Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1437

And just like that, Lydia was sent out of the estate. She received more than a few pointed stares on her way out.

On the journey back to the palace, she remained unsure whether Carissa would actually come. The latter hadn't agreed, but hadn't outright refused either.

Of course, Kylie had no real intention of finding a secondary wife for Rafael. The remark had been meant to unsettle Carissa, to push her into resigning from her post. Even if she refused to resign, the queen would never actually force a concubine upon the Hell Monarch.

But it was unexpected for Carissa to react with such unrestrained fury—so much so that she hadn't even bothered to maintain appearances before throwing Lydia out.

And if Carissa refused to enter the palace… How would this misunderstanding ever be resolved?

But then again…

Lydia sighed. Was it really a misunderstanding?

Truth be told, she rather liked the idea of female officials in court. If Carissa were to resign, she would actually feel a tinge of regret.

The thought left her feeling guilty. She was no longer as unwaveringly loyal to Kylie as she had once been.

-

Back at Hell Monarch Estate, Carissa was livid.

She had already been troubled enough by Salvador's late-night visit, which had sparked all manner of gossip. And now, Kylie was making things even worse.

Truly, Salvador and Kylie were a perfect match—each as insufferable as the other.

In the main hall, Jacob and Kyle sat in silence, watching as Carissa limped forward on her own, refusing any support. That solitary figure, dragging her injured leg step by step, was pitiful to behold.

As if it hadn't been bad enough that she had injured herself to avoid suspicion, Salvador had gone and made a spectacle of himself, arriving at the estate in the dead of night. Now, the entire court was abuzz with rumors, and more than half the officials had likely heard the tale. Most of them undoubtedly cast judgment upon Carissa.

Why was Kylie doing this? What was her real motive?

First, she sent Lydia to reward Ryan. Then, she brought up the idea of Rafael taking a secondary wife. She invited Carissa to the palace to admire the orchids, and while she was at it, Kylie wanted her to look at portraits of eligible young ladies.

The queen fretted over all the wrong things. The matters that deserved her concern she ignored entirely, while the things that were none of her business she obsessed over to no end.

"The queen probably said it on purpose. She wants to force Lady Carissa into visiting the palace," Jacob murmured.

Kyle scoffed. "Who cares? She said what she said, and that's that. No need to go. Nothing good will come of it."

Kyle thought there was no need for Carissa to overthink it. When faced with something like this, it was best to just get angry.