Rafael often reminisced about the past when he and Salvador shared an open, candid relationship. In those days, any advice or guidance Salvador had to offer was direct and straightforward, without any need for deception.
Luke recalled something, and said, “Your Highness, by His Majesty’s grace, your mother will be moving into the estate in a few days. I’ve already arranged for Elysian Hall to be cleaned and furnished according to her specifications. The total cost came to thirty thousand silver coins.”
Rafael furrowed his brow. “Thirty thousand silver coins? What kind of furniture costs that much?”
He decided to visit Elysian Hall himself. When he arrived, he saw that various types of peonies had been planted in the garden, and a special greenhouse had been constructed. Though it was unnecessary in the summer, it would be useful in winter.
Rafael’s frown deepened. “Have all the orchids been removed?”
Luke followed behind Rafael, and answered cautiously, “They’ve all been relocated. Lady Helen said she doesn’t like orchids because they are prone to mold. She doesn’t want any mildew in her residence.”
Since Rafael had moved into this estate, he had filled the garden with orchids-white orchids, pink orchids, purple orchids, and so on. The air was filled with the delicate fragrance of orchids, reminiscent of being in Meadow Ridge.
Inside the residence, the furniture was neatly arranged and entirely made of mahogany wood. It was hard to believe it would cost thirty thousand silver coins. However, the truly expensive items were the antiques on the display shelves and the paintings on the walls.
The bedroom featured a vanity, a canopied bed, a soft couch, and a chaise lounge, all crafted from mahogany wood with exquisite carvings, matching the quality of the palace furnishings. It was evident Luke had heavily negotiated the thirty thousand silver coins to obtain all these items.
Rafael wasn’t the type to disregard money. He spent wisely and saved when possible. Spending thirty thousand silver coins to decorate a residence seemed excessively lavish to him.
In truth, he had no desire to live with his mother. However, before he set out for his campaign, Salvador had promised that once he had reclaimed the Southern Frontier, it would be a royal favor to allow Helen to reside outside the palace.
While it might sound like a royal favor, the truth was that Salvador was also displeased with how lavishly Helen spent money and her constant interference in the inner palace affairs.
As Helen was Salvador’s aunt and also a concubine of their late father, Salvador couldn’t argue or control her actions; he could only turn a blind eye.
Now that Rafael had returned victorious, he eagerly wished for Helen to move out of the palace as soon as possible, to avoid further trouble within the royal harem.
Helen had been pampered since childhood. Being the youngest daughter in her family, she was cherished by her grandparents and numerous uncles and aunts. After entering the palace, her elder sister, the then-queen consort, showed her extra care. Helen never experienced hardship or suffering in her life.
This indulgence had made her proud and demanding, always wanting the best in everything.
For instance, she couldn’t wear clothes with peony patterns because only the empress dowager and the queen were permitted such decorations. So, she filled her garden with peonies to feel that same sense of honor and status.
“Princess Kiera will likely be coming to the residence with Lady Helen, Luke said. “Should we consider bringing in additional maidservants and servants to attend to them?”
“No need,” Rafael replied. “They aren’t accustomed to outsiders. The current staff know their temperaments and will assist them well.”
Those who had served them for a long time had been thoroughly tested. Randomly selecting new maidservants would not suffice to meet their standards.
“Have preparations been made for Kiera’s residence?” Rafael inquired.
“Yes, it has been arranged. It’s the adjacent Inkwood Hall, and it cost twenty thousand silver coins to decorate.’
At the mention of such substantial amounts, Rafael’s head ached. He had no desire to see it, and replied, ‘Retur to the study. When Jacob returns, have him come find me there.”
“Won’t you rest for a while? You’ve just returned from the battlefield, and you haven’t slept much,” Luke urged.
“I won’t be sleeping,” Rafael said flatly.
He couldn’t rest. His mind was too troubled.
