Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Carissa blinked, unable to believe her ears.

She looked at the two thousand silver coins in banknotes that had been handed to her, feeling a mix of astonishment and disbelief.

Wow, Helen really was generous with her money. It seemed so easy for her to give it out.

Carissa could see Helen was truly becoming a gullible fool.

No, she already was a fool.

"Have you finally seen Eleanor's true colors, Mother?" Carissa asked with a smile, her tone considerably softer.

Helen's face darkened. "Do you think I'm blind? Even after all this, how can I not have figured her out?"

"I saw you speaking to her so politely, and thought maybe you were still deceived by her," Carissa replied.

Helen snapped, "How can I not speak politely? One of us has to be strict and tough, while the other has to be soft and accommodating. We can't really tear down all the pretenses we have with her. She's on good terms with most of the noblewomen. If she twists things around and tarnishes my reputation, won't I be humiliated? You're different-you're fearless and lack awareness!"

Carissa remained silent, counting the banknotes. Each banknote was worth one hundred silver coins. She casually handed one to Gillian.

your share of

and she seemed to have trouble catching her breath. "Your Highness, this

Mother for many years. Since she won the money, you naturally deserve a portion of it,"

Carissa a

by my side, I'll provide for her in her old age. It's dangerous for her to have so much money on her at her age. She could

Gillian quickly thanked Carissa,

the old attendant's reactions. She guessed that Gillian's daily needs were likely covered, but beyond the regular stipend from the palace, Helen probably didn't offer much additional reward. It wasn't that Helen was harsh, but rather, she treated Gillian

that-kind to outsiders but indifferent to their own, sometimes even pinching pennies

for now, it

like one of

silver coins, she stared at it with wide-eyed amazement as if she had never seen such a sum

you! Have you ever lacked anything in these

always treated me generously and never been lacking," Gillian said with a

extra money on

Carissa. She resolved that if there were ever a time when Helen was displeased with Carissa, she would certainly

turning her eyes away from Carissa and maintaining

toward Carissa had changed