Her Graceful War Song

The carriage pulled up to Harmony Palace.

The doorman went inside to report, and soon emerged with a look of apology.

"I beg your pardon, Lady Helen and Lady Carissa. I forgot for a moment, but it turns out Grand Princess Eleanor has gone out today."

Upon hearing this, Helen turned to Carissa and said, "In that case, we should return for now. We can leave a message and come back tomorrow." Carissa asked the doorman, "Do you know where Grand Princess Eleanor has gone? What time will she return?"

The doorman replied, "I'm not sure. She might not be back until very late."

Carissa responded, "That's fine. We'll wait."

She then took Helen's hand, and moved to enter the residence.

Seeing this, the doorman hurried over. "Lady Helen, Lady Carissa, this is Grand Princess Eleanor's residence. You cannot just barge in."

Carissa smiled. "How is it barging in? We're here for a visit and will wait for Grand Princess Eleanor to return. Can't this place accommodate guests?" The doorman, who had experienced Carissa's assertiveness before, didn't believe she was someone easily dealt with, despite her smiling demeanor. While he hesitated, Carissa had already pulled Helen inside.

Along the way, Helen protested, "Have you no sense of propriety? He already said that she's not here. How long will you wait? Until evening?"

"I'll wait until tomorrow if necessary," Carissa said with a steely glare. "Mother, Gillian, if we can't meet her today, I won't leave."

Helen was exasperated, and retorted, "Didn't you say you could give the Mystic Pearls to me? If so, I'll decide when I get them back."

"Very well," Carissa said with equal determination. "Then, you should return for now. If you won't wait, I will."

She released Helen's wrist, but Helen was unwilling to let her stay alone.

Carissa seemed anything but accommodating. Her attitude made Helen worry that offending Eleanor, especially on her account, could lead to trouble.

Eleanor was not someone to be trifled with.

"Fine, I'll wait. Are you satisfied now?" Helen said tersely as she walked further inside, muttering about how Eleanor was not the sort to be offended, and how it would be troublesome if they did. Carissa could hardly understand what was going on in her mother-in-law's head. Was there nothing but air in there?

Over the years, Helen had lived so recklessly, causing endless worry for Victoria. Carissa felt deeply for Victoria, who had undoubtedly been exhausted by Helen's antics.

Once inside the main hall, the servants did their best to attend to their guests. Everyone in Harmony Palace knew that while Helen could be managed, this new princess consort of the Hell Monarch was not to be trifled with.

Carissa was the kind who would seek revenge if offended.

Refreshments were soon served, and there were people waiting on Helen and Carissa in the hall.

Carissa took in the surroundings of the main hall. The floor was paved with white marble, and the intricately carved wooden beams were adorned with exquisite paintings. Two rows of delicate mahogany chairs lined the hall, their intricate carvings gleaming softly in the light.

On the wall directly opposite the entrance hung a grand landscape painting, majestic and imposing. To the right of the hall was a pearl curtain door, leading to the side hall.

Using pearls as curtains indeed looked very luxurious.

Everything in sight showcased just how incredibly wealthy and prestigious Eleanor was. It was clear that such opulence required a significant amount of money.

The staff alone, with their numerous numbers, cost a considerable sum each month.

While a prince could have five hundred household soldiers, Eleanor's residence maintained the same standard. It was generally not permitted, but since the late king had not objected and the current king also turned a blind eye, she continued to keep the standard.

These five hundred household soldiers had expenses in clothing, food, housing, and travel—all of which cost money.Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

Furthermore, Eleanor was known for her love of hosting grand banquets to solidify her connections in the capital.

Her guests were either wealthy or noble, and whether for a tea party or a full-on banquet, everything had to be exquisite.

If guests brought their children, Eleanor, given her status, had to give gifts. Over the years, maintaining such grandeur would be unsustainable.

If she were truly so wealthy, she wouldn't be so fixated on Carissa's naive mother-in-law.