After leaving the palace and returning to Hell Monarch Estate, Helen brought Ryan over to visit Carissa. Once the boy had finished speaking to his aunt and was sent on his way, Helen couldn't help but immediately blurt out everything she had overheard in the palace, including the harsh punishment Victoria had decreed.

After hearing this, Carissa comforted her mother-in-law, saying, "The people stuck in the harem have nothing to do all day. They can't go out like you, strolling through the streets or attending plays. Of course, they make up stories to pass the time. Otherwise, how would they get through such long days?"

"But that doesn't give them the right to speak like that! To say such ugly things-that Rafael has been made a fool of behind his back? Is that the kind of thing people should say? Is that what elders should be saying? It's disrespectful!" exclaimed Helen, livid.

Carissa sighed.

She couldn't help but wish she had seen the signs earlier and gotten "injured" sooner. Before the soup incident, she had suspected something was off but hadn't fully realized the extent. At the time, she thought the king might just be trying to gather information about the Pathfinders Guild.

But honestly, she wasn't sure what Salvador was thinking. He was always scheming. Even when she thought she had figured him out, he would end up thinking something completely different.

Right now, things were peaceful for her. But since she couldn't take part in military discussions, she had to rely on Winona to gather news from the front lines.

Still, things at the estate weren't exactly quiet. Word of Carissa's injury had spread, and plenty of people came to visit. It was strange. Before she had been injured, she hadn't realized how vast her network of connections was. Now that she was unwell, people came to check on her constantly.noveldrama

They took turns visiting her, bringing gifts and medicinal herbs. While the visits weren't long, the constant stream of guests made her feel as though her peace had been interrupted. She had to thank each visitor and see them off with polite pleasantries, day after day.

It wasn't until several days had passed that she could finally enjoy some true quiet.

As for Gracewood Women's Academy and Skye Embroidery, they had asked Violet for permission before coming. However, not everyone came-only representatives were sent.

From the workshop, it was Camila and Leona. The latter had visited before, but now she returned with the former. Since her cousin was injured, Leona was the most upset.

From the women's academy, it was Rosalind who brought gifts from everyone. She smiled as she placed them on the table.

"This is from Mrs. Ashford. And this one is from Ms. Wright."

Despite each person only sending a single gift, the table was soon overflowing.

Since her marriage, Rosalind's face had been bathed in a glow of happiness. Her smile was sweeter than ever, and there was a subtle flush to her cheeks. There was also the warmth of love evident in her eyes. Talking to Rosalind was always a pleasure. She spoke of her students with great fondness, pride gleaming on her face as she recounted their progress and the joy they brought her.

She said that in comparison to her previous class, these new students were much easier to teach, even joking that they were easier to teach than Trevor's pupils had been. They understood how rare the opportunity to learn was, so hardly any of them slacked off.

Carissa listened, her smile never fading.

After a pause, she asked, "How is your husband treating you?"

A blush crept over Rosalind's fair face, and she fiddled nervously with her handkerchief. "He's good... wonderful, even."

"On your wedding night, didn't you worry your face might turn frightful with pain?" Carissa teased. Rosalind was immediately flustered. "Your Grace!"

Carissa laughed softly. Most

newlyweds worried about whether their husband would treat them well or how difficult married life might be. But Rosalind had been worried about whether the pain on her wedding night would make her face turn frightful.

Rosalind stomped her foot in mock frustration. Thinking back, she regretted it deeply. She shouldn't have asked that or worried so much for nothing. Now she had only made herself the subject of Carissa's teasing.

As they shared a lighthearted moment, Lulu entered, bringing word that Zoey, along with Luna and Viola, had arrived.

Carissa was a bit surprised. "Viola is also here?"

"Yes, Your Grace."

Upon hearing this, Rosalind quickly moved to stand. "I should take my leave now, Your Grace. Please take good care of yourself."

Carissa nodded. "Of course. Lulu, please see her out."

Lulu added, "Mrs. Farrell, Mr. Kyle asked you to come to the study. He's compiling teaching materials and wishes to discuss them with you."

Rosalind rose to her feet. "Very well, I'll go immediately."

As Lulu led her out, they met Zoey and the others as they entered.

Lulu frowned slightly and glanced at

Joy, who clearly hadn't thought too much about it and simply brought Zoey and her group in since everyone knew each other. Now that the two sides had met, Joy finally remembered the history between them. Thinking of Viola's past behavior, a hint of concern crept into her expression.

Fortunately, Rosalind remained gracious and composed.

She smiled as she approached them. "Ms. Stark, Mrs. Prince, Ms. Prince, it's lovely to see you all."

Smiling warmly, Zoey quickly

responded, "It's lovely to see you too, Mrs. Farrell. We've been meaning to come earlier, but we didn't want to disturb Lady Carissa's recovery We thought it best to wait until she was feeling better."

Luna also greeted Rosalind with a respectful nod.

On the other hand, Viola surveyed Rosalind with a cool eye. Unable to bring herself to address her as

Mrs. Farrell, she simply nodded and smiled stiffly.