Chapter 204

The statement shocked everyone. Even Sebastian's rebuke of Rebecca was quickly forgotten. All eyes turned to Helen. What did she mean? Did the Hell Monarch intend to marry Carissa? A royal prince wanting to marry a divorced woman?

The surprise wasn't limited to the noble ladies; even Eleanor was taken aback. She glanced at Helen, then at Carissa, her brows furrowed. Carissa returned Helen's gaze with a calm expression.

The matter was unsettled; no formal proposal had been made. Why had Helen announced it? Furthermore, didn't Helen despise Carissa? No one had asked, no rumors had spread, yet Helen announced it herself. Had Helen accepted Carissa? The acceptance was so sudden, it left everyone bewildered.

Moreover, even if an announcement were to be made, this was not the time. Carissa had been criticized for so long, and it was rare for Sebastian to publicly explain his treatment of Rebecca. Now, Helen had just rescued Rebecca. This future mother-in-law was truly out of touch!

Eleanor smiled—a sarcastic grin on her heavily powdered face. "Oh? Rafael wants to marry Carissa? With so many noble ladies in the capital, he fancies a divorced woman?"

Helen instantly regretted her words. She was angry with Carissa and hadn't accepted her yet. She opposed their marriage; how could she announce it? She really couldn't control her big mouth and felt like slapping herself.

Rebecca was so shocked her jaw nearly dropped. She couldn't believe the "discarded woman" from her family could marry into the royal family. Carissa was going to marry the prince who reclaimed the Southern Frontier and become a powerful princess?! She wouldn't be a leisurely princess consort without a position, like Avis or Heather!

Many noble daughters present had their hearts broken. Rafael wanted to marry Carissa? How could she deserve this? Even with her military merits, she was still a divorced woman. How could she deserve this?!

Countless pairs of resentful eyes fixed on Carissa, accompanied by incredulous glances, as if this were earth-shattering news. At this moment, Carissa wanted to drag Helen out and harshly question her sanity.

Jealousy twisted Serena's face. On the day the army returned triumphant, she had gone to watch. When her eyes fell on Rafael, she couldn't look away. Her heart raced. She thought that marrying into the royal family as a concubine would be a tremendous blessing. She didn't dare dream of becoming the main wife—she had some self-awareness. Though she was from a general's family, it had fallen from grace. However, being a concubine seemed achievable.

Now, hearing that her former sister-in-law, who had been thrown out of the house, could marry the Hell Monarch, jealousy gripped her heart like an iron hand. She couldn't hold back and blurted out, "Carissa, do you even deserve it? You're just a discarded woman my brother didn't want! How can you marry the Hell Monarch as his consort?"

Rebecca immediately reprimanded her sternly, "Shut up!"

With so many noble ladies and officials' wives present, Serena's outburst was disgraceful and showed a lack of proper upbringing. Finding a good marriage match would be difficult after this. Serena realized she had lost her composure. She paled and retreated behind her mother, but her eyes remained fixed on Carissa with venomous hatred.

Serena voiced the thoughts of many noble daughters present, but they would never say it aloud. No matter how jealous or disappointed they were, strict family training forced them to suppress these feelings.

Jessica laughed derisively. "Aunt Helen, you always strive to be the best and claim your son is exceptional. Now you want him to marry a divorced woman? I bet once this news spreads, you'll become the laughingstock of the entire capital in less than half a day."

Jessica then turned to Carissa with a cold smile. "Carissa, do you even understand your status? How can a divorced woman like you dream of marrying my cousin? You should know your place and leave before you embarrass yourself further!"

Her words made several people laugh out loud.

Helen's lips trembled with anger, but she couldn't think of a retort. She could only glare, first at Jessica and then at Carissa.

"Yes, I'm a divorced woman. But I can fight on the battlefield and marry into the royal family as a princess consort. This is a fortune many people can't achieve in several lifetimes. Lady Jessica, you're very envious and jealous, aren't you?" Carissa responded calmly.