Chapter 357

Helen covertly glanced at Carissa, who appeared relaxed, a faint smile gracing her lips. Carissa's exceptional beauty radiated a clear, refreshing charm. Helen's curiosity was piqued. "Aren't you afraid of Grand Princess Eleanor?"

Carissa countered, "Why should I be afraid of her?"

"She's the grand princess, the current king's aunt. Even the late king was lenient with her. She controls at least half the political connections in the capital. Her words alone could tarnish your reputation overnight," Helen said.

Carissa remained indifferent. "Didn't you say I'm fearless and lack awareness? Why should I fear a tarnished reputation? If she spreads rumors about me, the hero who reclaimed the Southern Frontier, even her status as grand princess won't save her from the scorn of scholars everywhere."

Helen mused that while discussing such matters seemed easy, offending Eleanor could lead to difficult retaliation. However, she recalled the day's events: retrieving the Mystic Pearls and three thousand silver coins had been challenging, yet Carissa had managed it with just a few words.

Carissa was unaware of Helen's thoughts. Had she known, she would have explained it wasn't just a few words; it was also due to the many martial artists and figures from the martial world who had witnessed her wedding to Rafael. Eleanor might control the capital's noble families, but she was deeply intimidated by these martial artists and even more concerned about public criticism and damage to her reputation. After all, inciting someone to steal a bride's dowry was disgraceful.

Suddenly, Carissa lifted the curtain and instructed the coachman, "To the Gilded Tower."

Helen had long wanted to visit the Gilded Tower, but she hesitated, fearing Carissa might see how poorly the shop was doing. Carissa, of course, already knew about its poor business from previous conversations, but knowing and seeing were different.

Helen was about to decline when Carissa said, "I need to buy gifts for tomorrow's visit. My master and everyone else are waiting for me at Northwatch Estate. I plan to buy jewelry for my guild seniors. Since I have to spend money, it might as well be at the Gilded Tower. After all, you have a significant share in it, Mother."

With Carissa's explanation, Helen couldn't argue. If money was being spent anyway, it was better to support her family's shop and boost its revenue. That way, there would be less talk about issues with wages and rent. As the year drew to a close, families who had earned money often bought jewelry for their wives. Business at the Gilded Tower, during favorable marriage dates and year-end, was usually at its peak.

The carriage stopped outside the Gilded Tower. As soon as Helen lifted the curtain, she saw a crowd inside the shop.

#25 BONUS

At year's end, discounted jewelry on the first floor made business brisk. Helen was astonished. Hadn't she been told business was slow? How could it be so lively?

Just as she was about to disembark, Carissa said, "Gillian, get down and ask if they have any filigree gold bangles with embedded gems. If they do, I'd like to buy several."

"Why don't you go down and take a look yourself?" Helen asked.

Carissa simply wanted to see if the Gilded Tower's business was truly as poor as Eleanor had claimed. She wouldn't enter the premises dressed in her princess consort's court robes.

"There are too many people. I'm afraid my new clothes might get ruined," Carissa said calmly, her tone as composed as her demeanor.

Helen looked again and agreed the crowd was overwhelming. There were men and women, and jostling could tarnish her dignity.

"Go ahead and see if you can find out," Helen instructed Gillian.

Gillian complied and got out of the carriage. Helen watched as the old woman struggled through the crowd to reach the counter. She couldn't help but feel relieved she had stayed in the carriage; otherwise, her expensive shoes might have been trampled.