Chapter 146: Returning to the Manor
Today, Pablo returned to Argentum, his arrival having been announced to the Valen family. Margaret had made preparations, eagerly awaiting her husband's return. She had carefully planned her words to cancel the engagement. While not perfect, she understood Pablo's temperament—he valued appearances and wouldn't likely question things afterward. She was prepared for his anger, knowing it flared quickly and subsided just as fast. After all, the engagement was already broken; further turmoil was unnecessary.
However, William was uneasy. His greatest fear was his father. He had summoned Agnes back to the manor early, hoping she could intercede if Pablo lost his temper. Seeing William drenched in sweat, Agnes laughed. “Come now, Father is fierce, but his temper is fleeting. A few lashes, and it'll be over.”
William, terrified, replied, “You make it sound easy, but his lashes are unbearable. You've never been on the receiving end. I've been whipped by him before—three lashes, and I thought I would die.”
Eleanor, overhearing, was shocked. “Pablo really beats you? But you're his son! Surely he wouldn't…”
“Surely?!” William glared. “He'd kill me if he had to.”
“Don’t worry,” Eleanor reassured him. “I'll stand in front of you. Pablo wouldn't dare strike me, would he?”
“Please don’t,” Agnes interjected coldly. Since Milton's downfall, Agnes disliked Eleanor intensely, finding everything about her irritating. She couldn't voice this, especially since she had once encouraged Eleanor's marriage into the Valen family.
Eleanor dismissed their concerns. “The engagement is broken. As for Isolde, she's wild and crude. Everyone knows that. How can she compare to me?” She added confidently, “If I behave well, Pablo will definitely change his mind.”
“Mother, have you figured out what to say?” William asked anxiously, glancing at Margaret, who had been silent.
Margaret spoke, her tone measured. “We can't deny our mistakes. Before we speak, you must kneel and apologize. Admit it was a moment of foolishness, that we didn't want to harm Miss Langley, which is why we broke the engagement. Don't say anything else. Just kneel and confess. Leave the rest to me. Agnes, add how Isolde caused trouble in the manor, even trying to kill someone. Pablo dislikes vicious women; learning Isolde attempted murder will drastically change his opinion.”
“That’s right,” Agnes agreed.
Margaret looked at the group, her gaze settling on Eleanor. “When Pablo returns, stay out of sight. Your presence will only worsen things and might get William further punished.”
Eleanor felt resentment but remained silent, suppressing her frustration. “I’ll stay out of sight, as you wish.”
Margaret’s patience was wearing thin. “I've told you not to appear, so don't argue. Do you understand?”
Eleanor swallowed her anger and replied meekly, “Yes.”
Margaret’s voice softened. “At the end of the day, we were wrong. But Agnes, if your father isn't too angry, you must explain that William wasn't initially interested in Isolde but agreed to the engagement out of respect for his father. These words should only be spoken if Pablo isn't furious. If he's angry, don't say them.”
Agnes smiled widely. “You’re always so thorough, Mother. We made a mistake, but if we blame Father, saying he forced the engagement without considering William's wishes, it will explain everything.”
“Exactly. Choose the right moment,” Margaret advised.
Agnes patted William’s hand reassuringly. “See? Mother has already thought it through. What’s there to worry about?”
William felt slightly better but couldn't shake the image of his father's stern face. His fear lingered.
A servant burst in, announcing, “Pablo has arrived at the western gate!”
The western gate was the entrance to the Valen family's street, and people were already stationed there awaiting his arrival.
Margaret immediately stood, smoothing her hair and calling out, “Line up! Let's welcome Pablo back in triumph!”
She led the family and servants outside. Eleanor tried to follow, but Agnes stopped her. “Stay inside. Don't rush. Father will see you when he's ready.”
Eleanor's heart burned with injustice. She had to stay inside while even the servants greeted Pablo.
Margaret led the family to the entrance, where they waited. Torches were set up every ten steps along the street, casting a bright glow. Crowds eager to greet Pablo lined the street, cheering as he approached.
Riding a majestic horse, wearing gleaming armor, Pablo was flanked by his generals. The crowd cheered as he acknowledged them. His presence stirred the people, and they greeted him with even more enthusiasm.
Margaret watched with pride as her husband, hailed by the people, was celebrated as a hero. This man, whom she had set her sights on years ago, had risen to greatness, and she had stood by him through it all. As his figure grew clearer, Margaret’s eyes misted over. He had finally returned safely.
When Pablo reached the manor gates, he dismounted, saluted the cheering crowd, and Margaret. Margaret, eyes brimming with tears, clutched her handkerchief and gazed at his strong features. “You’ve finally come back,” she whispered.
“Yes, I’m home,” Pablo replied, his tone unchanged, as if nothing extraordinary had happened.
Margaret knew he wouldn't understand the situation; no one would bring it up at such a celebration. He had returned victorious, and no one would dare tarnish his triumph with personal matters.
“Father,” William and Agnes stepped forward. Agnes beamed at Pablo, but William looked uneasy.
Pablo nodded. “Ah, Agnes is back too? You two, come forward and greet your uncles.” The household generals, residing in the manor, were also present. William and Agnes, however, had always treated them as little more than household servants, despite their army ranks. But now, as family servants, things had changed.