Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

This was the first banquet Carissa would be organizing since marrying into the royal family.

If it were poorly executed, it could become a laughingstock, especially given how Helen was so concerned about her own birthday banquet. Carissa was certain her mother-in-law wouldn't want any embarrassment to mar the celebration.

Thus, Carissa personally consulted Helen on whether there were any essential guests who needed to be invited.

Helen pretended to ponder for a moment before saying, "If Dakota and Josephine can come out of the palace, then invite them. As for the others, you can decide."

Carissa knew that these two women were indeed necessary guests, especially Dakota.

It was curious, though. The concubines favored by the late king, Sigmund, weren't those two, but rather the deceased Shelby and Wanda. So, why had Helen ended up at odds with Dakota and Josephine? The marriage alliance with the Quinton family had improved Helen's relationship with Josephine, but her interactions with Dakota remained strained.

Carissa couldn't help but ask, "Did Dakota ever offend you?"

Helen snorted. "Don't be fooled by her appearance. She seems straightforward, but she's actually quite scheming. I was frequently fooled by her when the late king was still alive, and often scolded by him for it."

She was the type to be easily provoked by a bit of manipulation-she

"And Josephine?" Carissa asked.

good at playing the victim. Before the late king passed away, she was just a low-ranking concubine. After his death, when the new

neither the honored nor noble concubines have any real power. It's just

the Southern Frontier, Salvador hadn't offered to elevate her status, and she couldn't

list for Carissa to review. Upon inspection, she noticed that Eleanor and the Marquis of Ironridge's family were included, as well as Dakota and

some noble families, such as the Farrell family,

of fourth-rank officials and above were invited too, and the Klein family

reviewing the list, Carissa said, "Alright, prepare the invitations according to this list and send them out as soon as

"Understood. I will prepare the

"Thank you, Jacob."

household affairs, please be cautious with staffing. We vetted every servant before they were hired. However, His Highness has been away on the