Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Clayton, during the freezing rain disaster, you stepped forward and raised a substantial amount of money, sending numerous quiltet 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 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.”
After Dakota took her seat, she smiled and said, “As for fortune, it pales in comparison to the blessings of Madam Clayton from the Marquis of Jadehill’s family.”
Mary smiled and said, “Everyone here is indeed blessed, and Lady Dakota is even more so. Lady Helen is blessed as well, having a virtuous daughter-in-law. The Hell Monarch has achieved unparalleled military success, which is also a great blessing.”
Helen felt a lot better after hearing that. It was no wonder people said others had seen and experienced so much more than she has. Just a casual comment like that could be so comforting.
She immediately beamed. “I do wish that Rafael could enjoy the idle pleasures of the capital city like Lord Kendrick, surrounded by wives and concubines and with children in pairs. It pains me to see my son working tirelessly from dawn until late into the night. I worry for him.”
Dakota smiled and said, “That only proves Prince Rafael is capable.”
As she spoke, she held her grandchild close and gave him a kiss.
The child’s chubby little hand clung to her neck, and in a sweet voice, he said, “Grandma.”
That single word melted hearts. Helen, who had just been basking in satisfaction, felt a pang of jealousy.
Eleanor noticed the change in Helen’s expression, and commented with a smile, “It has been several months since Lady Sophie entered the family. Why isn’t there any news yet?”
Upon hearing this, Serena glanced provocatively at Sophie. Sophie caught the look and merely responded with a faint, dismissive smile.
Eleanor sipped her tea, and said slowly, “In my view, it’s important for the royal family’s sons to start having children soon to ensure the family’s legacy. The court duties? Anyone could handle those.”
Her words made Helen’s expression darken further. The guests understood she was referring to the lack of news about the Hell Monarch’s princess consort having a child.
To avoid offending either side, everyone chose to remain silent.
However, the matriarch of the Marquis of Ironridge’s family, Margaret, interjected coldly, “Lady Sophie has only been in the family for a few months, while Lady Jessica has been married for several years with no sign of a child. If you have any effective methods for conceiving, Grand Princess Eleanor, perhaps you should share them with your daughter first.”
The two families were not on good terms. Margaret was displeased with Jessica for always returning to her natal home whenever there was an issue, while Eleanor disliked Margaret for her stern and cold demeanor.
Thus, when Margaret made her remark, Eleanor responded with a cold laugh. “Jessica may not have any children, but her husband is not lacking in concubines. Prince Rafael, on the other hand, has neither concubines nor secondary wives.”
“You’re quite generous, Grand
Princess Eleanor, as you’ve provided many concubines for your prince consort. But what are those concubines like? Has anyone seen them?” Margaret retorted.
Eleanor replied icily, “Concubines are merely lowly servants. They are not fit to be seen in public, and certainly not allowed to attend banquets.”
Margaret immediately shot back, “It’s one thing not to allow them to attend banquets, but not even coming out to greet relatives who visit is just plain rude.”
As the two women exchanged sharp remarks, Natalie intervened to smooth things over, “I’ve heard there’s also a theater troupe and a garden full of flowers that haven’t been appreciated yet. Sitting here and chatting is rather dull. Why don’t we step outside, enjoy the performance, and admire the flowers?”
Just as Helen was about to agree, an announcement came from outside.
“The Earl of Silverstone’s family has arrived!”
Evelyn, accompanied by her daughter-in-law, Zoey, and daughter, Viola, entered the room.
Upon Viola’s arrival, everyone paused in surprise.
Why was Viola here? Had the Hell Monarch’s princess consort invited her? Was she here to stir trouble? Why would Viola come if she wasn’t invited?
While everyone was puzzled, Sophie approached with a smile to greet the guests and glanced at Viola. With the same smile, she said, “Mrs.. Jaffe, I don’t recall sending an invitation to the Jaffe family. Did you come with your natal family?”
So, Viola wasn’t invited after all? How could she show up uninvited? As a married woman, it was improper to attend a banquet with her natal family.
Moreover, with the lingering grievances between the families, it was unclear whether Viola was either overly bold or naive, or if she had come to cause trouble. Viola looked at Sophie, and asked, “Do you not welcome me, Lady Sophie?”
“Not at all. Everyone here is a guest,” Sophie said with a smile. “Please, take a seat.”
Viola then saw Serena, and was about to approach her when another announcement came from outside.
“The Farrell family has arrived!”
Viola’s expression froze.
The Farrell family? It was a distant memory she had nearly forgotten.
She hurriedly took a seat in a corner, unsure who from the Farrell family had come. Her former mother-in-law was unlikely to be here, as she had long preferred to stay at home and rarely ventured out. However, just as she settled down, she saw Opal assisting her former mother-in-law, Alice, into the room, followed by several young women from the Farrell family.
“Madam Opal.” Sophie quickly stepped forward, greeting Opal and then Alice politely. “How is your health, Madam Alice?”
Seeing Sophie, Alice’s eyes softened with sympathy, and she couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. But she knew the importance of today’s occasion and managed to keep her emotions in check, smiling as she replied, “Thank you, Lady Sophie. Everything is well.”
After speaking, Alice, along with Opal and the children, went forward to pay their respects to Helen and exchanged pleasantries with the attending princesses. Alice’s gaze swept across the room, and she noticed Viola.