Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair) novel Chapter 1603

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.

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.

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.

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.