Her Graceful War Song

With the silver she obtained from Helen, Eleanor distributed some to continue fueling the gossip in the taverns and coffeehouses, exaggerating Carissa's supposed failure to observe her duties toward her family.

Carissa remained silent. She even closed the doors to Northwatch Estate and refused to make any public response, which satisfied Eleanor. Eleanor thought Carissa must be scared of the public outcry, and reveled in the victory.

Eleanor believed that Carissa going against her was like trying to fight a rock with an egg-completely futile.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Riding on her success, Eleanor entered the palace to see Salvador. She argued that Rafael's marriage to Carissa was laying a hidden danger to his throne. For the stability of the kingdom and its people, she suggested that Carissa's entry into Rafael's household should be prevented.

She expected Salvador to ponder her words seriously. To her surprise, he responded with a cold and stern expression.

"Aunt Eleanor, what are you saying? Both my brother and Carissa are military commanders who have devoted themselves to defending the Southern Frontier and our kingdom. They have shown loyalty to both me and the court. Moreover, my brother and I have been close since childhood. He would never harbor any ulterior motives. Please do not make baseless accusations."

Eleanor was taken aback, then quickly adopted her authoritative tone as his aunt and

elder relative.

"You are being foolish. Can human hearts ever be absolutely trusted? Are there not countless instances of royal family members turning against each other? If you're so naive to believe in him, he might exploit your trust for malevolent purposes."

The king's face darkened. He removed his malachite ring and placed it heavily on the desk, his gaze icy and sullen.

Derek was standing beside Salvador, and he quickly raised his brows in alarm and kneeled hastily.

"Grand Princess Eleanor, please be cautious with your words. If such remarks spread, the court might accuse you of sowing discord between the king and the Hell Monarch, which would be detrimental to you and harmful to both the king and Prince

"Currently, the realm is peaceful, and the relationship between the king and his ministers is good. Furthermore, the marriage between Prince Rafael and Lady Sinclair is already confirmed. If the king were to issue an edict to break this engagement, how would the world view him?"

Eleanor looked at the malachite ring on the desk. She furrowed her brows. While she disregarded Derek's concerns, she noted Salvador's attitude. He seemed completely dismissive of her warnings, and even viewed her as meddlesome.

The malachite ring was a gift from the late king, and it was a sign of displeasure whenever it was removed and placed on the desk.

With a deep sigh, Eleanor decided to retreat, "Your Majesty, I only wish what is best for you."

If you truly wish well for me, then offer some estates and properties as gifts for my brother's wedding, Aunt Eleanor. I'm sure both my brother and Carissa will appreciate your kindness," Salvador replied coolly. Eleanor was momentarily stunned. She looked up at him for a while before letting out a slow sigh. "It is said that honest words are harsh to hear. Your Majesty, you should consider that I never came today." Salvador replied indifferently, "Indeed, it's not appropriate for you to visit the palace frequently, especially not my study. Even if I were the most foolish of kings, I have the entire court to assist me. There is no need for you to worry."

Eleanor stared at him in shock, her face alternating between pale and flushed with anger. It took a moment for her to regain her composure.

After a long pause, she turned on her heel and left without a word. Her anger seemed to radiate around her as she walked, and she was clearly in a state of fury.

Derek rose and said softly, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger, Grand Princess Eleanor has always been headstrong and domineering. It is likely that her actions today were not intended to offend." Salvador replied coolly, "It is not a serious matter if an aunt calls her nephew foolish. There is no reason for me to be angry."

Derek bowed his head. "You're wise as always, Your Majesty."

For a king, allowing someone to chastise him as foolish was unacceptable. Not even

his own mother would dare to speak so bluntly.

Eleanor had overstepped her bounds.

The rumors about Carissa continued to spread for several days, growing increasingly intense.

On this day at a coffeehouse, a storyteller was once again denouncing Carissa, accusing her of being disrespectful toward her parents. The patrons of the coffeehouse joined in and condemned her loudly.

At that moment, a voice rang out, "Absurd! Lady Sinclair married more than three years after the Duke of Northwatch's death. I personally chose the date for her wedding! To say she married before completing her mourning period is to accuse me of disregarding familial duties. Do you dare slander me? I will have this reported to the authorities!"