Chapter 120: Take What’s Mine

Isolde woke up feeling unusually peaceful; no dreams, just restful sleep. She stretched languidly, then instructed her servants to begin packing, her voice tinged with a sad finality as she announced her move to Paletin Manor.

News of her departure spread quickly, reaching Blesertin. Vance, full of self-satisfaction, declared, “It was all about pressuring Geoffrey. The moment he said something, that little bitch is packing up and leaving.” He added, "We said we’d be thrown out if we weren’t wanted—well, now it’s her walking out.”

Prudence’s face softened slightly, though she pondered for a moment before replying, “Leaving might be out of anger, but it will reflect badly on us if she simply walks out like that. We’ll need to come up with a reason to explain this to everyone.”

Priscilla, with a malicious grin, chimed in, “That’s simple enough. We’ve always said she’s entangled with Doug. Now, with no home to go to, she’s moving to Paletein Manor. She’s basically confirming it herself.”

“Exactly, Mother! Let’s spread the word. Make sure there’s no way for her to recover her reputation,” Vance said eagerly.

Prudence gave him a sideways glance. “You focus too much on household matters. Go out and mingle with Geoffrey. Once Isolde leaves, I’ll make sure Geoffrey hears my side and find you a decent position.”

Vance grinned. “Mother, I heard Doug offered Clark a job at the Parliamentary Library. He didn’t take it. Do you think Geoffrey could pull some strings for me and get me the position?”

“The Parliamentary Library might be great, but it’s more of an academic job. You won’t be able to do much there. It’s better if Geoffrey arranges something in the Imperial Departments for you,” Prudence replied.

“Imperial Departments? Can we even get in? Geoffrey’s influence isn’t that strong, is it? Right now, he’s just a deputy overseeing the courthouse, and Lord Garraway has him under his thumb,” Vance sneered.

“Lord Garraway is different from other princes. After the Queen Dowager took charge, the rule about princes not being allowed to serve in government was lifted. Don’t underestimate Geoffrey. He was made a duke for a reason,” Prudence said, though in her heart, she didn’t fully believe it. But she had to use this as a lesson for her son.

Vance scoffed. “When Geoffrey was made Duke, many other generals were also given titles. His duke title is barely worth mentioning compared to those with real power, like the military nobles.”

Priscilla smiled sweetly and added, “Vance, listen to your mother. Geoffrey may just be a deputy, but he has years of connections. If he arranges a position for you in the Imperial Departments, work hard, and your future will be bright.”

Vance grimaced. “Getting into the Imperial Departments is fine, but if it’s just a minor post, what good will that do? I need to be a Senior Bureau Director or Deputy Bureau Director for it to mean anything.”

Prudence laughed. “You’re dreaming! With your qualifications, you think you can become a Senior Bureau Director? You need to aim lower.”

“Well, I’ll try anyway. After all, I have to rely on others,” Vance said, shaking Prudence’s hand. “Mother, Geoffrey always listens to you. If you just offer him some silver, he’ll surely help me.”

“Alright, alright,” Prudence said thoughtfully. “I’ll give him some silver. You’re right—if you’re just a low-ranking official in Argentinum, you’ll be invisible. It’s better to invest some silver and get a good position.”

Vance beamed. “Thank you, Mother.”

Priscilla’s smile widened in satisfaction. She stood up and said, “I’ll go check if that little wench really is leaving.”

As Priscilla stepped into the courtyard, she saw Isolde surrounded by Esme, Hattie, Hazel, and two other maids, all greeting her. Isolde held a small black dog in her arms; its sharp teeth bared, giving off an intimidating aura.

Priscilla scoffed. “Oh, Isolde, weren’t you leaving? Why come over in such a grand procession?”

Isolde smiled slightly. “I am leaving, but I wanted to come and say goodbye to Prudence and handle some matters.”

“There’s nothing to handle here. This household has always been managed by my mother. You can leave now,” Priscilla snapped.

Isolde stepped forward with a calm smile. “Well, there’s one thing I need to handle—my mother’s dowry.”

Prudence, hearing Isolde’s words from inside, sat up slowly and looked at her with an icy gaze. “Your mother’s dowry? What’s there to hand over? She was married into the Duke’s estate. The dowry belongs to the Duke’s estate.”

Isolde sat down, cradling Leonis in her lap. She smiled brightly. “That statement… is utterly shameless.” She turned to Esme. “Esme, tell Prudence what the law in the Eryndral Empire says about a woman’s dowry.”

Esme answered flatly, “A woman’s dowry, given by her family, is considered personal property. If she’s divorced, she can take her dowry with her. If she dies, the dowry goes to her biological children. If there are no children, it’s split between the family of the husband and the family of the wife.”

Isolde smiled faintly. “Alright then. In that case, please invite the Registrar-General to come over with the official seal. I want to have my mother’s dowry turned from unofficial white contracts to official red-sealed deeds.”

Priscilla snorted. “Such grandiosity! Calling the Registrar-General? If it needs to be done, it has to be handled at the court, not with you calling people to your door. Have you no shame?”

Isolde calmly responded, “Of course, the court handles it. But with the contracts in Prudence’s hands, without them, nothing can be done.”

Esme spoke up. “We’ll need a witness too. How about we invite the Marchioness of Greystone to witness the proceedings?”

“That sounds perfect. Thank you, Esme,” Isolde said, her hand gently stroking Leonis’s head with a sweet smile.

Prudence’s eyes narrowed at Isolde. Her expression was filled with cold malice. But as Esme turned to leave, Prudence suddenly laughed. “Isolde, what witnesses? We’re family. Your mother’s dowry will be returned to you when you marry. There’s nothing to fight about here. It’s just that I’ve been holding onto it for you.”

Isolde looked up and said with a cold smile, “No need to trouble yourself. I’ll be leaving soon, and the Duke’s estate will no longer be my home. Since I’m leaving, what’s mine, I’ll be taking with me.”

Priscilla, no longer acting cold and haughty, smiled as she approached Isolde, saying, “Look at you, making up all these stories. Who’s sending you away? Your grandmother wouldn’t let anyone kick you out. Stay here, and we’ll have your grandmother talk to your father about it.”

As she spoke, Priscilla reached for Isolde’s shoulder. Suddenly, Leonis sprang into action, biting her sleeve. Priscilla screamed in shock and pulled back, yelling, “You little beast!”