Chapter 152 Inquiring About Oliver’s Situation +8 Pearls

After chatting with Pablo for a while, Prudence turned to Isolde and said, “Isolde, don’t worry too much about Braden. I’m already working on it and have reached out to a few important people. We should hear something soon.”

Isolde had been waiting for Prudence to speak, genuinely curious about how she would broach the topic. She hadn’t expected Prudence to use her as an opening gambit.

Indeed, Pablo had come to apologize, and the best way to make amends was to solve the problems of the person being apologized to. Isolde’s current worry was Braden. Once Pablo heard of her concern, he would certainly ask and likely offer his help. That way, Pablo would have successfully made amends without owing anything to the Langley family, and Braden would be safely released.

It seemed like a perfect situation, all at Isolde’s expense.

Sure enough, when Pablo heard Prudence mention Isolde’s concerns, he immediately asked, “What’s troubling you, Isolde? Tell me, perhaps I can help?”

Isolde lifted her eyes but hadn’t yet spoken when Prudence sighed and said, “Oh, it’s her brother, causing trouble as usual. He’s been reckless and got into a fight, ended up making enemies. Now he’s been caught and locked up at the courthouse, facing a possible sentence. We’re trying to pull some strings to get him out, but really, it’s just a small matter—nothing to trouble you about, Pablo.”

Prudence always referred to minor problems as coming from Duke’s estate, and only when talking about routine matters did she use the Langley family name. By saying it was a “small matter,” she was really hinting that it depended on whether Pablo was willing to help.

Pablo chuckled when he heard, “Fighting among young people? What’s the big deal? I’ll…”

Isolde quickly interrupted him, “When Pablo was Braden’s age, I’m sure he was already out there making a name for himself in the army. A person isn’t polished without hardship. I think this time, getting caught is just the lesson he needs. It’s a wake-up call. Maybe now he’ll stop hanging around with bad company and ruining his future.”

“Shut your mouth!” Priscilla, furious that Pablo was about to agree, snapped at Isolde, pointing an angry finger at her.

Pablo froze, glancing quickly at Isolde, who had lowered her gaze, her face cold and indifferent. Priscilla, on the other hand, had spoken with such sharp venom, it was clear this was no passing anger—it was her usual attitude.

As he pieced it all together, Pablo realized that both Prudence and Priscilla had come for Braden’s sake. He detested being used, but since Prudence was an elder, he kept his displeasure in check and smiled. “Hmm, you’re right. Young people need a little hardship to grow. You’re absolutely right, Isolde.”

Prudence shot a sharp look at Isolde, her gaze cutting across her face like a blade. Then, with a calm voice, she said, “You make a valid point.”

Pablo added, “Prudence, don’t worry too much. Many years from now, when he thinks back on today, he’ll realize it was for his own good.”

Prudence felt a wave of frustration rise within her. Good for him? Who would say being locked up is good for anyone?

Priscilla glared at Isolde with malice. If looks could kill, Isolde would have been dead a thousand times over.

Isolde, unfazed, smiled faintly and said, “I’ve heard Pablo is fond of dogs. I have a little dog at home. Would you like to see it?”

Pablo, sensing the tension, smiled and replied, “Ah, I do love dogs. Let’s go, I’d be happy to take a look.”

He stood, giving a polite bow to Prudence. “Prudence, please excuse me.”

Prudence managed a stiff smile, “Pablo, please.”

Isolde led the way, walking past Priscilla. Priscilla, seething with frustration, grabbed Isolde’s arm, her nails digging into her skin. With a mock smile, she said, “Isolde, Pablo is our guest. I’ve asked the kitchen to prepare some food. Please stay for lunch.”

Isolde gave a soft smile, silently channeling her energy into her arm. Priscilla immediately felt a sharp pain shoot from her fingers all the way to her shoulder. She recoiled in surprise and fury, letting go of Isolde’s arm, staring at her with a look of astonishment and rage.

“Then I’ll leave it to you, Priscilla,” Isolde said with a smile, walking off.

Pablo, watching from behind, felt an uncomfortable shift in the atmosphere. He was displeased, recalling how, earlier at the estate, his wife had mentioned her misplaced trust in Matilda. Now, seeing how the women at Duke’s estate behaved, it seemed like they were no better than any of the other petty schemers.

He disliked these household intrigues and, with a sense of finality, walked out of the room, determined to leave.

He headed straight to the Pearl Tower, where Hattie and Hazel greeted him warmly.

Pablo, surprised, asked, “Aren’t you two with Oliver? What are you doing here?”

“We were sent by the general to protect Miss,” they replied.

Pablo nodded, smiling. Ah, so Oliver really does have this in mind after all. That’s good to know.

Isolde had invited him to the Pearl Tower not only to avoid the awkwardness with the other women but also because she wanted to ask Pablo about Oliver’s current situation.

After Pablo had been seated, Isolde, with no shame, asked, “Oliver’s been in Eastonburg for a while now, but I’m not sure if everything’s been settled. Could you possibly inquire about it?”

Pablo, recalling his conversation with the King yesterday in the Imperial Study, remembered hearing that Oliver had been sent on official business, but he hadn’t asked where exactly. He had been too focused on reporting on military affairs.

Now, he answered, “Tomorrow, I’ll stop by the Princess’s estate and then head to the palace to ask. If it’s something the King personally assigned him, he should report directly to His Majesty. I’m sure there’s a letter of confirmation. I trust Oliver with this work.”

He glanced at Isolde with a smile. “It seems like you’re quite concerned about him.”

Isolde’s cheeks flushed slightly as she replied, “Well, we’ve been through life and death together. It’s only natural to care.”

“Life and death together? How so?” Pablo asked, taken aback.

Isolde then explained the incident where Lord Theodric had been captured, and Pablo, listening intently, praised her. “Isolde, you truly are a woman of steel. Remarkable.”

Isolde humbly replied, “Compared to you, Pablo, this is nothing.”

Pablo sighed, “If you had a son, he would undoubtedly be a great warrior on the battlefield. It’s such a shame…”

Isolde just smiled, silently. In her past life, she had been a warrior too.

After a brief conversation, Pablo declined to stay for lunch, opting instead to leave. He had other matters to attend to, including the engagement annulment with Geoffrey.

He left Duke’s estate, heading straight for the palace. The King wasn’t holding court today, and was instead meeting with his ministers in the council hall. When the King heard that Pablo had arrived and was waiting, he instructed his attendants to have him wait in the Imperial Study, where he would join him shortly.

Pablo waited for about half an hour. When the King arrived, Pablo quickly rose to greet him.

“No need for formalities,” the King said with a pleased expression. To him, the successful resolution of the external threats was a monumental achievement, and he couldn’t help but be grateful to Pablo.