Chapter 302

Margaret's words left Helen feeling both proud and guilty. Helen had deliberately not invited Carissa to avoid giving her a hard time, but Carissa didn't seem to mind. Instead, she sent a masterpiece from her guild senior as a gift.

This made Helen realize that Carissa was not only well-mannered but also generous and magnanimous. In comparison, Helen felt she had been petty and narrow-minded. Noticing the envy and jealousy in the other concubines' eyes, Helen's opinion of Carissa improved, if only slightly. She wasn't willing to give her too much credit, however.

Eleanor and her daughter examined the painting. While impressed, they felt the need to belittle it, since it wasn't theirs. Eleanor, disregarding her status and usual good manners, said, “Kyle is known for his orchid paintings. If she truly wanted to give you something, it should have been an orchid painting. Sending a snowy mountain painting is perfunctory.”

If anyone else had said this, it might have sparked discontent. But not with Helen. She responded, “I never liked orchids.” Eleanor felt like she'd punched a pillow, staring at Helen in frustration. What did this foolish woman know? The orchid paintings were the true masterpieces.

Just as they finished admiring the snowy mountain painting, Luke rushed in with a message. “Your Grace, Lady Sinclair had someone send over several paintings. Since you were hosting guests today, she wanted to offer them for your and the ladies' appreciation. If you find any you like, you’re welcome to keep them.”

Helen was overjoyed. “Really? Bring them in quickly!” The atmosphere immediately became charged with excitement. Many attendees were from noble and cultured families with ties to literature and the arts—some from prominent literary families, others high-ranking civil servants, and of course, members of great aristocratic houses.

Poetry and painting were esteemed arts, and they were eager to see the best works. Opportunities like this were rare—perhaps once in a lifetime. Helen believed she was basking in the glory; however, those who understood the situation knew the real star of the day was the uninvited Carissa.

Carissa was neither narrow-minded nor petty. On the contrary, she was incredibly generous and gracious. No one present could match her magnanimity. Even though she wasn't invited and wasn't liked, she remained thoughtful and considerate.

Among the paintings sent were two featuring orchids and one depicting Victory Pass. In the painting of Victory Pass, the scene was striking: a soldier stood resolutely beneath the city gate. His armor was rusted and worn, and he gripped a long spear, its tip stained with what appeared to be fresh blood.

The soldier's eyes were filled with determination. It was a bitterly cold winter day, and the snow piled up to his calves. His face was darkened, his lips chapped and dry, and his hair disheveled, likely blown by a fierce wind. His hands were blackened and cracked, with dirt caked under his nails, his fingers slightly bent as he clutched the spear, pointing it forward with unwavering resolve.

The scenery and figure were so lifelike that the soldier felt as though he were standing before them. For a moment, the noblewomen could almost see the soldiers of Victory Pass and imagine their hardships—how these men, battered by the elements, continued to stand guard at the city gate, protecting the kingdom's peace and prosperity.

Margaret, whose ancestors were military officers, was especially moved by the painting. She sighed deeply and said, “The peace and prosperity we enjoy today were bought with their blood and sacrifice. Soldiers risk their lives, and generals are no different. The perils of the Southern Frontier battle were likely far greater than we can imagine. The Hell Monarch and General Sinclair are truly loyal servants of the kingdom.”

She deliberately used Carissa's title instead of her name to remind everyone that Carissa was not just a noble lady from the Duke of Northwatch's family but also a warrior who had fought on the battlefield.

For a moment, everyone felt admiration and guilt, realizing their earlier gossip about Carissa was unwarranted. Only Eleanor let out a cold laugh. “Wealth and glory have always come hand in hand with danger. They faced danger, but in return, they gained immense wealth and power.”

Margaret, who had never liked her royal in-law, didn't hold back in her retort. “Immense wealth? What immense wealth? If that immense wealth came at the cost of losing your family, would you want it?”

She continued, her tone sharp, “Besides, anyone else could say this, and it wouldn't sting as much. But coming from you, Grand Princess Eleanor, it's a slap in the face to all soldiers. You're enjoying immense wealth and the honor of being the grand princess. How could you possibly understand the dangers of the battlefield?”