Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)
Chapter 194

The next day was Eleanor's birthday banquet.

From early in the morning, the entrance of Harmony Palace, Eleanor's residence within the royal palace, was crowded with carriages, and a long red carpet stretched all the way to the street corner. Outside, more than thirty yards away, a tent had been set up with thirty tables for a public feast. Commoners could come and eat as long as enough people gathered.

Eleanor held this public feast every year under the guise of sharing her joy with the people. However, in reality, it was just a show to enhance her reputation for kindness.

In addition to the public feast, she had prepared vegetarian meals specifically for priests. Known for her devotion to religion, Elaenor donated substantial sums to temples and monasteries every year. After all, those who have committed many wrongs often seek blessings from deities.

Eleanor was hosting a large number of guests today, and she had also invited the Warren family.

Barrett and Aurora did not attend. Ever since Barrett learned about his mother and elder brother's quarrel at Northwatch Estate, he had been avoiding home. Meanwhile, disfigured and disgraced, Aurora had no desire to face ridicule at the party.

However, Rebecca attended with Amelia, Bryan, and Serena.

With Eleanor having extended the invitation, not attending would be seen as an affront. Fortunately, Barrett had received a reward of gold, which allowed them to present a more suitable gift.

Naturally, Rebecca had personal motives for attending. She hoped to introduce her unmarried children to potential matches among the distinguished guests. If any of the matriarchs of the other families took a liking to them, their marriage prospects would be secured.

Guests at Eleanor's birthday banquet were either wealthy or noble. Despite the scandal surrounding the Warren family due to Aurora, Rebecca still attended with her daughter-in-law and children. In the presence of so many influential figures, Rebecca felt remarkably insignificant.

As she looked at the well-dressed guests, she recalled the former glory of her family. When she had first married, that period of splendor had been as fleeting as a firework. The prominence she once held was etched in her heart, and she longed to return to her former heights.

Unfortunately, her husband was weak, and her eldest son mediocre. Only her second son, Barrett, had married the then-Marquis of Northwatch's daughter.

Who could have anticipated that shortly after Carissa's marriage, the Sinclair family would be annihilated? The Sinclair family lacked strong male heirs, and with Melanie gone, all Carissa could offer them now was wealth.

So, when Barrett returned with his military achievements and sought to marry Aurora, they saw the future filled with the glory Rebecca had always desired, while Carissa was discarded.

Yet, fate rarely aligned with one's wishes.

Hector was posthumously honored with the title of duke, and Carissa became the legitimate daughter of a duke. She also achieved military merit and earned widespread acclaim.

In contrast, Aurora, whom Rebecca had high hopes for, not only failed to achieve any merit but was also punished, which in turn affected Barrett's reputation.

Rebecca's heart was a reservoir of grievances, capable of filling a vast river. At the birthday banquet, she led her daughter-in-law and children to pay their respects to Eleanor. She had assumed that Eleanor had invited them out of respect for Barrett and planned to present a birthday gift to her, then socialize with the other ladies in the garden.

As she observed the ladies' gazes, Rebecca noted the lack of warmth. Despite their outward politeness, there was no enthusiasm in their eyes, only a palpable indifference. She could sense their disdain.

Just as she was about to retreat awkwardly, Eleanor gently asked, "Rebecca, I've heard that your health has not been well. How are you faring now?"

Rebecca was taken aback. How did Eleanor know about her health issues? However, it was not entirely surprising, as Amelia had once gone to the physician's office to plead for Snowdrop Pills.

Feeling surprised and flattered, Rebecca responded, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am much better now."

Lounging comfortably in her chair, Eleanor smiled at Rebecca. "You're about my age. How could your health be so poor? I've heard that your former daughter-in-law cared for you day and night. She must be quite a devoted person.