Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Carissa laughed softly, her demeanor unruffled.

"I don't find myself embarrassed at all, but don't you feel any shame, Lady Jessica?

"You're the daughter of a princess, and you were given a royal education. Yet, you speak such harsh words. You couldn't even recognize my senior's painting, and tore it apart in your ignorance. Such rashness is what will truly invite ridicule.

"As for telling me to leave, are you issuing an eviction order? How amusing. Grand Princess Eleanor invited me here with a formal invitation, and I brought a birthday gift. Now, you want to chase me away? Is this how your family treats its guests? Or was there another intention behind that invitation-to humiliate me in front of these ladies?

"Did you think that after my separation from Barrett, I would be too ashamed to show my face, and that I would quietly endure your insults?"

She paused, her gaze sweeping across the room.

"If you expected me to be a laughingstock by inviting me here, you'll be disappointed. I haven't done anything wrong. It is not I who should be ashamed. My family is upright and honorable. No matter where I go, I can speak loudly and proudly.

"But you, Lady Jessica, lack respect for your elders. You disregarded the concubines of the late emperor. You said Helen would become a laughingstock, showing neither respect nor devotion. I wonder how your parents raised you?"

Her eyes turned to Eleanor, her voice sharp.

lives for the country-a clear curse-could hardly raise a

she called out to her maids, Lulu and

knows what kind of lingering resentment might cling to us? Look-the air

could no longer contain her fury, and shouted,

Carissa replied, "You should find a high priest to

about seeing who became the topic of conversation among the high society ladies in the capital? Well, Carissa might as

was true or not, Eleanor knew it well. She wouldn't dare actually call in the authorities for an investigation-because if

be killed cruelly. Carissa hadn't known this until earlier, when Frederick

walked away, leaving Eleanor

look back or stay. The

but was treated harshly by the hostess. There was

sharp side of Carissa. Or rather, she had never truly seen the real Carissa. The daughter-in-law who once served her so dutifully seemed

and capability ever been content to serve a

understand it, but she also seemed to understand at the

made