in the following days, the threshold of Northwatch Estate was nearly worn Bat
Once rarely visited by the wives of noble families and officials, the estate now saw a steady stream of visitors
wasn’t because Salvador had issed an edict, but because Carissa had returned in triumph. Though only the remain of the Duke of Northwatch’s family, it was clear she was capable of upholding its prestige. During her divorce, the wives of officials had often discussed
Carissa in private gatherings. She had become a topic of their idle chatter. Now, the conversations about her were no longer casual gossip but carried a respectful undertone.
For Carissa, entertaining guests wasn’t a challenge. Before she married into the Warren family, Melanie had arranged for her to receive a year’s worth of training Socializing was just a matter of playing the part-smiling, chatting, godding, and following along with the conversation
Everyone enjoyed themselves, laughing and chatting, and when it was time to part ways, there was a hint of reluctance. Once the door. closed behind the departing guests, smiles would fade, sore jaws. would be rubbed, and a sip of water would be taken before preparing for the next round of guests.
That evening, Heather and Leona also arrived.
Recalling the wedding gifts that had been returned, Carissa maintained her gentle smile and greeted them, “Hello, Aunt Heather, Leona. Please, come in.”
Heather felt a weight lift off her heart when she heard Carissa still address her as her aunt. She took Carissa’s hand, her eyes slightly
reddened.
“Cari, I want to apologize. When you sent gifts to your cousin, I know it was your heartfelt intention. But I thought you might be short of funds after your divorce, so I had the gifts returned. Please don’t hold it against me.”
Carissa smiled reassuringly. “You were just considering my situation and looking out for me, Aunt Heather. How could I possibly be upset with you? Please, don’t worry about it.”
She turned to the servants. “Bring out the refreshments.”
Without further ado, Carissa subtly guided Heather to a seat and withdrew her hand.
With sincere gratitude, Heather said, “I’m glad you’re not upset, Cari. That puts my mind at ease.”
“Cari,” Leona began.
She was in tears. Instead of sitting down, she stepped forward and held Carissa’s arm.
“I didn’t know about this at all. When you were divorced, I wanted to visit you, but I was busy planning my own wedding and couldn’t get away. Please don’t be angry with me.” Compared to Heather’s insincere gestures, Leona’s tears were genuine.
Leona had always admired her cousin greatly. They had grown up playing together, and even after Carissa went to Meadow Ridge, she would always bring gifts whenever she returned. Their bond had always been deep.
When Leona was conferred the title of a princess, Carissa had returned from Meadow Ridge specifically to give her
congratulations.
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Carissa smiled, and wiped away Leona’s tears. “Silly girl. Even after you’re married, you’re still crying. How could I possibly be angry with. you?”
“Really?” Leona looked at her with tearful eyes.
“Of course.” Carissa, noticing Leona’s pale complexion, asked, “How does your husband treat you?”
Leona wiped her tears, but her nose grew red and she began to cry again. “It’s not like he would dare to mistreat me.”
Carissa knew Leona had married the heir of the Earl of Gracehold, Samuel Langley.
Samuel achieved the third-highest score in the final stage of the national exam two years ago, and received the third-ranked scholar title. He was handsome, charming, and highly talented. It was said that when he was paraded through the streets upon receiving his title, he was showered with hundreds of gifts from admiring young women.
Leona had also given him a gift, and had fallen for him at first sight.
Though Harvey and Yuvan were idle princes, they were of royal blood. Even so, Samuel had a prestigious title when Leona married into the Earl of Gracehold’s family. Thus, Samuel was considered to have married beneath his rank.
The Earl of Gracehold’s family was a well-established noble family with a long history in the capital. Many of its members held official positions, and with Samuel’s distinguished title, his future was indeed promising.
In contrast, Harvey, despite being a prince, would either live off the royal treasury, hold a minor position, or be sent to a distant fief. His fief was in Lumoria, a region plagued by harmful air and thousands of miles away from the capital. He was unwilling to go.
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Thus, he remained in the capital, doing little of note. It was unlikely he would achieve anything significant, and serving in the court was often seen as inviting trouble. After all, being too close to Salvador could be both a blessing and a curse.
From Leona’s expression, it was clear Samuel’s treatment of her was less than ideal. Her eyes were dimmed with unhappiness.
What was the point of marriage for women? Why did Melanie believe that marriage would bring stability?
