Melody of Strength novel

Seeing Margaret’s pallid complexion, Carissa ordered for herbal tonic soup to be brought in. The soup was originally intended for her own use, as Rafael had advised her to keep up her health and prevent any lingering ailments from the battlefield.

Noticing Margaret’s breath was more hurried than usual, as though she was seething with anger, Carissa said gently, “There was no need for you to make this trip if you’re unwell. What happened last night has nothing to do with you.”

Margaret drank the herbal tonic soup, clutching her chest for a long time. Then, she started speaking slowly, “I truly wish it had nothing to do with our household. But Jessica is still part of our family, and I saw what happened yesterday with my own eyes.

“She wanted to ruin Prince Rafael’s reputation, only to end up ensnaring her own husband in the scandal. She brought shame upon herself, and left our family no choice but to bring Ms. Warren into our household as a concubine.”

Carissa had anticipated this outcome. The Marquis of Ironridge’s family valued its reputation above all else. Though Jessica had tarnished it over the years, Margaret had constantly been cleaning up after her. The younger members of their family were always cautious, guarding their actions and words to avoid bringing disgrace to their name.

For a family that had stood for over a century, preserving their honor was paramount. They would rather suffer in silence than let their name be sullied.

What’s more, the fault lay with Jessica, Margaret’s own daughter–in–law.

“The Warren family came today,” Margaret continued, breaking her usual discretion.

She never aired her household’s dirty laundry, not even a whisper–but today was different. The matter had occurred at Hell Monarch Estate and during Helen’s birthday banquet, no less.

“Rebecca was adamant that my son had ruined her daughter’s reputation. With so many witnesses present, they now claim their daughter’s marriageNôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

prospects are ruined. They’re even willing to lower their standards and have Ms. Warren enter our household as a concubine.”

Carissa, not wanting to comment too much on the situation, offered gentle consolation, “It’s already happened, Madam Winchester. Perhaps it’s best to make peace with it.”

“Forgive me for causing you such trouble, Your Grace,” Margaret quickly composed herself, restoring her usual grace.

However, her earlier confrontation with the matriarch of the Warren family had shown her just how shameless people could be.

Carissa smiled slightly. “I’ve seen a lot, Madam Winchester. It’s always difficult to deal with those who lack honor.”

Margaret was touched by her words, a hint of regret in her expression. “You must have had a hard time back then.”

“Don’t let it trouble you,” Carissa replied gently. “If she lacked proper conduct before, once she enters your household, she’ll have to follow the rules.”

Margaret sighed, nodding. “Everyone knows what happened yesterday. She wasn’t interested in my son. I’ve already reprimanded him–how could he be so foolish? After so many years in the bureaucracy, he’s still not learned caution or the importance of maintaining boundaries. This is a serious lapse in etiquette. This time, it was just about taking a concubine, but what about next time? This serves as a lesson for him to never be so careless again.”

Carissa was aware of Margaret’s level–headedness, and agreed, “That is true, especially when it comes to matters between men and women. Otherwise, you end up with another parasitic in–law.”

Thinking back to the events of that morning, Margaret felt a wave of frustration wash over her. “I’ve already seen enough of that today. The desperation to latch on, that brute force, that utter shamelessness–I’ve rarely encountered such things in my life, but today… I’ve truly learned.”

When Rebecca arrived this morning, she had spoken bluntly. Her daughter’s reputation had been ruined, and with so many witnesses present, her marriage prospects were now bleak. If the Marquis of Ironridge’s family

refused to take responsibility, she threatened to make the scandal public.

The Warren family’s reputation was already tarnished–what harm would it do to drag the marquis‘ family down with them?

The Warren family was nothing but a rotten bunch. Whoever got involved with them would be tainted. Handle it discreetly, and the damage would be minimal. But if it were to explode into a full–blown scandal, then the Marquis of Ironridge’s hundred–year reputation would be destroyed in the blink of an eye.

In the end, it all came down to marrying an unworthy wife.

If Jessica hadn’t schemed against the Hell Monarch, this mess wouldn’t have landed on their doorstep. Now, it was up to Jessica to figure out how to clean up her own mess.