Melody of Strength novel

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.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

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.

Mary entered amidst a throng of daughters–in–law. No one knew how powerful the family really was, but they certainly had plenty of people. Mary was over ninety years old, and everyone present stood to greet her. Even the high princesses present at the banquet nodded slightly out of respect.

“Oh, there’s no need for that!” Mary quickly returned their gestures with a smile. “Today is Lady Helen’s birthday celebration. I’m just an old woman here for a good meal.”

Meredith smiled and said, “Madam Clayton, during the freezing rain. disaster, you stepped forward and raised a substantial amount of money, sending numerous quilts and food 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 royal princesses, feel deeply ashamed.”

Mary responded, “It was just a modest effort on my part. Please don’t speak of it as if it were a great achievement. I cannot bear such praise. What I did was trivial compared to the monumental contributions of the late Duke of Northwatch and General Dominic, as well as the Hell Monarch, who safeguarded the kingdom and reclaimed territories. So, let us not dwell on it.”

Her humility earned her the respect of everyone present.

Helen felt a bit anxious. 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 jealous, twisted look on Dakota’s face.

However, just as Mary finished speaking, Dakota entered with Adelaide, holding her grandson in her left hand and her granddaughter in her right.

The little children were so adorable and sweet that it made people jealous.

Helen could hardly tolerate Dakota. What was she trying to do, flaunt her grandchildren? If it weren’t for Rafael being on the battlefield, Helen would be holding grandchildren herself.

Due to Dakota’s esteemed status, the officials and their families all rose to pay their respects.

Eleanor asked, “Why have only you come, Lady Adelaide? Where are Lord Kendrick’s concubines?”

Adelaide replied with a smile, “Lady Inez’s child is still young, and Lady Matilda is pregnant, so it’s not convenient for them to come. I hope you will understand their absence, Lady Helen.”

Everyone extended their congratulations, but Helen’s eyes burned with jealousy.

Another child? Was the prince a breeding sow? Just a few years into the marriage, there were already four or five children.

Eleanor remarked with a smile, “Lady Dakota, you’re truly fortunate. Even at such a young age, you’re already surrounded by grandchildren.”