Her Graceful War Song

The Earl of Silverstone's family had also invited a theater troupe to Silverstone Estate today, as one couldn't have low standards when hosting a princess consort. Everything necessary had been arranged for her comfort. However, after consulting everyone present, it turned out that no one was particularly interested in watching a performance, so the idea was dropped.

Fiona and Molly lingered at the estate until evening.

Smiling, Fiona said, "Prince Yuvan has been in Valken for quite some time and rarely returns to the capital. We don't have many friends here, so it's truly a stroke of fate that we can engage in such pleasant conversation today. "Why don't you visit our residence in a few days? It so happens that one of our companions who came to the capital with us is a renowned fortune teller, Mr. Wayne. He's the best at predicting fortunes, health, and even future events." Evelyn's eyes lit up. "Mr. Wayne? He has quite a distinguished reputation! I would be very grateful for an introduction, Your Grace."

"Then, it's settled, Madam Evelyn. You must come and visit us," Fiona replied, smiling brightly.

Zoey's smile froze. With the back-and-forth exchange, the two families would appear really close in the eyes of outsiders.

That couldn't happen!

Zoey's mind raced. Earlier, she could use the excuse of the clumsy fall to avoid the situation. But now that Fiona had extended an invitation and Evelyn had already agreed, refusing would definitely offend them. Was it better to risk offending them or becoming the talk of the town?

As Zoey weighed her choices, she recalled Carissa had said that there was nothing else to the visit. Zoey hoped that was true, and if it was, she didn't have to fear offending anyone. In fact, being impolite might even turn out to be advantageous.

With a smile, Zoey said, "Mother, Lady Fiona was just joking with you. How could we possibly impose on them? Lady Ruth is ill, and both Prince Yuvan and Lady Molly are busy caring for her. We should wait until Lady Ruth is better before visiting. We mustn't interfere with Prince Yuvan's duty to Lady Ruth."

Evelyn understood her daughter-in-law well, knowing that Zoey was always meticulous about manners. So, she surely had a compelling reason for refusing Fiona's enthusiastic invitation.

Evelyn smiled and said, "Yes, you're absolutely right! I'm getting a bit forgetful in my old age. Lady Ruth is unwell. I'm sure Prince Yuvan and Lady Molly must be quite worried. They returned to the capital to care for her, so it wouldn't be right for us to intrude." Luna seized the chance and chimed in, "Mother and Zoey make a good point. Why don't we wait until Lady Ruth is fully recovered before we go? If we have the chance, we could also see Lady Ruth."

Though Fiona was adept at navigating social situations, the conversation had clearly been closed off, and it wouldn't do good to try and continue it. After all, Yuvan and his family had returned to the capital under the pretense of caring for Ruth.

With a smile, Fiona said, "Alright. Once Lady Ruth is well again, I'll send word. You must all honor us with your presence then."

"Of course," Evelyn replied, still smiling.

Everyone echoed her sentiment.

While Molly and Fiona hadn't achieved their original goal, the sun was setting, and it was time to leave.

Jane supported Zoey as they escorted the departing guests, and the latter only let out a sigh of relief once the carriage was out of sight.

"Everyone, let's head inside. I have something important to say," Zoey announced.

With the elders from all branches present, it was a good opportunity to clarify some matters. The family was large, so news could leak out they weren't careful. It would be disastrous if one side of the family spoke of something without the other knowing. They needed to make sure that didn't happen.

Back in the main hall, Zoey spoke seriously, "From now on, any invitation coming from Prince Yuvan's family must be declined with a plausible excuse. If they host gatherings for notable figures from the capital, we can attend as a group. But remember-never go alone."

Everyone exchanged glances.

"What's going on? If we can't go, doesn't that mean we can't meet Mr. Wayne?" Evelyn asked, sensing that something was amiss.

Maintaining her serious demeanor,

Zoey said, "We can't meet him,

el.m

Mother. Everyone, we're not well acquainted with Prince Yuvan and we don't understand him. We're the second family his people have visited since returning to the capital. We all know the implications of that. It's not the big risks we should worry about, but the small ones. I hope all of you will take this seriously. Just remember what I said today, and don't talk nonsense when you're outside."

The room fell into a contemplative silence as they grasped the situation.

Zoey was right. There were many other noble families in the capital, so why were they the first to have received a visit? And why were they given such lavish gifts? Something didn't add up.

While the Earl of Silverstone's family

managed to navigate through the

situation, chaos had erupted inNôvelDrama.Org owns all © content.

Gracehold,

Estate. Samuel's arreste

had prompted Dorothy to throw a fit. She demanded that the family intervene to secure his release, or she would go on a hunger strike.