Chapter 193: Nothing to Cry For

Clark dragged Nicole to the Pearl Tower. Sighing softly as she looked at their faces, Isolde went to the drawer, searched for a moment, and took out a bottle of bruise ointment.

“Are you all idiots? Can’t you dodge?” Isolde smeared some ointment on Nicole’s face gently. Vance was ruthless; this slap left hideous finger marks. Tears streamed down Nicole’s face like broken pearls, but she stifled her sobs.

Clark said angrily, “How did he become like this?”

“He’s always been like this, okay? What do you think he was like before?” Isolde retorted.

Clark remained silent. Indeed, all these years, this so-called father only held the title, never truly acting as one should.

“I heard that Grandma has declared a period of mourning for you,” Isolde glanced at him and asked.

“Yes!” Clark felt even more depressed contemplating his future.

“Let’s wait a while. Maybe there’s a chance,” Isolde said softly.

These words offered pure comfort. After a three-year mourning period, no one knew what the future held. His return to the Parliamentary Library remained uncertain.

Clark nodded. “Yes, there might be a chance.”

Of course, he knew it was impossible. The law stipulated the mourning period, and only those who had made significant contributions and were urgently needed by the Royal Court could be recalled. However, since the empire's establishment, this had only happened once. That man was Harrison Porter, who, during his tenure at the Ministry of War, went into mourning for his mother. However, less than three months later, due to the threat of the Thalvinar, the King issued an imperial decree to relieve him from mourning and appointed him commander of the army. This exception applied only to individuals of great talent or soldiers. Someone like Clark, merely an Imperial Scholar-Apprentice, not even a Metropolitan Graduate, had no grounds for such consideration by the Royal Court.

Nicole wiped her tears and looked at Isolde. “Could you please appeal to Mr. Doug Becker to have Clark reinstated at the Parliamentary Library?”

Isolde shook her head. “That’s impossible. During the mourning period, one must resign from office. No amount of pleading will work. Unless it’s not reported, but if it’s not reported, hardly anyone will bother with it.”

Nicole said hatefully, “Why is Grandmother so heartless? Isn’t it good that Clark has made something of himself?”

“She’s not human,” Isolde placed the ointment on the table and said, “Clark, study hard for the next…”

“Yes, I’m also planning to take the exams for the Imperial Academy and become a student. I’ll start by studying hard for half a year,” Clark said.

“Oh, you came back alone? Where do you plan to stay?” Nicole asked. She knew the Sharp family had helped Isolde take everything away. She’d expected to stay with them, but Isolde had returned independently.

“Noelle and Esme will be back later. I’ll stay at the Pearl Tower for the time being,” Isolde replied.

Nicole nodded. “That’s good too. We can’t do without a backbone.”

Isolde looked at her indifferently. She hadn’t expected the person with the least presence in her previous life to become the Langley family’s backbone in this one.

“How are Matilda and Michelle?” Nicole asked.

Isolde, having received news from the Sharp estate, said, “They won’t be released soon. Bryant’s arrest warrant has been sent out. Michelle and Matilda are suspected of stealing and are accomplices to the murder. Even if they aren’t convicted, they will have to be investigated for a while. Anyway, they can’t come back anytime soon.” The Sharp family would never let the mother and daughter return.

“You know everything? What about Braden?” Nicole quickly asked.

Isolde looked at her. “He won’t be able to come out for at least ten years. He faked his death and escaped from prison. He even went to seek revenge as a criminal and beat up Kameron Frazier.”

At that time, Collin instructed Garrett to pursue southward, unaware that Braden hadn’t rushed to escape. Instead, he’d gone to take revenge on Kameron. Coincidentally, one of Garrett’s guards was friends with the Frazier family, and while patrolling the city, he happened to stop by for a greeting, encountering the incident.

“He deserves it!” Nicole sighed, though still sad; after all, Braden was her biological brother.

Clark said nothing. It was difficult for him to feel sympathy or pity for his younger brother.

After Clark and Nicole left, Isolde rested before Esme and Noelle returned. They packed some things, and Natasha sent a guard to help deliver them. Not only did Esme and Noelle return, but two chefs arrived, stating they would be in charge of Isolde’s food. It wasn’t the clothes and jewelry Isolde had brought back; after learning Isc had gone to Zloimond unharmed, Natasha had ordered new clothes made according to Esme’s description.

This was the advantage of having considerable wealth. The tailor and embroiderer worked overnight, creating several new outfits in just a few days. The embroidery was complicated and exquisite, using silk chiffon in addition to the taffeta from Isolde’s shop—a rare material.

“It’s beautiful!” Esme was anxious to see it, asking Isolde to try it on. Looking at the brand-new Isolde, she praised her nonstop. “If she doesn’t speak up, who dares to say she isn’t a lady of high birth? Even if Lady Sadie Bourbon were here, our lady might not necessarily be outdone.”

Isolde smiled, knowing she was despised for speaking vulgarly. “Praising the flowers’ fragrance while selling them, you sure aren’t ashamed,” Esme said, “It’s really good-looking. If you don’t believe me, ask Noelle.”

Noelle’s eyes widened. “Oh my god, Lady Isolde is the real County Princess now. You were dressed too plainly previously.”

Isolde looked at herself in the bronze mirror. She was indeed different. The scarlet satin dress made her skin look fairer and more delicate. Her features were clear and well-defined, though perhaps a bit sharp. As she was told, this air of vigor was something she inherited from her mother.

However, who was she dressed up for? Isolde felt a pang of sadness, her gaze falling upon the purse on the table, containing the broken little emerald figurine. She was like that figurine; she hadn’t lost her hand, only her heart.

Esme knew she carried Oliver in her heart. With Oliver in trouble, she must be upset. “County Princess, if you want to cry, cry!”

Isolde slowly retracted her gaze and looked at Esme. “There’s nothing to cry about. He’s still alive and well. Why should I cry?” She was anxious, waiting for news from Doug. Doug had said he would go to the palace for the King after changing his clothes. Isolde wondered if there was any news now. She couldn’t calm down; doing so would tear her apart inside.

At this time, a servant came in to report that Collin and Anthony were here. Isolde didn’t want to sleep. She was tired, but the thought of sleeping was terrifying. She couldn’t help but think about everything concerning Zloimond.

“Let them in!” Isolde hurriedly said.

Although Esme’s heart ached for her fatigue, she couldn’t wait for someone to chat with Isolde. “Invite them here for supper and some wine. The chef and I will cook.” As she spoke, she pulled Noelle out as well.