*
82
+15
"Years ago, our family faced sudden misfortune, and we lost many loved ones. Today, as
Eliza Padi, I swear on my bloodline, before everyone
present: I will honor the
kindness of my maternal
family, protect the Padi
family''s legacy, and never retreat, even if it costs me my life. I will fulfill the n''s
expectations and restore the Padi name to its rightful glory."
With her derationplete, Eliza bowed deeply before rising to offer the candle.
1/11
15:42 MB
82
ED
415)
As the Padi family had no elders remaining, Eliza herself took up the pen to inscribe her name into the family tree.
When the final stroke was made, she handed the pen back to Mki.
Turning to the gathered guests, she offered a formal respect. "From today
onward, there''s no longer Eliza of the Stonor family. Thank you all foring to witness this
moment, the rise of me as
Eliza Padi, head of the Padi family."
"Congrattions, Mrs. Padi!"
2/11
15:42 MG
82
(+15)
"Mrs. Padi, no need to be so
formal."
"May the Padi family
flourish under your leadership, just like in its golden days!"
The guests offered their congrattions to Eliza one after another, their voices blending into a lively chorus of well-wishes.
Just then, a loud
announcement came from
outside.
"An envoy from Her Majesty the Queen has arrived! To celebrate the joyous asion of the Holy Lady and the
3/11
15:42 MG
82
+15
Padi family, Her Majesty has sent a hundred gifts: a pair of gold and emerald scepters, gilded enamel bracelets with lotus patterns, luminous ssmps, a string of pearls..."
The endless list of treasures
left the guests murmuring in
amazement.
"Her Majesty truly spares no expense," someone remarked.
Each item was worth a fortune, and together, they were priceless.
Of course, someone let out a faint ''tsk,'' not in admiration but
in irritation. After signaling to
4/11
15:42 MG
82
(415)
his attendant, the moment the
Queen''s envoy finished announcing the gifts, another voice followed immediately.
"His Highness the Prince Regent also presents a hundred gifts: a carved
agarwood disy shelf, a century-old
sandalwood cathedral
miniature, a gilded silver
bamboo-pattern candle
burner, a set of exquisite
emerald figurines..."
Gasps and exmations
rippled through the room once
more.
Eliza turned to Prince Nn, her bright, clear eyes wide with
5/11
15:42 MB
82
+15
disbelief, as if silently asking, ''What are you doing? A hundred gifts? Who even does that?''
It was one thing for Diana to pull such a stunt, but she never expected even the Prince
Regent to show such
overwhelming generosity.
Little did Eliza know, this was
just the beginning.
With the Queen and the Prince Regent setting the tone, the floodgates opened,
and gifts from all corners began pouring
1. in.
Surprisingly, after those two,
6/11
15:42 MG
the most extravagant gifts.
82
(415)
came from Grant Fletcher, the young master of the Fletcher
family from the Ministry of
Revenue.
Then came gifts from the Grand Master Residence, the Henderson family, and
other distinguished families. Nearly every official in the court, both civil and military, sent something.
Even merchants from distant
ces like Plutonville,
Noganlul, and Woteria sent
their gifts, though they couldn''t make it in person.
And, of course, the Duke''s
7/11
15:42 MG
82
(415)
estate sent a token gift, though it was just for show.
Eliza waved her hand with a
bright smile and dered, "Let the feast begin!"
The grand banquet,
meticulously prepared by the butler of the Padi family, Mki, over weeks, was
finally underway.
He was a mix of nerves and
excitement, doing his best to maintain a calm and
Despite his age, he seemed rejuvenated, his face glowing with energy and his
eyes sharp
8/11
15:42 M@
82
(+15)
and full of life.
He wlessly directed the well- trained staff, ensuring every
dish was served on time and every detail was executed perfectly.
The scene was bustling, yet everything flowed seamlessly, like a well-rehearsed performance.
Even when unexpected issues cropped up, they were handled swiftly and without
a hitch.
Under his expert guidance, the Padi family''s first banquet after their resurgence
was nothing short of perfection.
9/11
15:42 MG
But, Eliza knew the banquet was only the beginning.
82
+15
Someone was bound to stir up trouble tonight.
Sure enough, not long after the banquet began, a servant came rushing over,
panic written all over their face. "Mrs. Padi!
Someone''s fallen into the
water!"
15:43M