Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)
Chapter 223

Eleanor was indeed behind this matter. Since she couldn't have Salvador punish Carissa for offending the royal family, she decided to take matters into her own hands and teach Carissa a lesson in her own way.

The people of the capital had praised Carissa for her devotion to her family. Then, what about now? Eleanor wanted to see if a daughter who remarried during her mourning period would be met with public scom!

One of Eleanor's servants, Lucy, came in with a beaming face to report, "Your Highness,

news of this has spread far and wide. Coffeehouses and taverns are abuzz with discussions, and it's mostly in condemnation.

"Mostly?" Jessica's brows knitted in cold displeasure. "Are there still some people speaking in her favor?"

Lucy replied, "Yes, my lady. There are a few troublemakers defending her, saying that by the time she got married, it had already been twenty-four months since her father's death."

Mourning for parents traditionally lasted three years for children, but this was considered a general guideline, and the actual required period was twenty-four months.

Jessica said, "The common people won't remember her wedding date. It's probably someone from the duke's family who's trying to confuse the issue."

She turned to Eleanor, and asked, "Mom, did she really complete the mourning period?

Eleanor replied indifferently, "Who knows? In any case, the common people won't care about such details. They enjoy taking the opportunity to berate the powerful, which brings them some satisfaction. They won't concern themselves with the specifics."

"If she did observe the full mourning period, and if she comes forward to clarify, the people will believe her, making our efforts pointless. You must have spent quite a bit of money this time," Jessica said.

Eleanor sighed, her expression darkening. "I did spend a lot of money, but if it results in Carissa being publicly denounced by the entire city and her reputation being ruined, then the money was well spent."

She felt a sense of satisfaction, but she really had spent a lot of money. Over the years, the funds of Harmony Palace had been spent like water, leaving the outward appearance of wealth but an empty foundation.

Whenever Eleanor thought about it, she couldn't help but resent her parents for giving her too little land and income, making it so difficult to maintain the palace's appearance.

With a deep breath, Eleanor continued, "Who would believe her if she came forward to clarify? When she married Barrett, the Warren family was in decline. The date was chosen by the groom's family, and they probably couldn't replace anyone of high repute to select a good day for them. A general clarification from her would be utterly ineffective. Are you saying the money I spent was for nothing?"

Jessica finally smiled with satisfaction. "Then let's watch as she falls from grace. Perhaps, by then, Rafael will no longer want to marry her."

Eleanor shook her head slowly. "No, he will still marry her. From the attitudes of Victoria and Salvador the other day, it's clear they are backing this marriage. But perhaps Rafael may not genuinely desire it."

"Why do you say that, Mom?" Jessica asked, puzzled. "Why would the king allow Rafael to marry Carissa?"

Eleanor was equally perplexed. "The king should be opposed to Rafael marrying Carissa. After all, Rafael holds significant military power, and Carissa carries the reputation of the duke's family, which has military backing. Doesn't the king worry that Rafael might harbor ambitions of his own?"

Jessica's eyes widened in shock. "Would he dare?

Eleanor scoffed coldly. "Who wouldn't want to be king? Rafael may not have such ambitions now, but who knows what the future holds? Ambition is nurtured day by day. It seems the king, despite his wisdom, places too much trust in brotherly bonds. I'll need to remind him of a few things."

"Mom, does the king still respect you?" Jessica inquired.

Eleanor's gaze darkened slightly. "He shows respect on the surface, but who can say what lies beneath? I need to make him remember my favors. I'll go to the palace tomorrow to remind him."

Jessica stepped forward with a charming look. "Mom, please take me with you to the palace. I have some matters I wish to discuss with Aunt Helen."

What matters?"

Jessica's eyes gleamed with calculation. "I'm a bit short on funds, so I thought to ask Aunt Helen for some money."