Chapter 180
The next day, Carissa and Lulu entered the palace. She first paid her respects to Victoria, who happily took Carissa's hand and inquired about her relationship with Rafael.
Carissa, having prepared her explanation, recounted how she and Rafael had fallen in love on the battlefield and how he had proposed upon their return to the capital. Grateful for his affections, she had accepted.
Victoria, knowing the true story, chose not to mention Salvador's three-month ultimatum. She merely smiled and said it was all a matter of fate, divinely ordained.
After chatting for about half an hour, Victoria suggested summoning Helen.
Understanding Victoria's good intentions, Carissa shook her head. "Lady Helen has already summoned me to Evergreen Palace. If I rely on your favor and defy her, she will only resent me more once I marry into the family. You may protect me this time, but you won't always be able to shield me in the future."
Victoria gazed at her. "You're always so understanding and considerate. It makes my heart ache. My younger sister has been spoiled by my maternal family and me. Her temperament is difficult. Once she moves in with you, she might make your life hard. Let's see what she says today. If she's too harsh, I'll have a word with her."
Carissa smiled warmly. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. With your protection, I won't suffer any hardship."
Victoria returned her warm smile. "Go on, then. I'll send someone to check on you later."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Carissa curtsied and left.
At noon, under the scorching sun, Carissa and Lulu followed the attendant through the garden. The attendant from Evergreen Palace waited outside.
Shaded corridors were available, but the attendant led them through the hottest parts of the garden, taking a long, winding route. They even retraced their steps a couple of times, making the journey unnecessarily long.
Carissa, being a martial artist, felt fine. Lulu, however, struggled with the heat. She was sweating profusely, her head spinning and aching. She felt nauseous and was on the verge of heatstroke.
Anticipating a difficult visit, Carissa had brought the medicines Sebastian had given her. Seeing Lulu's discomfort, she took out a Verdant Pill—a pill often used for digestive issues and to relieve summer heat—and gave it to her. Then, Carissa fanned her to help cool her down.
Noticing the attendant looked on the verge of fainting, Carissa smiled. "Sir, I have a Verdant Pill here. Would you like to take one?"
The attendant, following Helen's instructions, had led Carissa under the scorching sun. After half an hour, he was struggling, his lips turning pale. Hearing Carissa's offer and seeing no one else around, he lowered his eyes and whispered, "Thank you for the medicine, my lady."
The attendant was a low-ranking servant from Evergreen Palace. Carissa clearly knew he was making things difficult for her on orders, yet she still offered him medicine.
He took and swallowed the pill. The taste was unpleasant, but it spread a cooling sensation through him, dispelling the oppressive heat.
In the palace, low-ranking attendants and maids were the most despised and often ignored. This small act of care brought unusual warmth to his heart.
He quickly glanced at Carissa and said, "Please follow me, my lady."
This time, the attendant led them along the shaded corridors, avoiding the harsh sunlight, and headed towards Evergreen Palace.
Upon reaching the entrance of Evergreen Palace, the attendant ran inside to announce their arrival. Shortly after, an older palace maid emerged, scrutinizing Carissa. She asked indifferently, "Are you Lady Sinclair?"
"Yes, I am," Carissa replied, curtseying. "Greetings."
The palace maid maintained her indifferent tone. "No need for such formalities, my lady. Please follow me. Lady Helen is expecting you."
Carissa followed the maid into the palace, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
The final sentences ("COIN BUNDLE: get more free bonus D") are unrelated and appear to be extraneous. They have been omitted.