NovelEnglishChapter 1216 Little did Carissa know, Jeanette would keep talking to her throughout the performance. Sometimes, she even giggled and playfully nudged Carissa, as if they were very close and familiar with each other.
Their interaction caught the attention of the other concubines nearby. A few of them even leaned in, casting curious glances several times.
Though people would call it interacting, in reality, Carissa only occasionally agreed or nodded, giving a smile to be polite.
However, others didn't see it that way. After the performance, both Meredith and Kiera pulled Carissa aside with puzzled expressions.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"You and Jeanette know each other?" Carissa shook her head. "We've never met before today." "Then why does it seem like you two are so familiar with each other?" Kiera's confusion deepened.
Meredith noticed something was off and frowned. "Stay away from her in the future. Her intentions aren't sincere." Carissa had already gathered that much. But at the time, everyone was watching the performance. Leaving abruptly would have been rude and disruptive to Salvador's and Victoria's enjoyment. Still, Carissa didn't think Jeanette was foolish-though she certainly wasn't all that clever either..
As the performance had ended, Carissa felt a sense of relief. However, when she caught the cold glances from Sylvia, Penelope, and the other concubines, she knew the mood had shifted. They hadn't said anything, but their eyes spoke volumes-sharp, calculating, and no longer friendly.
Though Carissa rarely involved herself in the intrigues of the harem, she had spent enough tobserving the women to understand their temperaments. They could tolerate a new favorite, but if someone reached too far-if they bectoo ambitious that was something they couldn't ignore.
Also, Jeanette acted without fully understanding things. Kylie hated Carissa the most. By trying to get close to her, Jeanette had effectively beca thorn in Kylie's side.
As the banquet began, Carissa saw Gerald.
She had spent the entire twalking in the Royal Garden, not wanting to see him, though. she knew it was inevitable.
Rafael wasn't in the capital, while she was the Hell Monarch's princess consort and the commander of the Mystic Army. Her position meant that she was seated directly across from +25 BONUS Chapter 12.16 him, and there was no way to avoid the encounter Gerald was Sigmund's tutor, and Trevor had also once taught Sigmund. Later, he becSalvador's teacher. Both of them had been invited to the palace banquet, which was only natural given their esteemed positions.
The long banquet table was soon filled with dishes. Salvador raised his cup in a toast, thanking the heavens and his teachers. Carissa noticed that Gerald had a serious expression and the air of a scholar, but what kept coming to her mind was the scene of him at the gentlemen's retreat.
That image alone made her stomach turn.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmTo make matters worse, Gerald kept glancing at her because of the matter with the women's academy, and all Carissa could do was bury her head in her food.
The dinner felt like an eternity to her.
Once the banquet finally ended, Carissa exchanged pleasantries with Victoria and quickly made her way out of the palace. This year, without Rafael in the capital, she didn't see the need to linger. She wanted to return to the estate with Helen as soon as possible.
As she reached the eastern gates, she saw Gerald again. He was being helped into his carriage UponR noticing Carissa, he raised a hand to signal for the attendants to help him stand. Carissa considered pretending not to see him, but Gerald spoke first. "Lady Helen, Lady Carissa, returning so early?"" She forced a smile and replied, "Yes, Lord Quinton. Are you leaving so soon as well?" "Your Grace," Gerald said instead of answering, his tone adopting a lecturing quality. "I have a few words I wish to share with you." Carissa stood at a respectful distance, her head lowered as protocol dictated. “Please go ahead, Lord Quinton."
Gerald said seriously, "Teaching and guiding others is a good thing, but one must never overstep their role or pretend to know what they don't.
Your Grace, race, you're a woman who wields a sword, not a quill. The position of headmistress should be held by someone with the necessary abilities. The recent troubles with the women's academy, with you at the center of them, are the consequences of overestimating your capacity. I hope you take this lesson to heart."
Gerald spoke from his position of authority, his status as a royal tutor lending weight to his words. Calissa knew that despite the frustration she felt, she had to accept his criticism. Even if she disagreed, it was a matter of propriety not to voice her objections. After finishing his lecture, Gerald made to turn and enter the carriage, but then Carissa called out, "Lord Quinton, please wait."
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