Chapter 386

Carissa pondered past events, then sadly said, "I fear her sudden worsening condition is related to me."

Violet had initially planned to keep this from her friend, but since Carissa had already guessed, she decided to be honest.

"You're right. Lady Avis didn't initially know about your divorce, but Lady Fiona specifically told her. After hearing the news, Lady Avis coughed up blood, and her condition deteriorated. Skywing Spire didn't uncover these details; Rowan told me directly, asking if he should inform you," Violet explained.

"I had a feeling," Carissa said, her voice filled with melancholy. "Aunt Avis arranged my marriage. Although she recommended it, my mother also made inquiries. The Warren family had been quiet for years, with no significant troubles. With Amelia being ineffectual and weak, there was no oppressive sister-in-law to contend with. Also, the relationship between the main and second branches of the family remained superficially harmonious."

Violet replied, "Don't dwell on it. Let's wait until we reach Verdant Monastery and see your aunt. We can plan from there."

Violet wasn't skilled at offering comfort, always believing that to solve problems, the person involved must first take responsibility.

No matter how low Avis's status had fallen, she was still Yuvan's rightful wife. No matter how powerful Fiona's family was, and even though she had borne children, she remained a concubine. There was no reason for a concubine to overshadow the rightful wife.

"Yes, I understand," Carissa nodded. "Now that I'm married to Rafael, my aunt should find some solace in that."

"Exactly," Violet agreed, leaning back against the soft cushion. The standing collar of her cloak, trimmed with white fox fur, highlighted her face with an air of strength and allure.

Carissa glanced at her. "Is there anything else I don't know?"

"No, just some of my own troubles," Violet's brows furrowed. "But it's not worth mentioning."

"Family matters?"

"My aunt returned home, bringing that scholar with her," Violet said, her expression clouded with worry. "To be honest, I used to hate her. She brought shame to the Spencer family, and because of her, several women in my family, including myself, had difficulty finding suitable marriages. But before coming to the capital this time, I made a special trip home. I saw her with the scholar, and for some reason, I didn't find her as detestable as before."

"Oh? Why is that?" Carissa asked, intrigued.

She had known about Violet's aunt's situation for a long time. Whenever Violet spoke of her, her tone was always filled with bitterness.

Violet looked at her friend. "I'm not sure. Perhaps it's because the scholar treats her well."

"The Spencer family allowed them into the family residence?" Carissa asked.

"No, they rented a small place outside. The scholar is only a low-ranking examination candidate. After marrying my aunt, he effectively forfeited his future. After all, how could any academy accept him after he eloped with a woman from the Spencer family? Even academic officials wouldn't recommend him, so he survives by selling books and paintings. My aunt also makes embroidered goods. They manage to get by," said Violet.

"What about children? How old are they?"

"My aunt hasn't had any children. She is infertile due to her condition, but the scholar remains devoted to her."

Carissa nodded. "That is indeed rare."

Violet continued, "When I saw her, she no longer had the grandeur of the eldest daughter. She was dressed as an ordinary woman, but she didn't look aged. There wasn't a single white hair on her head, and her complexion was good. Her appearance clearly shows she's happy."

Violet looked thoughtfully at Carissa. "I've been thinking, with so many cold-hearted men in the world, like Barrett and Yuvan, it's truly rare for her to have found a man willing to stay by her side through poverty or wealth. Although I was angry at her for eloping and making it difficult for the women in my family to find marriage prospects, what fault did she truly have? She simply loved that person, and he wasn't acceptable to my grandfather. Eloping was the only way they could be together. When I consider that, I find I no longer hate her as much. If my grandfather had agreed to their union, they wouldn't have needed to elope."

"Are you saying the fault lies with the world and wealthy families' prejudice against poor scholars?" Carissa asked.

Violet sighed. "Yes, but my grandfather treated me very well, and I can't harbor resentment toward him. So, I'm deeply conflicted."

Carissa responded thoughtfully, "In such matters, it's hard to judge right or wrong when they don't directly affect us. However, your aunt's willingness to forsake wealth, and the scholar's acceptance of his ruined prospects for her, shows they truly care for each other."