Her Graceful War Song

Lily walked over to Serena and said, "Ms. Warren, you have a head injury. Please come with me so I can tend to it."

Lily had previously worked at Valor Estate, and she was a familiar face to Serena.

Serena was aware that her forehead was bleeding. Though it was only a small amount, appearing at the birthday feast with a bloody forehead would be highly inappropriate. Thus, she reluctantly followed Lily. As Lily attended to Serena's wound, she said softly, "Never covet what's someone else's."

Serena felt humiliated, and trembled all over.

Outside, Violet approached Carissa.

"It was Jessica who pushed her. Clearly, they planned it together. They probably intended for Serena to fall onto your man and force him into marrying her. What's odd is that Jessica seems indifferent to whether the plan succeeds or not."

Carissa replied, "Yeah. When Lady Dakota came out with her grandchildren and then the topic changed to taking concubines, I knew their intentions. They want to make my mother-in-law envious, and push her to make Rafael take a concubine. They're trying to create a rift between my mother-in-law and I.

"As for Serena, they never intended for her to become Rafael's concubine. They know full well that he won't accept anyone from the Warren family. Their real aim was to tarnish Rafael's reputation, making it seem like he ruined a young woman's reputation without taking responsibility."

"Is Serena out of her mind? To think she wants to marry the marshal has she lost her sanity?" Violet found Serena's actions particularly foolish. "After today's fiasco, who would still consider her?" Carissa said calmly, "She's foolish, but she came here with Lady Jessica's backing, which means her mother is also involved. Barrett's status was lowered, and from what I know of his mother, she must be frantic. When people are desperate, they don't think clearly."

Violet agreed with that assessment.

"By the way, you weren't far from them. Did you overhear what Grand Princess Eleanor and my mother-in-law discussed? Why did Janice call Rafael over?" Carissa asked.

Violet responded, "They were with Dakota, talking about whose son is more respectful and devoted. Eleanor claimed that while the marshal was capable, he wasn't as respectful as Kendrick. Lady Helen got upset and insisted that the marshal was indeed very respectful, but Eleanor wouldn't believe it.

"That's when Janice suggested she would call the marshal over by telling him that Lady Helen was feeling dizzy and unwell. If the marshal rushed over, it would prove his respect and devotion. Lady Helen agreed to this."

Carissa said with interest, "Janice? It was Janice who suggested it?"

"Yes, it was her."

"Janice proposed something during a discussion among the ladies? That's intriguing," Carissa said.

Violet pressed her finger against her own forehead. "She's either incredibly bold, or has ulterior motives. She should be dealt with."

"Yes, but the real issue is making my mother-in-law accept that there's a traitor among her people."

Carissa felt that dealing with Janice wasn't the problem. The real issue was Helen's blind confidence in the loyalty of everyone around her.. Given this situation, Helen wouldn't believe that Janice had been bribed

by Eleanor.

Carissa glanced at Helen, who was still chatting with Eleanor and Dakota. Her chin was lifted high, looking very proud.

Carissa felt a deep sense of frustration. She had previously clashed with Eleanor over the issue with The Gilded Tower, and now, it seemed they were back in a difficult situation.

Was this a case of having not suffered enough, or did Eleanor think she had become wiser?

Finally, the feast began, with male and female guests seated separately, divided by screens.

Carissa sat beside Helen, with Gillian and Janice attending to them.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Ryan was introduced to the esteemed guests by Rafael, allowing the distinguished figures present to make his acquaintance.

The birthday feast was flawless; even Eleanor, who had the highest standards for banquet etiquette, couldn't find a single fault.

Aside from the incident with Serena, there were no other disruptions.

As the dishes were served one by one, each dish was a masterpiece of color, aroma, and flavor. The well-trained servants attended to the guests, ensuring that every detail of etiquette and procedure was meticulously observed.

e2

Many people thought to themselves that it was no wonder the Hell Monarch didn't mind that Carissa had once been married to another man. Besides being skilled in battle, she also managed her household well.

QUMS

The Warren family had indeed lost a treasure-one wondered if Barrett regretted his decisions.

As they thought this, many couldn't help but compare Viola and Carissa. The difference between them was like night and day.