Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)
Chapter 704

Eleanor knew the ladies who had sent her letters wanted to come so they could curry favor with the queen dowager. While she felt a surge of irritation over this, she couldn’t refuse them.

After all, she had connections with these noble ladies, it wouldn’t be wise to offend them, especially since Yuvan had just returned to the capital.

Moreover, she needed them to contend with Carissa’s plan on the fifteenth of October. She only deliberated for a short time before inviting them all over

The royal chancellor’s wife, Mildred, was the first to arrive. She was accompanied by her granddaughter, Rosalind. Eleanor explained the situation and mentioned that Victoria had sent food offerings, which prompted the concubines in the palace to do the same. At the same time, many noble ladies also expressed their desire to join in the event.

“That’s fine. They can come as long as they have good intentions,” Mildred replied with a warm smile.

Having been a devout religious believer for many years, Mildred had a compassionate heart. While she occasionally attended banquets like the prime minister’s wife, Natalie, Mildred’s true passion lay in the annual Emberfest Festival.

She only came to pray for the departed souls and learn more about the religion’s sacred teachings from the high priests. In the past years, she had never brought Rosalind along. However, her granddaughter had insisted on accompanying her this year.

Mildred knew Rosalind wasn’t particularly devout, but she appreciated her granddaughter’s understanding nature and respect for others‘ beliefs. It warmed Mildred’s heart that Rosalind was willing to spend the night by her side.

Candles had been set up on the altar outside the main hall, and a raised platform for people to pray on was ready.

“Has Reverend Zane arrived?” Mildred asked.

“He’s already here,” Eleanor replied. “We’re preparing the food offerings now. The priests had a long journey and must be tired, so we arranged for them to rest for a while before the ceremony begins tonight.

“In that case, let’s continue copying scriptures. I’ve already done many copies, but the more, the better,” Mildred suggested.

Eleanor considered sending someone to inquire about the situation outside, but then received word that Natalie had also arrived. Since Mildred had already instructed her staff to prepare the writing supplies, Eleanor decided against it.

Not long after Natalie arrived, the matriarchs of the Lloyd and Lewis families also arrived. Each brought their younger relatives along.

The matriarch of the Lloyd family, Irene, was over seventy but still had a rosy complexion and moved with grace. She turned to Eleanor and said, “This is my granddaughter–in–law, Nadine Langley. She suffered a miscarriage a few months ago, so she came with me this year to pray for some peace of mind.”

Eleanor recognized Nadine as the wife of the top scholar in the national examination after Salvador

ascended the throne, Justin Lloyd.

With a sympathetic gaze, Eleanor said, “If there’s a bond between mother and child, he will surely return to you in time. Don’t grieve. Taking care of your health is what truly matters.”

Nadine lowered her gaze and softly said, “Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness.

“Come, let’s copy scriptures together. Later, we’ll have some vegetarian food. We’ll be starting the praying session in the evening.”

“Alright.”

The main hall was set up as it had been in previous years, with low cherry wood tables and a row of cushions in front of them. They would sit cross–legged on the cushions to copy the scriptures and later recite them while seated the same way.

One by one t

noble ladies arrived, including Gemma, Molly, and Fiona.

Those attending for the first time thought it would be a more casual affair, and they greeted each other with pleasantries as they arrived.

Molly was especially enthusiastic. She was eager to meet more of the capital’s elite women and tried to ingratiate herself with everyone.

Natalie furrowed her brows. “We’ve gathered for an important task today, so let’s skip the small talk. We’re here to copy scriptures. If anyone is hungry, feel free to have some vegetarian food first. If you’re not writing, please don’t disturb others.”

Her words left Molly embarrassed and a bit irritated. “It’s just a simple greeting. There’s no need to make a big deal out of it, Mrs. Murray.”

“What are you talking about? Why are we here today? Have you brought scriptures that you’ve copied? If you did a lot of copies, I wouldn’t say anything about it.

Molly’s expression darkened. She hadn’t prepared any copied scriptures.

Eleanor watched from the side, furious as she realized Molly hadn’t bothered to copy any scriptures. She

had notified Molly beforehand and urged her to prepare. Instead of focusing on this fundamental task, the woman seemed more interested in exchanging pleasantries.

What was the point of that?

What a useless woman!