Chapter 446
The weather was perfect. The sun was warm, and the sunlight filtering through the branches created a pleasant atmosphere. Helen sat gracefully in the main hall, receiving guests' congratulations. Luke, accompanied by his staff, meticulously collected and recorded the gifts. Each gift's value needed assessment to prepare an appropriate return gift for future occasions.
The ladies were adorned in delicate makeup and shimmering jewels, exuding unimaginable wealth. Helen's smile had become rigid from the sheer number of well-wishers. She glanced at Carissa, who remained composed, her smile natural and heartfelt.
Helen admired Carissa's ease. She handled grand occasions with unflappable grace. Rafael and Jacob received the male guests in the main building's reception room. Since it was Helen's birthday, the main hall was reserved for her and the female guests. The main courtyard and hall were used for the event due to Helen's special status.
Meredith and Henrietta arrived, as did Natalie (the prime minister's wife) and Hannah (the defense minister's wife). Mary (Helen's daughter-in-law) and her granddaughter-in-law also attended. Soon, Eleanor arrived with Jessica. Carissa saw a familiar face.
Serena? She had come with Eleanor and Jessica?
+25 BONUS
That added an interesting twist.
When the matriarch of the Marquis of Jadehill's family arrived, Carissa helped Helen rise to greet her. The elderly lady was advanced in years and rarely attended such social gatherings, but she honored them with her presence, so Helen personally welcomed her.
Mary entered amidst a throng of daughters-in-law. No one knew the family's true power, but they certainly had many members. Mary, over ninety years old, was greeted by everyone standing. Even the high princesses present bowed slightly out of respect.
"Oh, there's no need for that!" Mary quickly responded with a smile. "Today is Lady Helen's birthday celebration. I'm just an old woman here for a good meal."
Meredith smiled and said, "Madam Clayton, during the freezing rain disaster, you raised a substantial amount of money, sending numerous quilts and food to the affected areas. The people there are no longer suffering from cold and hunger because of your generous efforts. Your benevolence and dedication make us, the royal princesses, feel deeply ashamed."
Mary replied, "It was a modest effort. Please don't speak of it as a great achievement. I cannot bear such praise. What I did was trivial compared to the monumental contributions of the late Duke of Northwatch and General Dominic, as well as the Hell Monarch, who safeguarded the kingdom and reclaimed territories. So, let us not dwell on it."
Her humility earned everyone's respect.
Helen felt anxious. She wished Mary would save those words for Dakota's arrival, so she could hear just how much Helen's son and daughter-in-law had accomplished. Helen was eager to see Dakota's jealous expression.
However, as Mary finished speaking, Dakota entered with Adelaide, holding her grandson in her left hand and granddaughter in her right. The children were adorable, evoking envy.
Helen could hardly tolerate Dakota. What was she doing, flaunting her grandchildren? If Rafael weren't on the battlefield, Helen would have grandchildren of her own.
Due to Dakota's esteemed status, the officials and their families rose to pay their respects.
Eleanor asked, "Why have only you come, Lady Adelaide? Where are Lord Kendrick's concubines?"
Adelaide replied with a smile, "Lady Inez's child is still young, and Lady Matilda is pregnant, so it's inconvenient for them to come. I hope you will understand their absence, Lady Helen."
Everyone offered congratulations, but Helen's eyes burned with jealousy. Another child? Was the prince a breeding sow? Just a few years into the marriage, there were already four or five children.
Eleanor remarked with a smile, "Lady Dakota, you're truly fortunate. Even at such a young age, you're already surrounded by grandchildren."