Her Graceful War Song

Once Carissa finished speaking, she gave Eleanor a respectful bow.

"Aunt Eleanor, you've treated my mother-in-law with such sincerity, which moves me greatly. Though my past reputation is not the best, it is understandable that you have concerns.

"However, I promise to be respectful and always prioritize my mother-in-law's wishes. As for the pearls, I had always planned to give some to my mother-in-law. After I visit my family and guild members, I will send a jar of them over. If she wishes to gift them to someone, that is her own decision. As her daughter-in-law, I wouldn't dare interfere."

Eleanor understood that Carissa was providing a way out-and she had no choice but to take it.

Her carefully maintained reputation for half her life could not be ruined by a few pearls. The way those martial artists favored Carissa was clear to Eleanor from yesterday.

Moreover, it was better not to offend Helen too much. Since Helen was now learning to resist, it would be difficult to extract more money in the future. It was better to return the pearls without protest and keep her complacent. Later, Eleanor could still extract plenty of wealth and treasures from her.

Despite her seething anger, Eleanor's face suddenly broke into a forced smile. "Since you understand how to respect and be devoted to your mother-in-law, I can rest easy. Why would I covet a few pearls? As you said, I just wanted to test you."

She waved to her servants. "Bring those pearls here."

Carissa nodded, and smiled. "Thank you, Aunt Eleanor. And let's not forget the three thousand silver coins you owe my mother-in-law."

Eleanor paused before gruffly ordering, "Fetch the three thousand silver coins in banknotes as well, and bring them here."NôvelDrama.Org owns © this.

Helen's eyes lit up with excitement. "Grand Princess Eleanor is so kind to me! Carissa, did you see? I told you she's a good person." "Yes, you were right, Mother," Carissa replied, lowering her gaze.

A good person indeed-Helen was still deceived.

Seeing Helen's enthusiastic reaction, Eleanor felt both relieved and disdainful.

How truly naive!

But as long as Helen continued to believe in her, that was enough. A few pearls were not a problem-Eleanor could always retrieve them later.

When the Mystic Pearls were finally brought out, there were indeed five of them. Helen and Gillian were unsure if it was exactly five-they hadn't dared to scrutinize them closely at the time, and had only grasped a handful. The pearls were large, and it was already a wonder they had managed to hold onto five.

Three thousand silver coins in banknotes were handed over, and Helen grasped them tightly in her hands. She shot a cold snort at Carissa.

"Hmph, did you see that? You can't measure a noble person's intentions with a petty mind."

Eleanor gave Carissa a haughty smile. "Oh? So you suspected me all along?"

With the items retrieved, Carissa didn't indulge in pleasantries.

"Farewell, Aunt Eleanor," she said curtly.

Carissa was the first to leave, ignoring Helen and Gillian. Her anger was palpable-despite all this, Helen still praised Eleanor. If it hadn't been for it being only the second day after her wedding, she might have truly acted in a disrespectful manner.

Behind her, she heard Helen bidding farewell to Eleanor, suggesting a visit again in a few days.

With a smile, Eleanor instructed someone to see them out.

Carissa marched out, and boarded the carriage by herself. She was fuming, planning to have a few words with Helen once she was on the carriage.

However, as Gillian helped Helen into the carriage, the latter trembled with rage and cursed loudly.

"That old hag, how dare she deceive me? She must have truly wanted to covet my pearls! That vile woman! That old hag!"

Carissa raised an eyebrow.

Oh? So it was all an act?

Impressive-Carissa didn't even realize it, and it turned out to be Helen's counter-strategy against Eleanor.

Gillian climbed into the carriage, sneezing repeatedly. She had been standing in the cold earlier, and now, the chilly wind was too much for her old bones to handle.

Helen shoved the pearls back to Carissa.

"Here, take them. Also, you can keep two thousand of the three thousand silver coins. If you hadn't gone to see her, she definitely wouldn't have returned the pearls or given us the money."

As she spoke, she counted out the banknotes and handed them to Carissa.

"Take them. Why are you just looking at them?" she snapped.