Chapter 60: Crueler Than Insults

Chapter 60: Chapter 60: Crueler Than Insults

The mention of a beheaded official had an immediate effect.

Melissa’s expression stiffened, while Yvette’s smile became noticeably strained.

Elysia lifted her teacup calmly.

"So you understand my concern."

Her gaze settled on Yvette.

"Discussing rumors within these walls is one thing. Repeating them outside is another matter entirely."

She smiled pleasantly.

"We are not military officials. We don’t know the facts. Spreading speculation about matters connected to the army could create unnecessary trouble."

After a brief pause, she added gently,

"Surely you agree, Duchess Yvette?"

"Of course."

Yvette forced out a laugh.

"You’re absolutely right."

The conversation quickly lost its momentum after that.

Not long afterward, Melissa and Yvette took their leave.

The moment they stepped outside the courtyard gates, Yvette let out a long breath.

"You were right."

Melissa looked at her curiously.

"About what?"

"About Elysia."

Yvette shook her head.

"That girl is sharp."

She clicked her tongue.

"We barely mentioned the subject, and she managed to shut down the entire conversation before we learned anything useful."

Melissa sighed dramatically.

"My life in this family is not easy."

Yvette immediately looked sympathetic.

"You truly have it hard."

Her eyes drifted toward Lillian, who followed quietly behind them.

"Still, if your daughter catches the Crown Prince’s eye, everything will be different."

A meaningful smile appeared on her face.

"Even becoming a favored concubine would be enough to elevate your position."

Melissa’s eyes brightened instantly.

"May your words come true, Duchess."

Back at Draevenor Manor, Elysia remained thoughtful long after they left.

She had no intention of asking Cassiel about the story Yvette mentioned.

If the rumour was true—if the woman Cassiel once loved had really gone to the Northern Garrison seeking him—then there was little point in prying into matters that did not concern her.

Sooner or later, she might have to step aside anyway.

The thought made her glance toward the small collection of valuables she had accumulated.

Would it be enough?

If she lived modestly, perhaps.

And if necessary...

She could always become Alhena again.

The idea lingered in her mind.

Several days later, the day of the royal gathering finally arrived.

Because of the summer heat, Queen Ilara had chosen to host the event in the morning.

After breakfast, Elysia instructed Bran to prepare the carriage.

"Two carriages."

Cassiel’s voice came unexpectedly from beside her.

Elysia turned in surprise.

"Two?"

"I’m going as well."

For a moment, she simply stared.

Cassiel noticed immediately.

His eyebrow rose slightly.

"You don’t want me there?"

"No!"

Elysia shook her head quickly.

"That’s not what I meant."

In truth, she was nervous for an entirely different reason.

She had recently decided to revive her identity as Alhena.

The publisher who had once printed her novels would also be attending today’s gathering, and they had arranged to meet discreetly.

Writing had always been her secret.

Not even her family had known.

The thought of people discovering she authored romantic stories was mortifying.

She would rather face a battlefield than endure the embarrassment.

If Cassiel accompanied her everywhere today, slipping away for that meeting would become much more difficult.

Fortunately, she managed to hide her concern.

Outside the manor, Lillian was already waiting.

Upon seeing them, she immediately lowered herself into a respectful curtsy.

"Your Graces."

Cassiel responded with a brief grunt.

Elysia smiled warmly.

"Come. We’ll head out together."

Lillian nodded obediently.

Two carriages stood ready at the entrance.

Elysia naturally assumed she would ride with Lillian.

She had taken only a few steps toward the second carriage when Cassiel called her name.

"Elysia."

She stopped and turned.

Cassiel was already positioned beside the first carriage.

"Aren’t you coming?"

His tone was mild, but the meaning was obvious.

Elysia hesitated for only a moment before walking back.

"Of course."

Inside the carriage, silence settled between them.

Elysia couldn’t quite understand his reasoning.

Everyone knew this gathering was ostensibly a poetry salon.

In reality, it was Queen Ilara’s latest attempt to find suitable candidates for the position of Crown Princess.

Cassiel clearly wasn’t interested in helping Vaelen Drakemont choose a wife.

Nor was he the sort of man who enjoyed social gatherings.

So why was he attending?

The question lingered throughout the journey.

Soon, the carriage rolled through the palace gates and entered the grounds.

Just as it came to a stop, voices drifted in from outside.

Light female laughter.

Mocking laughter.

"Isn’t that the Draevenor carriage?"

A young woman giggled.

"The Duchess is attending the palace banquet alone again."

Another voice followed.

"Before marriage, she arrived alone in the Hartwell family’s carriage... And after marriage, she still arrives alone."

More laughter erupted.

Someone sneered.

"Can that even be called a marriage?More like a joke."

Elysia’s eyes narrowed slightly.

The scene felt strangely familiar.

In her previous life, before marrying Vaelen Drakemont, she had endured countless remarks just like these.

Back then, she had been mocked for chasing the Crown Prince.

Now she was being mocked for marrying the Duke of Draevenor.

Some things truly never changed.

What puzzled her most was their confidence.

Why were they so certain her marriage was a failure?

Then Deborah’s gentle voice floated through the crowd.

"Enough."

She sounded as though she were defending Elysia.

"You shouldn’t say such things."

The women quieted briefly.

Deborah sighed softly.

"Everyone knows the Duke of Draevenor already has someone in his heart. Her Grace is surely suffering enough already. Must you really make her cry?"

The words sounded sympathetic.

Yet they were far crueler than the insults that came before.

Elysia frowned.

Before she could respond, a cold snort came from beside her.

It wasn’t loud.

But the disdain within it was unmistakable.

The temperature around the carriage seemed to drop several degrees.

Outside, the women instantly fell silent.