Chapter 144: Pablo’s Return
Isolde hugged the painting to her chest and closed her eyes, unaware of the pair of eyes watching her from behind the bookshelf. The person's face was etched with despair, as if struck speechless and frozen by a lightning bolt.
For a long time, Isolde slowly laid the painting on the desk, gazing at it with a mixture of laughter and tears. Kneeling before it, her voice trembled, “Thank you for bringing me into this world. If there is a next life, I will be your daughter again, to fulfill the filial duties I didn't finish in this one.”
“If you were still alive, I would be the happiest person in the world. No matter what hardships or storms life throws at me, I would fear nothing.”
“If you have a spirit, surely you wouldn't want to abandon the baby that was just born. You would have stayed by my side, growing up with me, right?”
“When I was in the manor, there was always a butterfly that would stop at my vanity… Was it you?”
“On my eighth birthday, I fell down the hill, but I wasn’t hurt at all. Was that you protecting me?”
“Before I came to Argentum, I dreamt for several nights. A voice said, ‘Isolde, we are home.’ Was it you?”
“Now I’m home, are you here with me?”
One question after another, softly spoken, as though she were conversing with the unseen. But there was no reply.
After a long pause, Isolde stood, staring at the painting for a while longer before reluctantly rolling it up and putting it away. She opened the other wooden boxes, revealing elegant and luxurious jewelry that seemed to belong to her mother. She carefully packed it all away. She opened a few more drawers, filled with everyday items—cups, handkerchiefs, accessories, purses, and sachets. Quietly, she picked up a sachet, slipped it into her sleeve pocket, locked the drawer, and left.
Geoffrey slowly emerged from behind the bookshelf. A secret room was hidden there. Today, with Pablo's return to the capital and the King's banquet, Geoffrey had gone home to change clothes and come to the secret room to find his belt. He hadn't expected to see Isolde.
He had once thought Isolde weak, then cold and distant. She often used her mother as a weapon against him, but he had never imagined she could feel anything for a mother she had never met, never interacted with. Seeing this scene, he was stunned. Someone had once told him that a mother and daughter share an unbreakable bond, an innate connection.
Chapter 144: Pablo’s Return
The celebratory banquet was held at Armryett Hall.
After being received at the city gate, Pablo walked with the King and Queen Mother to the imperial study, where they spoke for hours. The King instructed that Pablo stay for the banquet before returning home.
The victorious generals were highly respected; during times of external strife, their status was exalted. Pablo had earned tremendous military honors, standing alongside Harrison Porter and Garrett as elite warriors of the empire. Garrett was the tiger, Harrison the lion, and Pablo, the leopard—silent, poised to strike without mercy. In the past, there had also been an eagle: Douglas.
The banquet had been long in preparation. The King, known for his frugality, had never thrown lavish feasts. But today, the King was particularly joyful, so even the wine was rare and valuable—a royal treasure. Rumor had it that the Queen Mother had even brought out her private collection of homemade grape wine, and all the wine cups were made of jade.
Geoffrey had witnessed such spectacles before, celebrating with other generals after returning from war. The grandeur of that feast could be compared to this one, but back then, he had been a main figure. Today, he was merely happy for others.
When Pablo emerged from the imperial study with the King, the court officials cheered. Still in his armor, Pablo was imposing, a little worn, but clearly triumphant. His sun-darkened skin and eyes gleamed with pride as he accepted their praises.
After the congratulations, Geoffrey stepped forward. “Congratulations, Pablo, on your victorious return.”
Pablo smiled broadly. “Mr. Langley, no need for such formalities. Half the reason I rushed back was to settle the marriage arrangements for our two children.”
Geoffrey froze. Did Pablo not know? Had Margaret not written to him? Geoffrey didn’t think this was the time to discuss it. He forced a smile. “You’ve worked hard.”
“What hard work?” Pablo laughed heartily. “I’m happy to be home.”
But Geoffrey wasn’t happy. He cared for Isolde, but after all, she was his daughter. The cancellation of the marriage was a slap in the face.
“Let’s talk about the marriage later,” Geoffrey said. “Today is your day of celebration. Let’s not bring up anything that could dampen the mood.”
He hoped to brush the matter aside, but his words betrayed his true feelings. Pablo frowned. “Dampen the mood? What do you mean?”
Geoffrey hesitated to explain when someone called out, “The Queen Mother is here.”
Chapter 144: Pablo’s Return
Both Pablo and Geoffrey quickly stepped forward to greet her.
After the Prince Regent took the throne, the court went through several power shifts. In the end, the Queen Dowager, despite the turmoil, married Bradley—a union arrived at after many twists and turns.
For years, the Queen Dowager remained absent from court affairs, living outside the palace. She returned only recently. Despite her remarriage to the Prince Regent, her reputation in court remained strong. The King still honored her as Queen Mother and even bestowed the title of “King Emeritus” upon Bradley.
Today, she was dressed in the formal robes of the Queen Mother, adorned with a diamond tiara. Two delicate golden winged hairpins swayed with each movement, exuding elegance and feminine charm. She looked exceptionally well-preserved, barely appearing older than twenty or thirty.
Accompanying her were Rosemary and General Graeme Greene’s wife, Elisa. Rumors had circulated that Rosemary was a serpent demon and Elisa a fox demon. Of course, these were just rumors, spun by those who couldn't accept the rise of two women, once servants, now married to prominent ministers and remarkably beautiful. People were quick to create fantastical tales to explain how women of such humble origins could surpass those born into nobility, especially when their beauty seemed to sway men of power.
Everyone eagerly wondered if Bradley would appear tonight. It had been a long time since he last showed himself publicly. Today’s celebration, marking Pablo’s victorious return, was a cause for joy. After all, Pablo had once served under Bradley.