Chapter 304 +25 BONUS

As Helen stepped into the main hall, she noticed Salvador, Jeremiah, and many high-ranking officials were already present. Even Rafael was engaged in conversation with a handsome young man in a blue coat.

The moment she entered, everyone, including the king, rose and greeted her. Helen’s mood instantly brightened. While accustomed to being revered by other ladies, she rarely interacted with the men of the court. Now, with even the king and prime minister paying their respects, she felt a surge of pride, bordering on overwhelming vanity.

At that moment, she completely forgot the frustrations of the carriage ride. After returning everyone's greetings, she was promptly escorted to the seat of honor. It felt amazing.

Although Helen had lived a life of unparalleled prestige, never before had she been so honored—greeted by court ministers and a legendary figure like Kyle while occupying the highest seat. This was a first.

Oh, no. It seemed her favorable opinion of Carissa had just increased.

After servants served her coffee, Kyle approached Carissa and whispered, “Flattery is the best way to deal with someone like her.” Carissa chuckled. Who said her guild senior lacked wisdom in navigating complex social situations?

Kyle advised, “You and she will eventually share the same roof. She’s your mother-in-law; you can’t be at odds with her constantly. As for the capital’s noblewomen, you’ll need to socialize with them. Today’s art exhibition is meant to pave the way for you. I hope you won’t disappoint me and will refrain from future conflict.”

Carissa was touched but also slightly exasperated. Did Kyle always see her as someone who only used violence? Since returning from Meadow Ridge, she had learned proper etiquette and spent a year observing the Warren family’s rules. She knew how to conduct herself in the capital.

Avoiding unnecessary conflicts was her strategy—not because she feared them, but because she didn’t want anything to negatively affect Ryan. For Ryan’s sake, she had adopted a peaceful mindset, seeing everything more positively. Even today, Helen seemed particularly agreeable.

Meanwhile, Salvador was too engrossed in the paintings to care about anyone else. His eyes were fixed on each piece, scrutinizing them carefully. He would glare at anyone making even slightly critical comments.

Chapter 304 +25 BONUS

Who had the right to critique Kyle Spencer’s work? Did they really think they were qualified?

When Jeremiah approached, Salvador shooed him away. “Go look at something else. I want to enjoy this in peace. Of all these paintings, why are you staring at the one I’m focused on?”

Jeremiah retreated awkwardly. He had been admiring a painting depicting the road to Fawnrun City, snow blanketing the scene. The atmosphere was so perfect he had wanted to linger.

Left with no choice, he moved to the orchid paintings. Even in Victory Pass’s harsh environment, orchids could be found. Kyle’s depiction was masterful, making them almost indistinguishable from real ones.

Yet, Jeremiah was still drawn to the paintings of buildings and people in the frontier towns. Kyle must have lived in Victory Pass for a long time, as many paintings featured common folk, soldiers, buildings, and scenes of daily life. One painting showed two women arguing, their clothes simple but clean, as they carried wooden buckets to the well. Every village in the border town had a well. Although the people weren’t living in luxury, they were getting by.

The ceasefire had been incredibly important for these people. Regardless of what happened at Victory Pass and Fawnrun City, Jeremiah hoped peace would prevail. Even if the two countries didn’t interact, it was crucial that war didn’t break out again.

After observing for a while, Jeremiah shamelessly approached Kyle. “Mr. Spencer, would you be willing to sell one of your paintings to this old man?”

As soon as he spoke, everyone turned to look at Kyle. Even Salvador’s gaze was filled with eager anticipation. As king, Salvador could easily command Kyle to gift him a painting. However, he hoped to acquire more. If the paintings were for sale, he could choose several.

Kyle smiled and replied, “Mr. Murray, I’m afraid I can’t make that decision. I’ve gifted all these paintings to my guild junior, Carissa. If she’s willing to sell them, I have no objections.”

Immediately, all eyes turned to Carissa, filled with longing. One by one, people began to approach her, each pleading for just one painting. They all promised not to ask for more. They knew Kyle’s paintings were priceless and they couldn’t afford too many.

Carissa understood this was Kyle’s way of elevating her status—not just in front of the noblewomen, but in front of the king and the entire court. He was really going out of his way to ensure she received significant… (the passage cuts off here).