Chapter 113: Caught Her Eyes

+8 Pearls

Isolde sighed softly, her voice tinged with regret. “Prudence is getting on in years; her health isn’t what it used to be. Tattle, go to the apothecary and bring back a detoxifying, fire-clearing medicine for her. Tell her it’s my act of filial piety.”

Hattie chuckled softly. “A detoxifying medicine, huh? Seems like that’s exactly what she needs.”

Esme scoffed, a dark edge to her voice. “To think that a grandmother would speak of such things to her own granddaughter. It’s not just poison; her heart is rotten to the core.”

Hattie grinned. “Mr. Becker’s move is truly satisfying.”

Esme’s eyes narrowed as she glanced at Isolde. “It could have been even worse, but he’s holding back out of consideration for Geoffrey. Otherwise, he’d have had the Queen Mother handle the marriage. Prudence wouldn’t have lasted long.”

“The Queen Mother would never arrange such a thing,” Hattie said, raising an eyebrow.

Esme smiled faintly, a knowing glint in her eyes. “You think so? The Queen Mother is a playful person, and she despises those within the household who try to manipulate things.”

Isolde, recalling her past life, had always thought of the Queen Mother as cold and stern. The idea of her being playful was something she hadn’t considered before.

“The Queen Mother knows Isolde,” Esme added with a significant look.

Isolde raised an eyebrow. “Naturally. I saved Lord Theodric, and I heard it was the Queen Mother who rewarded me for it.”

Esme shook her head. “It’s not quite like that. In time, you’ll understand.”

Isolde looked at her, a puzzled frown forming. “Esme, could you be more clear?”

Esme smiled. “If I explained it all, there’d be no fun in it. Let’s focus on what needs to be done. When the Queen Mother’s will arrives, you’ll know it. It will be clear.”

Turning to Hattie, she instructed, “Deliver the detoxifying medicine to Prudence and give a dose to Priscilla as well. Let her know I appreciate her five million and the coffee—let it give her some peace of mind.”

“Five million?” Hattie and Hazel’s eyes widened in shock, and even the servants nearby stared in awe, giving Esme a thumbs-up. “Esme, you’re impressive!”

Esme smiled warmly, then, as if it were all part of the plan, she reached into her sleeve and pulled out several gifts, handing them out. Britney, eager to see what she had received, stared wide-eyed. “Does this really weigh two thousand of silver?”

“Two thousand,” Esme replied with a grin, before producing more gifts. “These are for the other servants in the estate—consider them a reward from the Pearl Tower.”

Noelle, watching this spectacle, couldn’t help but ask, “Esme, how big is your sleeve? How do you fit so many things in there?”

Esme chuckled. “You’d be surprised at what can fit.”

Chapter 113: Caught Her Eyes

“You shouldn’t let you bear the expense.”

“Expense?” Esme laughed. “What’s a little spending when I’ve earned it today? Take it and let everyone enjoy.” Her expression then turned serious. “Managing the inner house, or the harem, requires both favor and authority. Favor must be given, but authority must also be established. Right now, Prudence holds the reins in the Duke’s estate. Fortunately, she’s been absent for two years, and there aren’t many loyal to her. It’s the perfect time to take advantage of this.”

Isolde nodded seriously. “Thank you for your help.”

By evening, the servants were coming in one by one to thank Isolde for their gifts. Naturally, with a former palace eunuch now in their midst, everyone was eager to come and pay their respects.

The Pearl Tower had never been this lively before, and it had certainly never seen this much attention.

That evening, Geoffrey returned home, and Esme went to meet him. Since she had now officially entered the Duke’s estate, she needed to pay her respects to the head of the household.

Geoffrey, unaware that Daniel was actually Esme, was informed by his servants that a palace eunuch had requested to see him. He had no choice but to invite them into his study.

When Esme entered, she bowed low. “Your humble servant pays her respects to Geoffrey.”

Geoffrey quickly stood, gesturing for her to sit. “No need for such formalities, please, take a seat.”

Esme’s rank, being a palace official who had served the Queen Mother, commanded respect, and Geoffrey knew better than to treat her lightly.

“I beg forgiveness for my actions today,” Esme said.

Geoffrey was taken aback. “What do you mean?”

Esme smirked, her eyes gleaming. “That eunuch today? It was me.”

The eunuch who had caused all this commotion had been none other than a high-ranking palace official from the Queen Mother’s court.

“You needn’t blame Mr. Becker,” Esme said with a knowing smile. “None of this was his doing.”

Geoffrey’s expression shifted. “If not Mr. Becker’s doing, then whose was it?”

Esme’s voice softened. “From Lord Theodric to the execution of Milton, the Queen Mother is fully aware of everything. She has been paying attention to the Duke’s estate for quite some time now. The Queen Mother has always said that some people are born to do great things. They aren’t suited for schemes or plots, and should never waste time on them. That’s why I’m here.”

Geoffrey stared at her, processing the weight of her words. He wasn’t sure he agreed. “A woman? What great things can a woman do?”

Esme remained calm. “The Queen Mother sees things clearly. Geoffrey, you were once a formidable figure, but since Prunella’s death, you’ve faltered. The Empire lost a great general because of it.”

Hearing this, Geoffrey felt a pang of sorrow. The glory of his past seemed so far away now.

Chapter 113: Caught Her Eyes

“Yes, I have disappointed the Queen Mother,” he said quietly.

Esme nodded, her expression solemn. “The Queen Mother said that if you clear your path, you could regain that former glory.”

Geoffrey’s voice grew firm. “There’s no clouding my path. I will serve Reynald Ringnice with all I have.”

Looking at Esme, he added, “As for the matters within the Duke’s care, Prudence is very wary. You, considering her age, don’t let petty disputes…are?”

Esme let out a soft sigh. “What I have seen in the palace…What I know is that to truly govern, one must be objective, without bias. Only then can one remain just.”

She stood up, bowed, and said, “I’ll take my leave now.”

Geoffrey nodded, though his mind was far from settled.

After Esme left, Harlan entered, asking, “Would you like to dine or visit Prudence for…?”

“Is there soup?” Geoffrey asked, his appetite nonexistent.

“Mrs. Langley has prepared soup for you,” Harlan replied.

Geoffrey shook his head. “No, I’ll just eat something simple.”