Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

The weather today was truly perfect. The sun was just right, and the sunlight filtering through the branches made everything warm and pleasant.

Helen sat gracefully in the main hall, receiving the guests' congratulations. Luke, accompanied by his staff, collected the gifts and recorded them meticulously. Each gift needed to be noted down, and its value assessed, so that an appropriate return gift could be prepared for future occasions.

The ladies were adorned in delicate makeup and draped in jewels that shimmered with an air of opulence, exuding a wealth that was beyond words. Helen's smile had become somewhat rigid from the sheer number of well-wishers. She glanced over at Carissa and saw that the latter remained composed, her smile as natural as if it had sprung from her heart.

Helen couldn't help but admire Carissa's ease. She handled such grand occasions with an 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.

Due to Helen's special status, the main courtyard and hall had been used for the event.

Meredith and Henrietta arrived, as did Natalie, the prime minister's wife, and Hannah, the defense minister's wife. Mary, her daughter-in-law, and her granddaughter-in-law also made their appearances. Soon, Eleanor arrived with Jessica. Carissa took a glance, and saw a familiar face.

Serena? She had come with Eleanor and Jessica?

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 today she had honored them with her presence, so Helen made sure to personally welcome her.

plenty of people. Mary was over ninety years old, and everyone present stood to greet her. Even the high princesses present

for that!" Mary quickly returned their gestures with a smile. "Today is Lady Helen's birthday celebration. I'm

and

you stepped forward and raised a substantial amount

money, sending numerous quiltet

to the disaster-stricken areas. The people there were no longer suffering from the cold and hunger because of your generous efforts. Your benevolence and dedication make us, the

modest effort on my part. Please don't speak of it as

I did

compared to the monumental

the late Duke

General Dominic,

the

safeguarded the kingdom and

So, let us not dwell

humility earned her the

bit anxious. It would be better if Mary saved those words for when Dakota arrived, so she could hear just how