Chapter 169: Keep It Under Wraps

Xavier learned about Oliver’s situation through rumors from Zloimond. Word spread that a mountain had collapsed, killing many. Locals whispered a high-ranking court general was involved. The news reached Argentum. Xavier, only half-believing the gossip, left Argentum immediately. If his guess was wrong, Geoffrey would certainly lose trust in him. His safest bet was to distance himself, especially since he’d already been paid in full.

Meanwhile, the gossip reached Hattie, who was tending to Marley at Ryker’s estate. Hearing the news, she hurried back to the Duke’s estate. Isolde was in the middle of her routine when Hattie returned. Thinking something had happened to Marley, she jumped to her feet and anxiously asked, “Hattie, why are you back?”

Hattie, clearly shaken, looked at Isolde. “I went out to gather herbs and overheard people talking about a mountain collapse in Zloimond. They said a high-ranking court general, Great Marshal Sharp, was involved.”

“Was it a general, or was it really Great Marshal Sharp?” Hazel, having overheard, hurried into the room, grabbing Hattie’s arm. Her voice was tight with concern. There were many generals in Argentum, but Great Marshal Sharp was one of the few whose name could be counted on one hand.

“Well, they said it was Great Marshal Sharp, though I’m sure the story’s been exaggerated,” Hattie explained uneasily.

Isolde’s face turned pale. “You need to go and confirm this.”

Esme, who had just entered, stepped forward calmly. “Don’t spread rumors. If something truly happened to Great Marshal Sharp, the court would know. Since they haven’t made an official statement, things haven’t been verified. Besides, Sharp wasn’t even in Zloimond.”

She fixed Isolde with a steady gaze. “Stay calm, Isolde. Don’t panic.”

Isolde inhaled deeply, trying to gather her thoughts. That’s right. Oliver was supposed to be in Eastonburg, not Zloimond. A collapsed mountain wouldn’t have anything to do with him. If I go around asking about it, I’ll only make things worse. But… could it be Isolde? She’s been silent ever since she went to Zloimond…

“I’m going to visit the Bourbon family,” Esme said, seeing the confusion in Isolde’s eyes.

Isolde nodded eagerly. “Yes, please go, Esme. Quickly.”

Esme had once served by the Queen Mother’s side, and Rosemary was a frequent companion to the Queen. The two were well-acquainted, and Esme knew she could rely on Rosemary’s discretion. Esme arrived at the Bourbon family estate and sought an audience with Rosemary. After hearing Esme’s request, Rosemary paused before responding.

“Return and tell the County Princess of Cromwell that there is no such incident,” Rosemary instructed. “Tell her nothing happened.”

Esme’s heart sank. “So… something really did happen to Great Marshal Sharp?”

“Yes,” Rosemary confirmed. “But the Prince Regent has already gone to Zloimond.”

Esme gasped in shock. “Oh no…”

Rosemary fixed her with a piercing gaze. “Until the body is found, don’t assume he’s dead. Let’s not jump to conclusions.”

Esme sighed deeply. “Isolde has been waiting for him to return. How could this happen? I only just received a letter from him…”

“That letter was sent by Doug,” Rosemary said with a hint of bitterness. “When you return, tell Isolde that Oliver is fine, that he isn’t in Zloimond, and that he just sent a report confirming his success in the mission. He’ll be returning to Argentum once the last remnants of the bandits are dealt with.”

Esme blinked, confused. “But surely, we could tell Isolde all of this?”

Rosemary’s eyes narrowed, her voice growing sharp. “People often act impulsively when emotions are involved. Why do you think the court is keeping this quiet? Esme, you’ve only just left the palace, but it seems you’ve forgotten everything. The court doesn’t want to spread rumors until the matter is officially confirmed.”

Esme felt a sudden chill. “Understood.”

“Go now,” Rosemary added, her tone more neutral. “Be careful with your words. Isolde is no fool.”

Esme nodded and left the Valen family estate, her heart heavy. As she made her way back, she slowly composed herself. When she arrived at the Duke’s estate, she managed a calm smile.

Inside, Isolde had been anxiously waiting. The moment she saw Esme, she rushed forward, her voice trembling. “Nanny, how is it? What did Rosemary say?”

Esme shot her a sharp look, clearly irritated. “I got scolded, that’s what.”

Isolde blinked, surprised. “Scolded? Why?”

Esme rolled her eyes. “Because I was being foolish. She said Zloimond’s disaster has nothing to do with Oliver. She accused me of believing gossip and causing unnecessary trouble.”

Isolde stared, still unsure. “Is that really what happened?”

Esme gave her a long, exasperated look. “Does it sound like I’m lying? If you don’t believe me, go ask Rosemary yourself. She’ll probably scold you too for being so gullible.”

“But what did happen in Zloimond? How could a whole mountain collapse?” Isolde still seemed unsettled, her voice tinged with worry.

Esme sighed. “It wasn’t a mountain collapse—it was a series of heavy rains, causing a landslide. The military was sent to rescue people, but during the operation, there was a second landslide. One of the soldiers didn’t make it out in time and was buried beneath the rubble.”

Esme’s explanation made sense, and Isolde finally relaxed.

“Doug is in Zloimond. If Oliver were in trouble, he would tell me first,” Isolde thought aloud.

Although Doug loved her dearly, he had never sheltered her from the truth. If anything had happened to Oliver, he would have made sure she knew.

Feeling a little lighter, she reached into her sleeve and touched the letter she had received from Oliver. He had promised to return in a month—but now, with half a month already gone, she could only…

The days are so hard to get through, she thought wistfully. It’s not that I miss him, I just want to know what he bought me. Something small, something special—just a little surprise.

She smiled faintly at the thought. I don’t get surprises much in my life.

“By the way, Grandfather said he’s on his way back—why the delay?” Isolde casually remarked, trying to change the subject.

Esme caught the shift in her tone and answered, “Garrett’s probably bringing his whole family with him, which would slow him down.”

Isolde nodded. “Yes, I suppose that makes sense.” She had never met Garrett, but Garrett had definitely seen her. The maids at the estate often spoke of how, before Garrett took charge of the northwest pass, he had come to visit her. And every year, he sent gifts back.

“How’s Prudence today?” Isolde asked, shifting the conversation once again.

Noelle, standing nearby, replied, “She fainted again today and coughed up blood.”

“By the study,” Hazel added. “Xavier came by. I heard Geoffrey and Xavier spent quite a while talking in the study.”

Isolde shrugged, uninterested. “That spiritualist has always been full of nonsense. If Geoffrey believes him, let him. I don’t care what he says or does.”

Esme responded absently, though the sadness in her eyes betrayed her. Oliver—young, always so serious, pretending to be an adult… Could he really be gone?

She swallowed hard, the pain suddenly overwhelming her.