Her Graceful War Song

After three rounds of toasts, Adrian and the apprentices from the Pathfinders Guild stood up to offer their own. It wasn't just Adrian whom people were impressed by-even if only Kyle were present, their presence commanded respect. When they came to make toasts, even the prime minister stood up to reciprocate.

Trevor was the one who had initially secured this marriage, so Adrian toasted him. Adrian drank the entire cup, while Trevor only took a small sip, which was enough to show his respect as the royal chancellor. Also, considering his health, excessive drinking wouldn't be advisable.

Carissa's eyes reddened as she watched the Pathfinders Guild members rise to make toasts.

They were undoubtedly there to support her. Even though the occasion was hosted by Rafael's household, the Pathfinders Guild members wanted to show everyone that this place would also be Carissa's in the future.

Though such customs were not typically observed in high-society marriages, they were martial artists. Who would dare to challenge their traditions?

Moreover, Adrian came from a noble background, and Kyle was also present.

Who would refuse them?

Who would dare criticize their actions?

As for Eleanor and Jessica, their expressions were dark throughout the event. Even when they weren't frowning, their demeanors were cold and sarcastic.

Taking the opportunity, Eleanor sat next to Helen and sighed softly. "Helen, I'm concerned about your future. With such a powerful daughter-in-law, you, as the mother-in-law, might find it hard to enforce any rules.

"She might even refuse to perform the post-wedding ritual tomorrow. You'll need to be careful in your interactions with her. If your words cause offense, you might face retaliation."

Helen's emotions today were too complex for her to fully understand Eleanor's words.

Certainly, Hell Monarch Estate was the center of attention today, and she was pleased by Carissa's extensive dowry and connections. She felt happy for the benefits it brought. However, this fortune fell to Rafael, not directly to her.

Now, with Eleanor's provocation, Helen felt an even deeper, more indescribable turmoil.

Would she really have to live under her daughter-in-law's shadow in the future? Was there even such a rule? If a daughter-in-law showed any disrespect, the ethical officials monitoring and enforcing moral and ethical conduct would be quick to come after her.

But how could today's scene be judged by ordinary standards?

Helen was worried that Carissa might appear dutiful on the surface while secretly undermining her, which would be troublesome.

Helen had some self-awareness. She had been pampered all her life, and after she entered the palace as a concubine, her elder sister had protected her. So, she hadn't really had to use her brains much. If Carissa were a master of manipulation, Helen would indeed be in for a rough time.

Her initial excitement faded, replaced by worry. Living in Rafael's residence now seemed dull and uneventful.

During the banquet the other day, Helen had noticed that many people didn't seem to regard her with much importance. As an honored concubine, she had expected to have a stronger influence, and hoped that the lack of immediate warmth from others could be attributed to her past failures to cultivate these relationships.

But with Carissa's grand entrance, where would Helen fit in Hell Monarch Estate in the future?

Helen felt disheartened.

Seeing that her brief provocation had worked, Eleanor inwardly called Helen a fool and signaled Jessica, who had been standing by.

Jessica smoothly said, "Mom, I don't agree with what you said. No matter how influential Carissa's background is, our kingdom is governed with kindness and respect. Being disrespectful to our elders is a grave offense. Even as a princess, I must respect my mother-in-law.

When I entered my husband's family, I adhered to the rules for a full year."

This statement made Helen's spirits lift again.

That was right.

It didn't matter even if Carissa had the king backing her. The weight of traditional values would still hang over her. If she dared to be disrespectful, that weight would crush her.

Helen felt a renewed sense of satisfaction.

Eleanor chuckled. "I only fear that may not be the case. Helen, if you're confident, try asking her for a jar of those Mystic Pearls tomorrow and see if she gives them to you. That will show whether she's truly respectful."

Those Mystic Pearls drove Eleanor insane with envy.

Helen, who cared a lot about appearances, immediately responded, "Why wouldn't she give them to me? They're just Mystic Pearls, after all. I won't even need to ask her-I can take them directly."

Eleanor laughed heartily. "Is that so? Then, go and retrieve a few pearls now and give them to me for safekeeping. If she doesn't chase after you, I'll consider myself defeated. I'll return the pearls and give you an additional three thousand silver coins. But if you lose, the pearls will be mine."Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.