Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 302 Margaret's words left Helen feeling both proud and a bit guilty.

Helen had deliberately not invited Carissa today to give the latter a hard time, but Carissa didn't seem to mind at all. Instead, she even sent a masterpiece from her guild senior as a gift. This made Helen realize that Carissa not only knew how to conduct herself, but was also generous and magnanimous.

In comparison, Helen now felt she had been petty and narrow-minded.

Noticing the envy and jealousy in the eyes of the other concubines, Helen's opinion of Carissa improved- if only just a little. She wasn't willing to give her too much credit, after all.

Eleanor and her daughter walked over to take a look at the painting. While they were indeed impressed, since the painting wasn't theirs, they felt the need to belittle it.

Eleanor disregarded her status and past displays of good manners, and said, "Kyle is known for his orchid paintings. If she truly wanted to give you something, it should have been an orchid painting. Sending a snowy mountain painting is just perfunctory." If anyone else had said this, it might have sparked sdiscontent.

But not with Helen. She responded, "I never liked orchids." Eleanor felt like she had punched a pillow, and was left staring at Helen in frustration.

What did this foolish woman know? The orchid paintings were the true masterpiece.

Just as they finished admiring the snowy mountain painting, Luke rushed in with a message.

"Your Grace, Lady Sinclair had someone send over several paintings. Since you were hosting guests. today, she wanted to offer them for your and the ladies appreciation. If you find any you like, you're welcto keep them." Helen was overjoyed. "Really? Bring them in quickly!" The atmosphere immediately beccharged with excitement. Many of the attendees were from noble and cultured families, with ties to literature and the arts. Swere from prominent literary families, while others were high-ranking civil servants. Of course, there were also members of the great aristocratic houses.

Poetry and painting were esteemed arts, and they were eager to witness the best works.

Opportunities like this were rare-perhaps once in a lifetime.

Helen believed she was the one basking in all the glory, However, those who understood the situation knew that the real star of the day was the one who wasn't even invited-Carissa.

Carissa wasn't narrow-minded or petty. On the contrary, she was incredibly generous and gracious. There wasn't a single person present who could match her magnanimity. Even though she wasn't invited and wasn't liked, she still managed to be so thoughtful and considerate.

Among the paintings sent over, there were two featuring orchids, and one depicting Victory Pass. In the painting of Victory Pass, the scene was striking-a soldier stood resolutely beneath the city gate. His armor was rusted and worn, and he gripped a long spear, its tip still stained with what appeared to be fresh blood.

The soldier's eyes were filled with determination. It was a bitterly cold winter day, and the snow had piled up to his calves. His face was darkened, chapped lips dry, and his hair disheveled. It was likely blown by the fierce wind. His hands were blackened and skin cracked, with dirt caked under his nails. His fingers were slightly bent as he clutched the spear, pointing it forward with unwavering resolve. The scenery and the figure in the painting were so lifelike that it felt as though the soldier was standing right in front of them.

For a moment, the noblewomen could almost see the soldiers of Victory Pass and imagine their hardships. They could see how these men, despite being battered by the elements, continued to stand guard at the city gate, protecting the peace and prosperity of the kingdom.

Margaret, whose ancestors were military officers, was especially moved by the painting.

She sighed deeply, and said, "The peace and prosperity we enjoy today were bought with their blood and sacrifice. Soldiers risk their lives, and the generals are no different. The perils of the Southern Frontier battle were likely far greater than we could ever imagine. The Hell Monarch and General Sinclair are truly loyal servants of the kingdom."

She deliberately called Carissa by her title rather than her nto remind everyone that Carissa was not just noble lady from the Duke of Northwatch's family, but also a warrior who had fought on the battlefield. For a moment, everyone felt a sense of admiration and guilt, realizing that their earlier gossip about Carissa was truly unwarranted.

Only Eleanor let out a cold laugh. "Wealth and glory have always chand in hand with danger. They faced danger, but in return, they gained immense wealth and power" Margaret had never liked her royal in-law, and she didn't hold back in her retort. "Immense wealth? What immense wealth? If that immense wealth cat the cost of losing your family, would you want it?"

She continued, her tone sharp, "Besides, anyone else could say this, and it wouldn't sting as much. But CO NO coming from you, Grand Princess Eleanor, it's a slap in the face to all soldiers. You're enjoying immense wealth and the honor of being the grand princess. How could you possibly understand the dangers of the battlefield?" X