was unbearable. No one, least of all a child, should endure such pain. Even a seasoned martial artist might not survive such injuries, let alone someone so young.

Victoria covered her face with a handkerchief, tears streaming down.

This was cruel-letting Connor die in agony was unbearable.

Even Salvador couldn't hold back his tears. His voice trembled as he asked, "Is

there truly no way to save him?"