Chapter 159: Better to Marry Oliver

The banquet guests were Argentar's elite, including several members of the Re family, among them Harrison and Jonathan.

Princess Aveline, adopting a serious tone, addressed Karlier. “Karlier, Pablo vowed to repay me for saving my son's life. He sent a matchmaker; the engagement was set, the contract signed. However, the families cannot unite. Margaret went to extreme lengths to break the engagement, claiming Isolde sullied her reputation. But it’s been proven Isolde only tried to save my son. She worked with Oliver to defeat the Will Mountain bandits, a victory that even earned her the title of County Princess of Cromwell from the King. I apologize for the length, but Margaret’s reason was unfounded, rendering the engagement invalid. Pablo has returned to Argentum, and Geoffrey feels it's unfair to delay Isolde's future. Pablo, what do you think?”

Pablo, having listened quietly, replied, “When the engagement was broken, I was on the battlefield, unaware of the situation. I need to speak with Margaret and report back.”

“Of course,” Princess Aveline said.

Margaret immediately stood. “Pablo, may I speak with you privately?”

Pablo’s response was cool and unwavering. “There’s nothing that can’t be said in front of everyone. We can clear this matter right here.”

Margaret’s face paled. How could she say these things publicly?

Pablo’s gaze fixed on her. “When you broke the engagement, was it for the reason the princess mentioned?”

All eyes turned to Margaret, who felt a blush of embarrassment. “Yes.”

“And after confirmation, did you apologize in person?” Pablo pressed.

Margaret hesitated. “I sent someone to ask… if Isolde agreed, the engagement would stand.”

“Who?” Pablo’s voice sharpened.

Margaret’s face went deathly pale. “Oliver.”

“You broke the engagement and sent me to ask if Isolde would agree? How absurd!” Pablo’s calm voice held severity.

“This… this was thoughtless. I wronged Isolde,” Margaret muttered, biting her lip.

“I also heard William and Eleanor are secretly engaged. Is that true?” Pablo didn’t give her respite.

Margaret remained silent, gripping her sleeve, and nodded.

Pablo continued. “Before the engagement was broken, did you pressure Isolde into becoming a concubine because William planned to marry Eleanor?”

The room fell silent. This was a family scandal most would hide. Yet, Pablo was ready to sacrifice the Valen family's reputation to protect Isolde's honor. He had always been a man of principle.

“Yes or no?” Pablo demanded when Margaret didn’t answer, his voice cold.

Margaret lowered her hands, her face expressionless, her eyes lifeless. “Yes, I did. I favored Eleanor and forced William to marry her. I despised Isolde; she came from a poor estate and wasn't worthy of being my daughter-in-law.”

Now everything was clear. Pablo understood why he'd invited so many guests, why he chose this moment. Margaret’s words were scandalous and enraging. But Pablo was satisfied.

He turned to Geoffrey. “The Valen family is at fault. Geoffrey, since you came to break the engagement, I apologize before these noble guests.”

He bowed. “Isolde saved my life. I asked for her hand not out of repayment, but because I admired her courage and integrity. I thought this victory would be a fitting gift to unite our families. I never imagined William would be so unworthy. I returned to Argentum two days ago, heartbroken by my foolishness. We regret losing this alliance, but nothing compares to the harm done to Isolde’s reputation. I will make amends, even at the cost of my own life.”

For a man of action like Pablo, this was a heavy promise.

Geoffrey was caught off guard. The generosity was undeniable.

“Pablo, you speak too highly of me,” Geoffrey said, moved, clasping Pablo’s hand. “It is my daughter who did not have the fortune.”

The Lady of the Grand Tutor smiled. “The two families share mutual respect. It’s a pity they cannot unite in marriage. Isn’t Oliver still unmarried? Why not cancel this break-off and find a new groom?”

Geoffrey considered. “Oliver? That seems a good match. Oliver is a seasoned warrior; his nature could certainly keep Isolde in check.”

But Pablo’s face subtly changed. “Oliver is away. We’ll wait for his return.”

Chancellor Masen Conley chimed in. “Indeed, Oliver and Isolde teamed up to save Lord Theodric and eliminate the Wolf Mountain bandits. They would make a perfect match.”

“If the engagement is to be broken off, it would be a pity. Perhaps it’s best to let Oliver marry her,” another guest added.

The room agreed. Oliver had never been highly regarded by the aristocracy, his position attributed to his father’s reputation and Pablo’s patronage. His military achievements were often seen as inflated. But marrying Isolde? That seemed perfect.

Geoffrey waited for Pablo’s final word. Caught in a difficult position, Pablo said, “It is a good idea. If Oliver has no objections upon his return, we can settle this once and for all.”

Geoffrey smiled slightly. Pablo had essentially given his consent. If Isolde were to marry into the Valen family, it would be a stroke of luck. Geoffrey also knew his own feelings toward Isolde had changed. He often worried for her future, especially after seeing her cry over Prunella's portrait.

Princess Aveline, noticing Pablo’s subdued mood, observed him closely. He seemed unusually distant, far from the determined figure she knew. Something more than the broken engagement weighed on him.

After the banquet, as guests departed, Princess Aveline remained to speak privately with Pablo. Having worked in the Inspector High Court of Parliament and once the chief of the High Magistracy of Argentum, she was skilled at reading people.

“Pablo has something on his mind,” the princess remarked as they walked through the courtyard, the crisp autumn air causing yellowing leaves to fall around them.