Carmen Kingsley?


    Carissa recalled Ruby, who was also Eleanor''s illegitimate daughter, and her real name was Celeste.


    Carissa nced quickly and noticed that the maid seemed to show little respect, instead giving off a practiced martial air. The guard and driver frequently nced at Carmen, giving the impression that they were keeping a close watch on her. Looking at Carmen again, Carissa saw her looking nervous and clutching a handkerchief tightly. Sweat dripped from beneath her veil, and she used the handkerchief to wipe it away.


    Suddenly, Carmen''s body stiffened, and she seemed to be in pain. Carissa then noticed that the maid''s hand appeared to be moving at her lower back.


    But since it was concealed from her sight, it was difficult to see clearly.


    Both Carissa and Violet wore veiled hats, which obscured their faces from view but allowed them to see outside. Although it seemed like they were looking at the carriage, they were actually observing Carmen and her maid.


    From their reactions, it was clear that the maid was pressuring Carmen to speak up.


    As expected, Carmen stepped forward slowly. She nodded to Rafael and said in a sweet voice that was tinged with shyness, "Greetings, gentlemen. My horse has died, and we are in a hurry to return to the capital. I was wondering if we might borrow your horses to tow our carriage. I''m willing to offerpensation."


    Just as Rafael was about to respond, Carissa interjected, "What a coincidence! Violet and I would prefer not to ride, but to use a carriage. Our horses could be used to pull your carriage."This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Upon hearing Carissa''s words, everyone grew anxious.


    How could they randomly take in strangers on their journey? What if it was a trap?


    Thomas was standing a bit closer to Carissa. He noticed something, and raised his hand to signal hispanions to remain silent.


    He said, "Let''s follow Lady Carissa''s suggestion."


    The tall guard and maid exchanged a nce, apparently surprised at how smoothly things were going.


    Moreover, it wasn''t the Hell Monarch


    himself who had spoken, but the Hell Monarch''s princess consort. It~ was clear that the youngdy was addressing the Hell Monarch, and her charming behavior naturally attracted men but could annoy women.


    So, Violet and Carissa got into the carriage.


    The maid expressed countless thanks as she helped her young mistress into the carriage. When she attempted to board as well, Violet said coolly, "A maid doesn''t ride in the same carriage as her mistress. You will sit outside with the driver."


    The maid hesitated.


    What kind of rule was that? In high society, if a youngdy traveled alone, her maid was typically allowed to apany her in the carriage. How could she attend to the youngdy otherwise?


    The maid protested, "My mistress is frail. I need to be inside to care for her."


    "There''s no room," Violet said matter-of-factly. "If you''re needed, we''ll call for you. For now, just sit outside."


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


    "But-"


    Carissa furrowed her brow. "Why are you arguing so much? If you don''t agree, unhitch the horses, and we''ll go on our way."


    The maid didn''t dare say anything more, and quietly replied, "I understand. Then, please take care of my mistress, mydies."


    As the carriage set off, Rafael''s horse trailed on the right side of the carriage. Although he knew both Carissa and Violet had sufficient self-defense skills, he was still uneasy. Thomas was traveling in close proximity to the carriage. He focused on observing the maid, the guard, and the driver.


    Even though a single woman might not warrant such vignce, they were dealing with a prince and the general who had reimed the Southern Frontier.


    It was better to be cautious.


    As with the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team''s past years of experience, it was preferable to take extra precautions than to risk making a mistake.