Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Ultimately, Viola didn't leave the banquet before this.

The scrutinizing gazes that fell upon her face made her feel utterly humiliated. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to look away, unwilling to miss even a moment of Carissa's potential embarrassment. Such a grand banquet was bound to have some slip-ups.

The next part of the event was the toasting ceremony. Although the male and female guests were seated separately, the screens dividing them were only a slight barrier.

During the toasts, it was customary for the guests to bow their heads in acknowledgment. As the male guests moved to toast, they said, "Let's go, we'll toast to Lady Helen."

The women paused, putting down their utensils and lifting their fans to cover their faces.

Rafael led a group consisting of Harvey, Jeremiah, and Trevor, and the men approached Helen. They didn't glance at the female guests but walked straight to Helen, stopping a short distance before her and raising their glasses.

"Lady Helen, we wish you a long and healthy life, filled with joy and peace. May you live as long as the mountains."

Originally, Rafael was supposed to drink this toast on behalf of his mother, but Helen, delighted, took the glass herself and said cheerfully, "Good. May everyone live as long as the mountains. Let us enjoy many more years and the blessings of our descendants."

Jeremiah and Trevor, both of advanced age, found this wish suitable for themselves as well. Only Harvey stood awkwardly by.

Jeremiah and Trevor drank as a gesture of respect, and Helen promptly drank from her glass. Harvey quickly finished his drink, and excused himself before departing with them.

and said, "I will now toast to the earls and marquises in attendance on behalf of my mother-in-law. Thank you for coming

was the Marquis of Ironridge, Jessica's

with anger. If he wasn't interested in looking at her, she had no desire to look at

draining his glass and giving a respectful bow to Carissa. "I

flatter me," Carissa replied

finished their drinks and cast admiring glances

The toast was meant for Helen, and if anyone should be drinking in her place, it should be Rafael. How did it end up being

she found him gazing at Carissa with an expression of

moment, Viola was utterly

look was familiar to her, though it had been a long time. Thomas used to look at her like that, but Barrett never had. His eyes were always calm and distant. Memories of Thomas surged forth like a tidal wave, and the image

quickly downed a glass of wine,

were memories now that Thomas was

beside her. She saw Rafael within her reach, and knew this was

take her to

and after

hadn't offered

word of comfort.

marry Rafael-she was