Melody of Strength novel

Chapter 230

The Royal Citadel also sent people to Eleanor’s residence. Since the storytellers had accused someone from her household, it was standard procedure for the Royal Citadel to investigate.

Given Eleanor’s high status, Anthony took it upon himself to handle the matter with a diplomatic approach. As expected, Eleanor merely offered a scapegoat to take the blame. Anthony didn’t dwell on it, and brought the individual back with him.

As for the storytellers, they were all temporarily released. However, the authorities gave them three days to clear up the matter and apologize to Carissa, as well as provide compensation.

Since the Royal Citadel had already made a big deal of visiting Ironridge Estate to question Jessica, she would still be affected even if Eleanor found a scapegoat.

The three–day deadline for the storytellers to make amends was essentially a time for Eleanor to manipulate the situation. At this point, intimidation was futile, and bribery was the only option.

So, a large sum of money was spent. The three thousand silver coins Helen provided were all used up, and Eleanor even had to add more on top of it. The storytellers used this money to apologize to Carissa and provide compensation.

Though they didn’t meet Carissa directly, the grand scale of their apologies attracted a lot of public attention. Frederick was at the gate to accept their apologies and compensation, and each storyteller voiced regret for tarnishing Carissa’s reputation over a small amount of silver coins.

The crowd began to stir, with some people shouting, “Was it Lady Jessica who gave you the silver coins?”

“Or was it Grand Princess Eleanor?”

“Oh, don’t speak nonsense! Do you want to anger Grand Princess Eleanor?”

“It’s the truth! I heard that at Grand Princess Eleanor’s birthday banquet, Lady Carissa gave a painting by Mr. Spencer. But it was falsely claimed to be a forgery, and torn up on the spot.”

“Mr. Spencer’s painting was torn up? Goodness, isn’t Grand Princess Eleanor the one who loves poetry and painting the most? A piece by Mr. Spencer isn’t something you can just buy with money!”

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Chapter 230

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“And what happened to the torn painting? Let me know if you find out! I’ll go retrieve the pieces.”

“I heard it was Lady Jessica who tore it. As the wife of the Marquis of Ironridge, how could she not even distinguish Mr. Spencer’s genuine work?”

“The Marquis of Ironridge’s family likely only sought her out because of her status as a princess, right? What a shame that such a venerable family’s reputation is being tarnished.”

When Margaret arrived at Northwatch Estate, she saw the commotion and sat in her carriage. She was seething with anger, and her expression was dark.

“What a truly unfortunate fate for our family,” she muttered in despair.

Back then, they never intended to seek out the princess. It was Jessica who had set her sights on Leopold. Eleanor had to enter the palace to plead with the late king. While the late king didn’t grant the marriage directly, he discussed it privately with the late marquis in the Royal Study. After several refusals, the late marquis was finally convinced to have her marry into his family.

Margaret swallowed a pill, and then sent someone to announce her presence.

Frederick glanced at the carriage with some surprise, and sent someone inside to request that Lily come out to greet the matriarch.

The fact that Margaret came in person made it clear that Jessica was far from innocent. Some people in town even said that the Marquis of Ironridge’s family was known for its straightforward and honorable conduct, and they felt sorry for them having such a troublesome daughter–in–law.

The discussion among the people about the Marquis of Ironridge’s family affairs only intensified Margaret’s anger towards Jessica. Even though she remained calm on the surface, she seethed with anger inwardly.

Lily came out to welcome Margaret with a respectful attitude, and led her into the inner garden’s flower hall.

Soon, Carissa appeared. She showed Margaret all due respect, greeting her properly and serving the finest refreshments.

Carissa spoke in a warm and humble manner, acting like a respectful younger person speaking to an elder.

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Regarding the slander from Jessica, Carissa smiled and said, “This matter is something I haven’t taken to heart. Please don’t worry about it, Madam Winchester. Besides, this matter is unrelated to the Marquis of Ironridge’s family. I’m truly sorry for the trouble you’ve gone through to personally visit me.”

Chapter 231