Chapter 230

The Royal Citadel sent representatives to Eleanor’s residence. Since the storytellers had accused someone in her household, an investigation was standard procedure.

Given Eleanor's high status, Anthony handled the matter diplomatically. As expected, Eleanor offered a scapegoat. Anthony accepted this and brought the individual back with him.

The storytellers were temporarily released but given three days to rectify the situation, apologize to Carissa, and provide compensation.

Even though Eleanor found a scapegoat, the Citadel's visit to Ironridge Estate to question Jessica still impacted her. The three-day deadline was essentially a window for Eleanor to manipulate the situation. Intimidation was futile; bribery was the only option.

A large sum of money was spent. The three thousand silver coins Helen provided were insufficient, and Eleanor had to contribute more. The storytellers used this money to apologize to Carissa and compensate her.

Although they didn't meet Carissa directly, the grand apology attracted public attention. Frederick accepted their apologies and compensation at the gate. Each storyteller expressed regret for damaging Carissa's reputation over a trivial sum of silver.

The crowd stirred, with some shouting:

“Was it Lady Jessica who gave you the silver coins?”

“Or was it Grand Princess Eleanor?”

“Oh, don’t speak nonsense! Do you want to anger Grand Princess Eleanor?”

“It’s the truth! I heard that at Grand Princess Eleanor’s birthday banquet, Lady Carissa gave a painting by Mr. Spencer. But it was falsely claimed to be a forgery and torn up on the spot.”

“Mr. Spencer’s painting was torn up? Goodness, isn’t Grand Princess Eleanor the one who loves poetry and painting the most? A piece by Mr. Spencer isn’t something you can just buy with money!”

“And what happened to the torn painting? Let me know if you find out! I’ll go retrieve the pieces.”

“I heard it was Lady Jessica who tore it. As the wife of the Marquis of Ironridge, how could she not even distinguish Mr. Spencer’s genuine work?”

“The Marquis of Ironridge’s family likely only sought her out because of her status as a princess, right? What a shame that such a venerable family’s reputation is being tarnished.”

When Margaret arrived at Northwatch Estate, she witnessed the commotion and remained in her carriage, seething with anger.

“What a truly unfortunate fate for our family,” she muttered in despair.

They hadn't initially intended to pursue the princess. Jessica had set her sights on Leopold. Eleanor had to plead with the late king. While he didn't grant the marriage directly, he discussed it privately with the late Marquis in the Royal Study. After several refusals, the late Marquis finally agreed to the marriage.

Margaret took a pill and then sent someone to announce her arrival.

Frederick, surprised by Margaret's personal visit, sent someone to request Lily's presence. Margaret's arrival clearly indicated Jessica's guilt. Some townspeople commented on the Marquis of Ironridge’s family's honorable reputation and expressed sympathy for their troubled daughter-in-law.

The gossip intensified Margaret's anger towards Jessica. Although outwardly calm, she seethed inwardly.

Lily respectfully greeted Margaret and led her to the inner garden's flower hall. Carissa then appeared, showing Margaret due respect, offering refreshments, and speaking humbly.

Carissa addressed the slander from Jessica warmly: “This matter is something I haven’t taken to heart. Please don’t worry about it, Madam Winchester. Besides, this matter is unrelated to the Marquis of Ironridge’s family. I’m truly sorry for the trouble you’ve gone through to personally visit me.”

Chapter 231