Chapter 447

After Dakota took her seat, she smiled and said, “As for fortune, it pales in comparison to the blessings Madam Clayton received from the Marquis of Jadehill’s family.”

Mary smiled and said, “Everyone here is indeed blessed, and Lady Dakota even more so. Lady Helen is blessed as well, having a virtuous daughter-in-law. The Hell Monarch has achieved unparalleled military success, which is also a great blessing.”

Helen felt much better after hearing that. It was no wonder people said others had seen and experienced so much more than she had. Such a casual comment could be so comforting.

She immediately beamed. “I do wish Rafael could enjoy the idle pleasures of the capital city like Lord Kendrick, surrounded by wives and concubines, and with children aplenty. It pains me to see my son working tirelessly from dawn until late into the night. I worry for him.”

Dakota smiled and said, “That only proves Prince Rafael is capable.”

As she spoke, she held her grandchild close and kissed him. The child’s chubby little hand clung to her neck, and in a sweet voice, he said, “Grandma.”

That single word melted hearts. Helen, who had just been basking in satisfaction, felt a pang of jealousy.

Eleanor noticed the change in Helen’s expression and commented with a smile, “It has been several months since Lady Carissa joined the family. Why isn’t there any news yet?”

Upon hearing this, Serena glanced provocatively at Carissa. Carissa caught the look and responded with a faint, dismissive smile.

Eleanor sipped her tea and said slowly, “In my view, it’s important for the royal family’s sons to start having children soon to ensure the family’s legacy. Court duties? Anyone could handle those.”

Her words made Helen’s expression darken further. The guests understood she was referring to the lack of news about the Hell Monarch’s princess consort having a child.

To avoid offending either side, everyone chose to remain silent. However, the matriarch of the Marquis of Ironridge’s family, Margaret, interjected coldly, “Lady Carissa has only been in the family for a few months, while Lady Jessica has been married for several years with no sign of a child. If you have any effective methods for conceiving, Grand Princess Eleanor, perhaps you should share them with your daughter first.”

The two families were not on good terms. Margaret was displeased with Jessica for always returning to her natal home whenever there was an issue, while Eleanor disliked Margaret for her stern and cold demeanor.

Thus, when Margaret made her remark, Eleanor responded with a cold laugh. “Jessica may not have any children, but her husband is not lacking in concubines. Prince Rafael, on the other hand, has neither concubines nor secondary wives.”

“You’re quite generous, Grand Princess Eleanor, as you’ve provided many concubines for your prince consort. But what are those concubines like? Has anyone seen them?” Margaret retorted.

Eleanor replied icily, “Concubines are merely lowly servants. They are not fit to be seen in public, and certainly not allowed to attend banquets.”

Margaret immediately shot back, “It’s one thing not to allow them to attend banquets, but not even coming out to greet relatives who visit is just plain rude.”

As the two women exchanged sharp remarks, Natalie intervened to smooth things over. “I’ve heard there’s also a theater troupe and a garden full of flowers that haven’t been appreciated yet. Sitting here and chatting is rather dull. Why don’t we step outside, enjoy the performance, and admire the flowers?”

Just as Helen was about to agree, an announcement came from outside.

“The Earl of Silverstone’s family has arrived!”

Evelyn, accompanied by her daughter-in-law, Zoey, and daughter, Viola, entered the room. Upon Viola’s arrival, everyone paused in surprise.

Why was Viola here? Had the Hell Monarch’s princess consort invited her? Was she here to stir trouble? Why would Viola come if she wasn’t invited?

While everyone was puzzled, Carissa approached with a smile to greet the guests and glanced at Viola. With the same smile, she said, “Mrs. Warren, I don’t recall sending an invitation to the Warren family. Did you come with your natal family?”

So, Viola wasn’t invited after all? How could she show up uninvited? As a married woman, it was improper to attend a banquet with her natal family. Moreover, with the lingering grievances between the families, it was unclear whether Viola was overly bold or naive, or if she had come to cause trouble.

Viola looked at Carissa and asked, “Do you not welcome me, Lady Carissa?”

“Not at all. Everyone here is a guest,” Carissa said with a smile. “Please take a seat.”

Viola then saw Serena and was about to approach her when another announcement came from outside.

“The Farrell family has arrived!”