Chapter 1188
On December 15th, Salvador visited Everspring Palace. Kylie, with red-rimmed eyes, spoke of Jocelyn's expulsion from Gracewood Women's Academy. Having already reprimanded the Quinton family, Salvador was displeased by Kylie's reiteration but remained silent, concealing his frustration.
Observing his irritation, Kylie swiftly changed the subject. "The capital's noble ladies are praising Carissa, calling her an ideal woman," she remarked.
Salvador offered a half-smile, his eyes narrowed. "It's strange they praise another woman, not the kingdom's queen," he said. "You are the mother of the nation, and before our marriage, you were highly regarded. You should be their standard."
Kylie couldn't decipher his tone—compliment or rebuke? Understanding Salvador's true feelings was increasingly difficult.
She forced a smile, offering him coffee before hesitantly continuing. "The Hell Monarch's princess consort is incredibly popular. She established Gracewood Women's Academy and Skye Embroidery, silencing former critics. With the Hell Monarch gaining Your Majesty's favor, I wonder if this is beneficial," she said.
Salvador frowned slightly but remained silent. Seeing his tension, Kylie felt a slight easing of her own anxiety. Despite everything, he still feared their influence.
Rafael and Carissa enjoyed widespread praise, admired by officials and commoners alike. How could the king not feel threatened? Their unchecked expansion of influence, showing disregard for the king, would inevitably have consequences. Watching Carissa's potential downfall was sufficient for now.
Carissa had Claire, Mabel, and others monitor Gracewood Women's Academy. If the Quinton family behaved as before, Carissa wouldn't worry. However, each branch pursued its own agenda, and Jocelyn's expulsion enraged Kylie. Vera's behavior had been shameless and unruly, necessitating caution.
Violet, Alana, and Leah had been busy, so Carissa hadn't spoken to them recently. When Violet returned early, Carissa took the opportunity to visit Helen.
Helen's chambers were warm and inviting. Seeing her daughter-in-law and Violet, she excitedly displayed newly made gowns. Carissa and Violet showered her with compliments.
"With the new year approaching, we need to prepare our clothes and accessories," Helen suggested. "Why don't you bring your new dresses, and we can try them on together?"
"I haven't seen them yet, but I'll bring them in a few days," Carissa replied, smiling.
Her seasonal clothes were delivered to her room, where Lulu folded them. She mostly wore her uniform and simple nightclothes at home. New clothes were for her days off.
She'd told Lily not to prepare too many outfits, but Lily refused to listen. "Even with official attire, you need proper underclothes!" Carissa gave instructions, but Lily had her own methods. A young lady should have beautiful clothes, regardless of whether she wore them; they weren't short of money.
Violet, once obsessed with beauty, now preferred simple clothing but still had a few new dresses made, purchasing fabric and commissioning the tailoring.
They spent over an hour helping Helen choose accessories before departing. Over coffee, they continued their conversation.
"Has Lord Klein sought you?" Violet asked.
"Yes," Carissa replied, recalling his visit two days prior. Ryan's uncle, from the Royal Citadel, had come to the Capital Guard headquarters.
Anthony had sighed, saying, "Insufficient evidence to convict those she brought; we released them. Ms. Spencer is furious; she's turning the Royal Citadel upside down."
Violet smiled, a trace of helplessness in her eyes. "There's no other way. They're better investigators. I forced confessions, but without evidence, and with the victims' silence, they'd be released. I understand Lord Klein's difficulties, but I couldn't contain my anger," Violet explained.