Chapter 101: I Did It

Isolde looked at Rosemary and said sincerely, “Lady Rosemary, thank you for everything you’ve done for me.” Rosemary’s expression was indifferent. “It has nothing to do with you. I can’t stand these dirty tricks.” Isolde wanted to talk about her mother, but with Princess Aveline present and people continually arriving, she stopped herself. Isolde got up, bowed, and left. She didn’t reappear until the banquet. She had changed into light clothes and combed her hair into a bun. Her eyes were sleepy, and she looked as though she had slept.

The ladies at the banquet watched a show. Prudence had invited an opera troupe famous in Argentum, so everyone enjoyed it and wanted more. The men and women were separated; Geoffrey brought a group of male guests to dine in the main hall, while the madams and young ladies were in the side hall. Although only a door separated them, they could only hear, not see, each other.

The first course was caviar. Argentum’s noblewomen favored caviar, believing it a holy item to improve sleep and complexion. However, disparities arose when it was served. Even the plates differed; Aveline, Rosemary, Margaret, and Vanessa’s were silver, adorned with exquisite flowers, and larger than the others’. The plates for the hostesses—Prudence, Priscilla, Matilda, Isolde, and a few other ladies of the Duke’s estate—were also slightly larger than those of the guests. The contrast was so obvious that anyone with a discerning eye could see it instantly. No one spoke, but all looked unhappy. Prudence noticed. Her face shifted slightly, and she gave Priscilla a look. Priscilla immediately left the dining table.

At that moment, Aveline, not understanding the situation, said, “I’m not a fan of caviar. Lady Vandenberg, shall we exchange?” Rebecca smiled coldly, glancing indifferently at Prudence. “There’s no need. I know my position. Lady Prudence has arranged the food; it’s best not to break the rules.” Those words made the ladies indignant; some even considered leaving. Prudence endured the silence, unable to defend herself; she couldn’t reveal the servants had acted independently. They wouldn’t dare.

Then, laughter erupted from the main hall—men’s and women’s laughter, impudent and boisterous. Occasionally, they heard women singing charmingly. Everyone was puzzled. All the male guests were outside; where did the women come from?

Chapter 101: I Did It

Rebecca stood up and lifted the curtain to peek. Her face turned purple with anger. She saw several young women in provocative clothing at the banquet. Judging by their pretty, seductive faces, they were not from respectable families. Besides the Royal Court officials, there were young heirs to wealthy families. Though composed, their eyes drifted toward the women. Rebecca snorted loudly. Seeing this, everyone stood to look.

Prudence had no idea what was happening. She signaled a maid to investigate. When the maid returned, she whispered something to Prudence. Prudence was so furious her fingertips trembled. “Lady Prudence, you are so kind and generous. However, we cannot enjoy this. Goodbye!” Rebecca was the first to leave.

Prudence’s face darkened. She stood to explain, but Rebecca was quick, lifting the curtain and exiting. As soon as Rebecca left, the other madams and their daughters stood and departed without farewells. Margaret, appearing ready to leave, stood, bid farewell, and exited with her maid, head held high. Aveline exchanged meaningful glances with Isolde before bidding farewell to Rosemary, Estelle, and the others.

Only the Duke’s estate remained when Priscilla returned. She told Prudence, “I’ve inquired. The kitchen said Isolde ordered the caviar to be classified.” Prudence’s sharp gaze swept Isolde’s face. Isolde slowly tasted the caviar. Her lips were stained; she clicked her tongue in satisfaction. “Priscilla brought this caviar back from Caelmont, right? It’s indeed superior to Argentum’s.”

With the guests outside, Prudence couldn’t lose her composure. Instead, she said coldly, “Bring Lady Isolde to Blesertin.” She stood and left the side hall. Prudence’s back was straight, but her shoulders trembled despite her attempt to suppress her anger. Priscilla hurriedly supported her and glared coldly at Isolde. Isolde wiped her mouth, stood with a smile, and turned to Matilda, Michelle, and Nicole. “Enjoy your meal. Grandmother cannot leave me for a while.” A roguish smile curled her lips, yet a chill lingered in her eyes.

Matilda was shocked. She lowered her voice and said to Michelle, “It’s better not to provoke this nasty girl.” Michelle lowered her veil slowly and said indifferently, “Whether we provoke her or not, she won’t let us off.”

Chapter 101: I Did It

Martha was furious. “Who does she think she is? How dare she defy Grandmother? She’s insufferable!”

Nicole frowned and sighed softly; her thoughts differed from the others’. She only wanted to marry and silence those who gossiped about her age.

Isolde followed Prudence and Priscilla to Blesertin. Prudence sat in her armchair, staring at Isolde with a dignified expression. She said sternly, “On your knees!”

“What did I do wrong?” Isolde asked, remaining standing.

Priscilla fumed. “How dare you ask what you’ve done wrong? Why did you tell the servants to classify the caviar? And what about those women in the main hall? Weren’t you the one who caused all the trouble? You deliberately ruined your grandmother’s banquet!”

Isolde smiled. “That’s right. I did it, but isn’t this in accordance with your preferences, Grandmother? You’ve always cared about status hierarchy. As for the women outside, I summoned them. Otherwise, how could it demonstrate your warmth and hospitality, Grandmother?”

Prudence slammed the table. “What do you think the Duke’s estate is? A brothel? You’ve embarrassed me, your father, and the Duke’s estate!”

Isolde said coldly, “You don’t want embarrassment, but what about me? Fooling around with my master? Marrying without family approval? The coconut water in the Pearl Tower? Have you ever cared about me? Your plans were good. If any had succeeded today, I would have to return to Windermount, right? If I don’t act, what awaits me? My mother’s secret lover? My biological father?”

Isolde’s voice was icy but filled with anger. She had always believed Prudence would care about her status and avoid underhanded tactics. She had overestimated her; Prudence’s methods were even dirtier than Matilda’s.

“What nonsense are you talking about?” Priscilla was furious.