Chapter 704

Eleanor knew the ladies who had written to her wanted to curry favor with the Queen Dowager. While irritated, she couldn't refuse them. She had connections with these noblewomen, and offending them wouldn't be wise, especially with Yuvan's recent return to the capital. Furthermore, she needed their help to counter Carissa's plan on October 15th. She quickly invited them.

Mildred, the royal chancellor's wife, arrived first, accompanied by her granddaughter, Rosalind. Eleanor explained the situation, mentioning Victoria's food offerings, which had prompted similar contributions from palace concubines and many noble ladies.

"That's fine. They can come, as long as they have good intentions," Mildred replied warmly.

A devout religious believer for many years, Mildred possessed a compassionate heart. While she occasionally attended banquets (like those hosted by the prime minister's wife, Natalie), her true passion was the annual Emberfest Festival. She attended only to pray for the departed and learn from the high priests. She had never before brought Rosalind, but her granddaughter had insisted this year. Mildred knew Rosalind wasn't particularly devout, but she appreciated her granddaughter's kind nature and respect for others' beliefs. Rosalind's willingness to spend the night warmed Mildred's heart.

Candles illuminated the altar outside the main hall, and a prayer platform was ready.

"Has Reverend Zane arrived?" Mildred asked.

"He's already here," Eleanor replied. "We're preparing the food offerings. The priests had a long journey and are resting before tonight's ceremony."

"In that case, let's continue copying scriptures. The more, the better," Mildred suggested.

Eleanor considered checking on the situation outside but then learned Natalie had arrived. With Mildred's staff already preparing writing supplies, Eleanor decided against it.

Soon, the Lloyd and Lewis family matriarchs arrived, each with younger relatives. Irene, the Lloyd matriarch, though over seventy, possessed a rosy complexion and moved gracefully. She introduced her granddaughter-in-law, Nadine Langley, explaining that Nadine, having suffered a miscarriage months earlier, had come to pray for peace of mind.

Eleanor recognized Nadine as the wife of Justin Lloyd, the top scholar in the national examination after Salvador's ascension. With sympathy, Eleanor said, "If there's a bond between mother and child, he will surely return to you in time. Don't grieve. Your health is what matters."

Nadine softly replied, "Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness."

"Come, let's copy scriptures. Later, we'll have vegetarian food. The prayer session begins this evening."

"Alright."

The main hall was arranged as in previous years, with low cherry wood tables and cushions for cross-legged seating.

One by one, more noble ladies arrived, including Gemma, Molly, and Fiona. First-timers, expecting a more casual event, exchanged pleasantries.

Molly, particularly enthusiastic, eagerly sought to network with the capital's elite.

Natalie frowned. "We're here for an important task—copying scriptures. Eat if you're hungry, but don't disturb those writing."

Molly, embarrassed and irritated, retorted, "It's just a greeting, Mrs. Murray."

Natalie responded sharply, "Why are we here? Have you copied scriptures? If you had, I wouldn't say anything."

Molly's expression darkened. She hadn't prepared any scriptures.

Eleanor, watching from the side, was furious. She had urged Molly to prepare, but the woman prioritized socializing over the essential task. Eleanor thought, What a useless woman!