Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 302

Margaret's words left Helen feeling both proud and a bit guilty.

Helen had deliberately not invited Carissa today to give the latter a hard time, but Carissa didn't seem to mind at all. Instead, she even sent a masterpiece from her guild senior as a gift. This made Helen realize that Carissa not only knew how to conduct herself, but was also generous and magnanimous.

In comparison, Helen now felt she had been petty and narrow-minded.

Noticing the envy and jealousy in the eyes of the other concubines, Helen's opinion of Carissa improved- if only just a little. She wasn't willing to give her too much credit, after all.

Eleanor and her daughter walked over to take a look at the painting. While they were indeed impressed, since the painting wasn't theirs, they felt the need to belittle it.

Eleanor disregarded her status and past displays of good manners, and said, "Kyle is known for his orchid paintings. If she truly wanted to give you something, it should have been an orchid painting. Sending a snowy mountain painting is just perfunctory."

If anyone else had said this, it might have sparked some discontent.

But not with Helen. She responded, "I never liked orchids."

a pillow, and was left

this foolish woman know? The orchid paintings were the true

as they finished admiring the snowy mountain

she wanted to offer them for your and the ladies appreciation. If

was overjoyed. "Really? Bring them in

Many of the attendees were from noble and cultured families, with ties to literature and the arts. Some were from prominent literary families, while others were high-ranking civil servants.

aristocratic houses.

arts, and they were eager to

like this were rare-perhaps

the one basking in all the glory, However, those who understood the situation knew that the real star of the day

There wasn't a single person present who could match her

was striking-a soldier stood resolutely beneath the city gate. His armor was rusted and worn, and he gripped a long spear, its tip

face was darkened, chapped lips dry, and his hair disheveled. It was likely blown by the fierce wind. His hands were blackened and skin cracked, with dirt caked under his nails. His fingers were slightly bent as he

hardships. They could see how these men,