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.

but they certainly had plenty of people. Mary was over ninety years old, and everyone present stood

a smile. "Today is Lady Helen's birthday celebration. I'm just an old woman here for a

and said,

stepped forward and raised a

money, sending numerous quiltet

hunger because of your generous efforts. Your benevolence

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

What I did was

compared to the monumental

the late Duke

and General Dominic,

as the

safeguarded the kingdom and

let us

humility earned her the respect of

It would be better if Mary saved those words for when Dakota arrived, so she could hear just how much Helen's son and daughter-in-law had accomplished. Helen was eager to see the