Chapter 325
Lily invited the staff from Elegance Atelier to an outdoor meal. The banquet was already set up; everyone needed to eat early as the bride would depart in the evening. After the meal, some Elegance Atelier staff would accompany the wedding procession to Hell Monarch Estate.
After the nuptial wine, the bride and groom would offer wine to their elders as a sign of respect. Given the numerous guests at Hell Monarch Estate and the constant movement during the traditional ceremonies, it was crucial to have someone on hand to ensure the bride's makeup remained intact.
At three in the afternoon, the dowry was sent out. The sound of drums filled the air as the Sinclair family's younger members personally carried the dowry. With sixty-four loads of valuables and treasures, including a precious painting by Kyle, it was a spectacular sight.
Silverstone Estate and Northwatch Estate were only two streets apart, and the Earl of Silverstone's family was also dispatching their dowry at the same hour.
Viola, already dressed in her wedding attire, awaited Barrett and his entourage to collect her after the dowry's departure. She had sent someone to check if Carissa's dowry had also been dispatched and if it matched the sixty-four loads. Her maid, Yvonne, counted and confirmed there were indeed sixty-four loads. Viola smiled.
"Hmph, even the esteemed Duke's daughter has a less impressive dowry than mine."
She hadn't anticipated the value of Carissa's dowry, expecting only the usual items.
Just as Viola felt a surge of pride, the loud sound of drums announced: "The Spencer family from Ebonflow has added to General Sinclair's trousseau—fifty bolts of brocade, three sets of gold and emerald headpieces, a pair of crystal figurines, and eighteen pairs of stag and dove motif bangles."
Viola was startled. Who was making such a commotion? Could this be a joke?
Before she could investigate, another loud announcement echoed: "The Emerald Guild has added to General Sinclair's trousseau—two obsidian blades, one spear, a gold and emerald knife, and a box of gold and silver jewelry." The voice, clearly amplified by inner force, was even louder and more resonant than the drums.
The area's noble families rushed out to see. Indeed, people were carrying large chests behind the procession. The first batch, carefully held in both hands, contained clearly extremely valuable items. The second batch consisted mostly of weapons, also held in both hands and tied with white and gold silk ribbons. This batch seemed to belong to individuals from the martial world.
"From the Crystal Bloom Guild to Lady Sinclair, to add to her trousseau: a moonstone figurine of the Lord, two rosewood partition screens, ten bolts of luxurious brocade…"
Hearing these announcements, Carissa shivered in disbelief. She ordered, "Quick, go see if Violet, Bun, Rod, and Cynthia are here… Lulu? Where's Lulu?"
Lulu had already dashed out, running after the dowry procession, sobbing. Didn't they say they wouldn't come? Why did they only appear when the dowry procession was leaving? It caused Carissa unnecessary distress!
Just as Lulu was about to catch up, the sound of drums rang out again: "From the Lunar Guild to Lady Sinclair, to add to her trousseau—a top-class martial arts expert as a bodyguard, eighteen jars of rose wine, and ten bolts of silk…"
Carissa almost cried. The Lunar Guild, Travis's guild, was known for its poverty, all-female members, and struggles with even rent. They had sent a martial arts expert (most likely Travis), and she adored rose wine. They had also provided ten bolts of silk—enough to make the Lunar Guild go without proper food for two months!
"From the Inferno Guild, to add to Lady Sinclair's trousseau: one jar of Mystic Pearls, three natural emerald ornaments, one harp, ten classical string scores, eighteen rubies, eighteen sapphires, and ten sets of woven bedding…"
Carissa's eyes reddened. The Inferno Guild was Violet's faction. Wasn't the Spencer family's addition enough? Now the Inferno Guild had to add as well?
The onlookers were stunned by the extravagant dowries, especially from the Inferno Guild. The gifts were not ordinary items but priceless and rare treasures.