Chapter 168

Afsel often reminisced about the dust-free days when he and Salvador shared an open, candid relationship. Then, any advice Salvador offered was direct and straightforward, without deception.

Luke recalled something and said, "Your Highness, by His Majesty's grace, your mother will be moving into the estate in a few days. I've already arranged for Elysian Hall to be cleaned and furnished according to her specifications. The total cost came to thirty thousand silver coins."

Rafael furrowed his brow. "Thirty thousand silver coins? What kind of furniture costs that much?"

He decided to visit Elysian Hall himself. Upon arrival, he saw various types of peonies planted in the garden and a special greenhouse constructed. Though unnecessary in summer, it would be useful in winter.

Rafael's frown deepened. "Have all the orchids been removed?"

Luke followed Rafael and answered cautiously, "They've all been relocated. Lady Helen said she doesn't like orchids because they are prone to mold. She doesn't want any mildew in her residence."

Since Rafael had moved into the estate, he had filled the garden with orchids—white, pink, and purple, and so on. The air had been filled with their delicate fragrance, reminiscent of Meadow Ridge.

Inside the residence, the furniture was neatly arranged and entirely made of mahogany. It was hard to believe it would cost thirty thousand silver coins. However, the truly expensive items were the antiques on the display shelves and the paintings on the walls.

The bedroom featured a vanity, a canopied bed, a soft couch, and a chaise lounge—all crafted from mahogany wood with exquisite carvings matching the quality of the palace furnishings. It was evident Luke had heavily negotiated the thirty thousand silver coins for all these items.

Rafael wasn't one to disregard money. He spent wisely and saved when possible. Spending thirty thousand silver coins to decorate a residence seemed excessively lavish to him. He had no desire to live with his mother. However, before he set out for his campaign, Salvador had promised that once he reclaimed the Southern Frontier, it would be a royal favor to allow Helen to reside outside the palace.

While it might sound like a royal favor, the truth was that Salvador was also displeased with Helen's lavish spending and constant interference in inner palace affairs. As Helen was Salvador's aunt and a concubine of their late father, Salvador couldn't argue with or control her actions; he could only turn a blind eye.

Now that Rafael had returned victorious, he eagerly wished for Helen to move out of the palace as soon as possible to avoid further trouble within the royal family.

Helen had been pampered since childhood. As the youngest daughter in her family, she was cherished by her grandparents and numerous uncles and aunts. After entering the palace, her elder sister, the queen consort, showed her extra care. Helen never experienced hardship or suffering.

This indulgence had made her proud and demanding, always wanting the best of everything. For instance, she couldn't wear clothes with peony decorations; only the Empress Dowager and the Queen were permitted such adornments. So, she filled her garden with peonies to feel that same sense of honor and status.

"Princess Kiera will likely be coming to the residence with Lady Helen," Luke said. "Should we consider bringing in additional maidservants and servants to attend to them?"

"No need," Rafael replied. "They aren't accustomed to outsiders. The current staff know their temperaments and will assist them well." Those who had served them for a long time had been thoroughly tested. Randomly selecting new maidservants would not suffice to meet their standards.

"Have preparations been made for Kiera's residence?" Rafael inquired.

"Yes, it has been arranged. It's the adjacent Inkwood Hall, and it cost twenty thousand silver coins to decorate."

At the mention of such substantial amounts, Rafael's head ached. He had no desire to see it and replied, "Return to the study. When Jacob returns, have him come find me there."

"Won't you rest for a while? You've just returned from the battlefield, and you haven't slept much," Luke urged.

"I won't be sleeping," Rafael said flatly. He couldn't rest; his mind was too troubled.