Both Violet and Carissa were seething with anger. How could Samuel be so heartless? He used Nora's money to marry the woman he adored. Yet, that woman had the audacity to slap Nora for a single remark.Carissa's voice was sharp with rage as she asked, "Has he ever hit you?"Leona shook her head. "No, he hasn't."Carissa continued, "Even if he hasn't hit you now, who's to say what will happen in the future? That courtesan was already so bold in front of me today. It's likely she will provoke you further. Though she's a courtesan from a prestigious brothel, she has plenty of tricks up her sleeve."She placed a comforting hand on Leona's shoulder. "How many people did you bring with you? Do you have enough to protect yourself?"Leona replied, "I brought four maids and one old servant."Carissa considered her options. She would consult with Travis about sending a letter to his guild to see if his senior guild members could come as guards. Carissa was unsure if Travis' master would
Meredith was far from being put off by Carissa and Violet's unexpected visit. In fact, she welcomed them with great warmth and enthusiasm."I should have sent a formal notice of our visit, but it was an urgent matter. I hope you will forgive our impromptu arrival," Carissa apologized. Meredith smiled. "Why make such formalities between us? It's a pleasure to have you here. Just so happens that today, Henrietta is also my guest. She overindulged and upset her stomach. She's currently in the restroom, but you'll see her shortly.""What are you talking about? Meredith, don't speak nonsense."At this moment, Henrietta entered with her attendants. She was holding her stomach and clearly still felt unwell, but her retort to Meredith was forceful.Meredith laughed. "Oh, Henrietta, you want to keep up appearances just because Carissa is here. Even if you refuse to admit it, you're still a glutton, and Kiera's just following your lead."Carissa, Violet, and Rowan greeted her. "Greeting
Meredith said, "My father-in-law oversees the Oversight Department. Just the other day, over dinner, he mentioned that they're working to clean up the behavior of officials and restore the regulations from the previous king's reign. He insists that all officials must be honest and incorruptible. Lately, he and his deputy are discussing this matter, and it seems that Samuel is now in the spotlight."Upon hearing this, Carissa smiled and said, "Isn't that a stroke of luck? However, we might need to wait a day or two. Since that courtesan was beaten today, Samuel might be quite distressed. When I met him, he looked down on me greatly. I suspect he might come to demand an explanation. I wonder if offending a princess consort counts as a crime?"Meredith replied, "I've heard that Samuel fancies himself some kind of genius reborn, and prides himself on his exceptional talent. Since he was appointed as one of the top scholars by the king, he thinks of himself as above others because he's co
After returning to the estate, Carissa discussed the matter of hiring his senior guild members with Travis.Travis's first question was: "How much are you offering?"Carissa knew she wouldn't easily persuade him without a substantial financial incentive. Only by offering more money could she possibly get his master to relent.She replied, "I'd like them to stay until the child is safely born and reaches their Lunar Blessing Ceremony, which will be a few months. If you send two people, I'll offer a total of one thousand silver coins. How does that sound?"Travis raked a hand through his hair, considering the offer. "It sounds acceptable, but I must immediately write a letter. Does His Highness have someone specifically for delivering letters? We must ensure the letter reaches my master as quickly as possible."Carissa smiled. "Please make sure to write the letter as quickly as possible, then."One thousand silver coins was indeed a significant amount.Travis' master forbade her a
In front of them, Travis reiterated, "From now on, in the prince's residence, you must call me by my name. I'm Travis—not Rod, not Troublemaker, and definitely not Shit Stick!"Violet shrugged. "You've been known as Rod for a long time. But if it makes you happy to be called Travis, then so be it. In our hearts, you'll always be just a rod."Carissa instructed someone to take Leah and Alana to freshen up, and then to buy a few sets of clothing. They would head to Gracehold Estate early the next morning.Since Rowan had asked Violet to deliver a prescription to Margaret at Ironridge Estate, they would need to pass by Valor Estate. As they passed Valor Estate, Violet peeked through the curtain but saw nothing unusual, so she ignored it.After delivering the prescription to the steward at Ironridge Estate, they didn't linger and quickly proceeded to Gracehold Estate.In the carriage, Carissa went over the important points with Leah and Alana about what to be aware of once they entere
Carissa recalled what Violet had said. Viola had been intent on competing with her over the dowry, and their previous encounter had ended poorly. So, Carissa simply nodded and said calmly, "Mrs. Warren."Viola's face was grim, and her tone was sharp, "Is the princess consort so idle that she comes early in the morning to witness the commotion at the Warren family's residence? Or did the princess consort forget the way back to her own residence, mistaking the Warren family's residence for her own?"Violet immediately started to get out of the carriage, but Carissa stopped her and then looked at Viola with a faint smile. "Sometimes," Carissa said, "it's necessary to pay a visit to one's past and see how the unscrupulous people in the Warren family are faring. It's only a gesture of goodwill."Viola's face turned ashen. "Who are you calling unscrupulous? Are you here to mock us for our misfortunes? If so, get out of the carriage and see for yourself! See it up close, smell it you
Carissa sighed in relief. She had been worried that if she mentioned wanting to hit Viola, Leah and Alana might start a fight if they encountered something displeasing at Gracehold Estate. She believed the two young women would understand the limits.Carissa found Viola's behavior quite baffling. To be honest, she hadn't wronged Viola much. So why the intense hatred?However, after a bit of thought, she realized it was probably because Rebecca had spoken ill of her in front of Viola. It seemed that Rebecca harbored a deep resentment toward her marriage into the royal family.Yet, Viola had once been a wife in the Farrell family. With such an open-minded and far-sighted man like her late husband, Thomas, why had she learned nothing from him?Upon arriving at Gracehold Estate, Abigail hurried to welcome them into the sitting room. She felt a bit anxious, especially since Samuel had caused a scene at Hell Monarch Estate a few days ago. She was worried someone from Rafael's household
Carissa looked at Leona's swollen, red eyes, which she was trying to hide behind a fan. With a sigh, Carissa said, "So, you knew I was here, but still didn't want to see me?"Leona replied with a nasal tone, "Cari, my eyes are in no condition to be seen."Carissa glanced at her. "You're right. They're swollen so badly.""Cari…" Leona's voice choked up again. "Because of that incident, he insults me every day. How can he be so cruel?"Carissa frowned. "If he insults you, why don't you insult him back?""I…" Leona's tears fell once more. "I don't know how."Carissa was at a loss. She turned to Alana. "Alana, do you know how to insult someone?""Oh, I'm very good at it," Alana replied."Good. From now on, if Mr. Langley comes and insults the duchess, you insult him back. Remember one principle: if he insults you, insult him back. If he gets physical, you get physical.""Got it," Alana said."Cari, who are these two?" Leona asked, wiping her tears away and looking at the newcom