Chapter 744 (+25 Bonus)

Carissa’s rage nearly consumed her as she listened to Florence’s words. The details of Eleanor’s story were heartbreaking. Carissa fought to control her anger, maintaining a calm and rational demeanor. Every revelation from Florence would serve as evidence. When the time came to interrogate Eleanor for treason and crimes against the women, this testimony would seal the Grand Princess's fate.

"I know Grand Princess Eleanor can't escape what's coming," Florence sighed. "But she was once such a lively, cheerful girl, so noble, with the world at her feet. Any man in the kingdom would have been honored to have her.

"And yet, she fell in love at first sight with General Sinclair, a mere military man. Of all people, it had to be him—a man who didn't even care for her at first. All I wanted was to make her happy."

Lost in memory, Florence seemed oblivious to her listener. She had held these feelings captive for so long. Now, in her old age, her heart had softened. Actions once undertaken without hesitation now chilled her to the bone. Her words were disjointed, a stream of consciousness.

"As long as she was happy, nothing else mattered. She was a princess; she could do whatever she wanted. She cursed King Augustus, blaming him for destroying her happiness. He had once adored her, but the year she begged him for a royal edict to marry General Sinclair, he refused. She knelt before him from dawn till dusk, and dusk till dawn the next day, but he wouldn't relent. He was so cruel.

"When Lady Chloe was alive, King Augustus gave Grand Princess Eleanor anything she wanted. What was General Sinclair compared to that? There are many skilled martial artists; it didn't have to be him.

"Even if she insisted on him, why couldn't he remain a general after becoming prince consort? If tradition prevented it, change the tradition! For Grand Princess Eleanor, make an exception!"

Florence looked at Carissa, her eyes filled with deep resentment, her expression conflicted.

"The person I hate most is General Sinclair," she admitted. "I've never seen anyone so ungrateful. Grand Princess Eleanor couldn't get her father's approval, so she went to General Sinclair directly. And what did he do? He avoided her.

"She sent him gifts; he barred his gates and refused her people entry. Worse, he quickly became engaged, then married. He crushed her hopes, breaking her heart."

Florence sneered, her voice hoarse but filled with frenzied hatred. "Everyone says he's a great man, but he shattered the Grand Princess's heart and ruined her life. You fight for the rights of those women and concubines, saying they deserve their own lives—what about Grand Princess Eleanor? Why should she be destroyed? I cherish her above all else! What right did General Sinclair have to hurt her?"

Wiping away tears, she offered a desolate smile. "Yes, I hate General Sinclair, yet I admire him. Isn't that contradictory? The Grand Princess feels the same way. Hate, love, and respect—all wrapped up in one person. It's ridiculous and tragic. Every move Sinclair made, every victory or defeat, pulled at Grand Princess Eleanor's heart."

Florence placed her hands on the table, leaning forward, tears streaming down her face. "When news of his death reached us, I thought that whether it was love or hate, Grand Princess Eleanor would finally let go.

"But she didn't. She cried until she nearly fainted. Afterward, she held me and said, 'Florence, my heart feels so empty. It's as if there's nothing left. But why does it still hurt so much? It hurts so much I can barely breathe.'"

Florence sighed deeply, withdrawing into herself. "I know Grand Princess Eleanor will never let go of General Sinclair in this lifetime. Even dead, he lives on in her heart. Life… it's all fate, isn't it?"

With that, she fainted, collapsing to the ground.

Chapter 714 (+25 Bonus) (Note: This chapter heading seems out of place. It needs to be verified in the original source.)