Carissa''s words were clear enough for Zoey to grasp their meaning. She didn''t dare to dwell on other implications, as they were beyond her purview as a woman. What she could do was ensure that the Earl of Silverstone''s family maintained clean and transparent


    rtionships with everyone.


    After Zoey left, Jacob stepped into the room.


    It was umon for Jacob to see Carissa alone, but he had taken notice of the situation since Zoey entered the room and had stayed outside to listen for a while.


    Carissa was aware he had been eavesdropping, and asked, "Do you think I handled that conversation appropriately?"


    "It was perfectly bnced," Jacob replied. "You couldn''t have been too direct, but you couldn''t stay silent either. After all, the troops in the Southern Frontier consist of either the Sinir Army or the Hell Monarch Army."


    Carissa sighed. "Yes, I can''t just stand by and do nothing. But with Zoey in charge at Silverstone Estate, there are certain things she can''t understand too clearly, or it might frighten her."


    "Exactly. You struck the right bnce, Your Grace," Jacob said. "I have other matters to attend to now."


    Carissa watched as he turned to leave, momentarily startled. She had thought he came to discuss the matter further, but he had merely entered to praise her. She couldn''t help but smile. Well, fine!


    Jacob was the head archivist of Hell Monarch Estate, but Rafael regarded him as a strategist. Even so, Jacob managed all the affairs and people within the estate, essentially fulfilling the role of a steward. He reported directly to both her and Rafael. As the head archivist, he was supposed to have a deputy. However, Rafael was quite picky and hadn''t found anyone suitable. So, Jacob effectively served in both capacities, cing him in a high position within the estate.


    Busy from morning till night, it was rare to see him around. He had an assistant who oversaw the day-to-day matters, which was Luke. Luke managed the various errands of the estate. While the royal family was small, the number of staff was substantial.


    Sometimes, Carissa felt exhausted just hearing about all the mundane issues from each steward when they met every couple of days. She had never voiced her fatigue, but Jacob had suggested that Luke filter the reports, bringing only essential matters to her attention while leaving out trivial details.


    It was truly thoughtful of Jacob.


    Carmen had been frequently visiting Hell Monarch Estatetely, primarily because Violet was learning a mix of swordsmanship and dance from her. As they spent time together, they discovered a special camaraderie, prompting Carmen toe over more often. Carissa maintained a certain distance from Carmen. Just after Carmen had left, Violet arrived at Orchid Hall to see Carissa.


    Without ceremony, she plopped down into a chair and dered, "Ms. Lester is quite a nice person, but I''ve noticed you seem a bit put off by her."


    "Having met a few times, how can I


    say whether Hike her or not?" Carissa shot her a nce and instructed, "Janice, please prepare a drink for Ms. Spencer. Look at her she''s all sweaty. Bring her a towel too."


    Janice curtsied. "Yes, I''ll get that right away."


    Once Janice was gone, Violet continued, "She convinced Henry, and he''ll cooperate with us."


    Carissa considered this for a moment. "Vivi, what do you think of Henry?"


    "ire did some digging. He used to be quite the schr, but now? He''s like an old mouse-hiding away and being timid and cowardly."


    "He''s been married to Eleanor for


    over twenty years, and he''s been oppressed by her for just as long. It''s


    hard for someone who''s been oppressed for so long to fight back. I''m cautious about him."


    "Could it be that after being oppressed for so long, he wants to


    turn the tables with our help b


    mouse will fight back when


    cornered. I don''t believe he would


    willingly endure this humiliation."


    a


    "Reluctance doesn''t guarantee trust. Also, don''t forget that his family is also dependent on Eleanor."


    Violet nodded, and as footsteps echoed in the hallway, she smiled and said, "See? I told you, Ms. Lester is an interesting person. Next time shees, you should practice swordy with us." Carissa shot her a mock re. "Alright, I got it. Since you think so highly of her, I''ll practice with her next time. I doubt she''llst three moves under my hands."Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Let''s give it a try!" Violet replied with a grin, looking up at Janice as she entered. "What drink is this?"


    Janice set the cup down and said, "It''s ice tea that Ms. Lily made today, Ms. Spencer."


    "Perfect!" Violet took the cup eagerly, drinking it down in big gulps. She grabbed the towel to wipe her neck, and tossed it back onto the tray. "That''s enough. You''re dismissed."