Her Graceful War Song

Henry emerged from the dungeon of Harmony Palace, dragging his heavy feet toward the side hall where Eleanor awaited him.

After meeting Carissa and learning about their plans, he shared them with Eleanor, which gave him the opportunity to visit the dungeon. He managed to bring some food and clothing for Melanie Lester, and even took her on a stroll in the courtyard outside the dungeon. However, informing Eleanor of Carissa's plan meant he had already abandoned Carmen.

Henry had no choice but to proceed this way. Initially, he had been forced into the situation, but now, he was in too deep to turn back. The Marquis of Grovehill's family and Eleanor's household were tightly intertwined, leaving Henry with no option but to obey Eleanor's orders.

As he entered the side hall, Eleanor dismissed those around her with a wave of her hand and said coolly, "Have a seat."

Henry sat down. "Thank you, Your Highness."

Eleanor sipped her coffee, and said nothing. Henry didn't say anything, either.

"You've seen her, so you must feel at ease now," Eleanor calmly said as she blew the froth off her coffee.

"Thank you for the medicine, Your Highness," Henry replied.

Eleanor raised her gaze to look at him with a cold expression. Though she understood what was really going on, there were moments when she couldn't resist exposing the facade of the hypocritical man before her. "What's this? Do you really care about Melanie Lester? Stop pretending. This is just your way of controlling those two little wretches."

Henry remained silent. He knew that in the face of Eleanor's sarcasm, silence was his best defense.Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.

"Make sure to meet with Carissa as much as possible and get more information out of her. Also, tell her about our plans for the fifteenth of October. It's crucial to understand how their plan will be executed." "Understood. I'll ask Carmen to arrange a meeting with them again," Henry said.

"Make sure your mother pushes for the marriage between Lisette and Thomas. We can't let that drag on."

Henry hesitated momentarily. "I

don't think Thomas will be interested in Darin. After all, she's just some performer. She'll never be able to rise into a higher position. From what I've seen of her actions and demeanor, she doesn't have the slightest air of a refined lady."

Eleanor sneered, seeing right through her prince consort's petty thoughts. "Florence personally trained her, and she has been confined to the inner courtyard of Harmony Palace for so long. She's had no contact with the outside world, and whatever rebellious habits she had from the streets are long gone. If she can't act properly now, then no one can."

Henry remained silent. He knew he could never outwit Eleanor, nor could he hide his intentions from her. All he could do was occasionally speak a few words in favor of his family. Beyond that, he was powerless. "How's Celeste doing? Has Caspian shown any interest in her?" Eleanor asked.

Henry placed his hands on his knees, and frowned. "They've met twice-once at Lord Snyder's birthday banquet, and another time at Cloudveil Lounge. But Caspian didn't pay her any attention."

"How is that possible? Didn't we have her change her appearance? Could it be that Caspian recognized her as Ruby?"

Eleanor had confidence in Celeste's beauty. Caspian wasn't much of a man to begin with, having married a merchant's daughter. While his wife hadn't completely lost her charm, she was far from the youthful, radiant girl she once was.

"It's unlikely he recognized her. She

has a new identity now, and has slightly altered her appearance. In fact, she looks even better and more innocent than when she was Ruby Plus, she's now the daughter of a coffee merchant and has learned to brew.coffee beautifully. Even Lord Snyder couldn't stop praising her. Considering Lord Snyder is Caspian's superior and

recommended her highly, Caspian should've paid attention. But at Cloudveil Lounge, he only spared Celeste a nod and left."

"Was his wife with him?" Eleanor asked.

"No, he was there to buy a hairpin for her and only brought a servant with him."

Eleanor frowned. "Could it be that Celeste hasn't learned her lesson and refuses to seduce Caspian?"

"No, that's not it. I can assure you that she's obeying your order," Henry quickly assured her.

Eleanor's expression darkened. "Then make sure she takes this seriously. Within half a month, she must establish a connection with Caspian. The ideal outcome would be for her to enter the Earl of Silverstone's family as a concubine." "I'll let her know," Henry said, his hands still resting on his knees. "Is there anything else you need from me, Your Highness? If not, I'll go tend to it."

"The lamps will be lit tonight," Eleanor said casually.

Henry lowered his eyes, and suppressed the disgust he felt rising within him. "Yes, Your Highness."