Looking at the cute and innocent princess, Carissa recalled how she looked when she was a child-chubby and adorable.
Kiera had slimmed down a bit, but still had cherubic cheeks that gave her a sweet and charming appearance. Especially when she smiled, her dimples were shallow, and her eyes seemed filled with sweetness, making people happy just to see her.
Carissa smiled. “If everything goes well, I should be your sister-in-law.”
Kiera shook Carissa’s arm, stars twinkling in her eyes. “I admire you so much. The queen dowager and the king say you’re the most outstanding female general in our era. It used to be Aurora, but I don’t like her much. I met her once-she was very aloof and acted rudely. She didn’t have the grace and charm that you have, being both a formidable general and a captivating woman.”
The princess stuck out her tongue playfully. “But Mother says girls shouldn’t casually talk about other girls; it can easily cause
misunderstandings and tarnish their reputations. So, I won’t say anything else. I just don’t like her.”
Seeing the young girl smile, Carissa couldn’t help but smile too. This sweet girl seemed to always bring joy to others.
Kiera wanted to keep chatting, but Lydia was outside and called for her, “Your Highness, Lady Helen is calling for you. She has something to discuss.”
Kiera responded before turning back to look at Carissa. “Carissa, don’t be afraid of Mom. She’s not fierce at all.”
“You’re right. Lady Helen is very kind and interesting,” Carissa replied with a smile..
Indeed. Helen was a kind person who wanted to slap someone at their first meeting, and an interesting person who stumbled to escape the situation.
Kiera nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, exactly! She’s very kind and interesting. You’re absolutely right, Carissa.”
“Your Highness!” Lydia called again
“I’m coming!” Kiera replied, reluctantly holding onto Carissa’s wrist. Carissa, when will you come back to the palace? I want to hear your stories from the battlefield.” “Alright. I’ll likely be back in a few days, I’m sure Lady Helen will summon me again soon.”
Lydia looked frustrated upon hearing Carissa’s words.
How did Carissa know? In her chambers, Helen had just mentioned that she planned to summon Carissa again in a few days to continue making things difficult for her. Kiera skipped away.
Carissa glanced at the main hall. This place was truly a feast for the eyes. There were antiques, paintings, cherry wood furniture, red ruby ornaments, double-sided embroidered screens, magnificent carved beams, and painted rafters.
There was only one word to describe this place-opulent!
A servant led Carissa out. Lulu was waiting anxiously in the shade outside, and rushed to her side as soon as she saw her mistress.
“My lady, did Lady Helen make things difficult for you?” “No, Lady Helen was very kind,” Carissa said with a smile. Lulu was skeptical, “Really? But I just saw her storming
Lulu had been hiding in the shade and watching from a distance. She had clearly seen Helen leave the hall looking like an angry, puffed-up chick, and her steps were erratic.
“Really? I didn’t notice she was angry. I found her quite… chatty,” Carissa said, shielding her forehead with her hand to block the sun. Let’s go. Let’s visit the queen dowager’s palace for a bit, have some tea, and then head back to the manor.”
In Serenity Palace, Victoria laughed so hard she doubled over, tears streaming down her face.
Wiping her tears with a handkerchief handed to her by Michelle, she said to Carissa, “You’re her nemesis. My sister has always needed someone to keep her in check. I wish I had been there to see it. She’s used to having her way, thinking anyone in her grasp is doomed. Now, she’s finally met her match.”
It wasn’t that Carissa had come to complain.
Victoria had already sent people to observe the scene. So, by the time Carissa arrived, Victoria had already heard the report.
Carissa drank her chilled lemon tea, and Lulu also had a cup. Feeling parched from their walk, the two drank heartily, paying no mind to Victoria’s laughter. The journey had been exhausting, leaving their throats dry and burning from thirst.
