Chapter 579

+25 BONUS

Carissa recalled Ruby, Eleanor's illegitimate daughter, whose real name was Celeste. She quickly noticed the maid displayed little respect, exhibiting a practiced martial air. The guard and driver frequently glanced at Carmen, closely watching her.

Carissa saw Carmen looking nervous, clutching a handkerchief tightly. Sweat dripped from beneath her veil, which she wiped away. Carmen's body suddenly stiffened, as if in pain. Carissa then noticed the maid's hand moving near Carmen's lower back, though she couldn't see clearly.

Both Carissa and Violet wore veiled hats, obscuring their faces while allowing them to see. While seemingly looking at the carriage, they were observing Carmen and her maid. The maid was clearly pressuring Carmen to speak.

Carmen stepped forward, nodding to Rafael. "Greetings, gentlemen," she said shyly. "My horse has died, and we're hurrying back to the capital. Might we borrow your horses to tow our carriage? I'll offer compensation."

Before Rafael could respond, Carissa interjected, "What a coincidence! Violet and I prefer a carriage; our horses can pull yours."

Everyone grew anxious. Taking strangers on their journey was risky; it could be a trap.

Thomas, closer to Carissa, noticed something and signaled silence. "Let's follow Lady Carissa's suggestion," he said.

The tall guard and maid exchanged surprised glances. The Hell Monarch's princess consort, not the Monarch himself, had spoken. Her charming demeanor attracted men but might annoy women.

Violet and Carissa entered the carriage. The maid profusely thanked them, helping her mistress inside. Violet coolly stated, "A maid doesn't ride in the same carriage as her mistress. You'll sit outside with the driver."

The maid hesitated. In high society, a maid usually accompanied a young lady traveling alone. She protested, "My mistress is frail. I need to be inside to care for her."

"There's no room," Violet replied. "If needed, we'll call you. Sit outside."

The carriage was spacious enough for four, but Violet's decision was final.

"But—"

Carissa frowned. "Why argue? Disagree? Unhitch the horses, and we'll go."

The maid silently replied, "I understand. Then, please take care of my mistress, my ladies."

Chapter 575 (Note: This section was previously mislabeled as Chapter 575; it should probably be a continuation of Chapter 579)

Rafael's horse trailed behind the carriage. Though Carissa and Violet possessed self-defense skills, Thomas remained uneasy, traveling near the carriage and observing the maid, guard, and driver. A single woman might not warrant such vigilance, but they were dealing with a prince and the general who had reclaimed the Southern Frontier. Caution was warranted. As with the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team's experience, precaution was better than risk.