Chapter 197: To Propose a Marriage

Our holde’s grandfather, her master, an experienced general who had spent years on the battlefield, and the Chief of the Southern Warch, renowned for his iron-fisted methods, were all present. Yet, when they faced each other, they found themselves utterly powerless.

I thought there would be many days to compensate her, Garrett said after a while. De could… Drone cor… help but feel heartbroken.

“Marshal, how do you think we should tactfully tell Mrs. Sharp about this?” Doug asked.

Garrett opened his mouth, but could not speak.

As they spoke, they failed to notice Natasha, supported by a servant, staggering away down the corridor. Her face was streaked with tears, her complexion pale, and her hand clutched her chest in unbearable pain.

Soon, the Royal Court announced the news of Oliver’s sacrifice while fighting bandits in Eastonbury. Previously, Oliver had been dispatched to Eastonburg to eliminate the bandits—a fact known to all officials. Therefore, announcing his sacrifice during the mission and awarding him a first-class merit was reasonable and justifiable.

News of Oliver’s sacrifice also reached the Valen family. Margaret, neglected by the Marquis because of the annulled engagement, had been living in seclusion. Upon learning of Oliver’s sacrifice, she was overjoyed. She told William, who had come to report, “Now that your father has lost this annoying foster son, you must perform well and avoid further criticism.”

William was equally elated. A trace of hostility flashed in his eyes. “Wanted to make a name for himself in Eastonburg, but ended up losing his life instead? Serves him right!”

Margaret said earnestly, “Don’t ever say this in front of your father, even if you mean it. You know he treats that illegitimate child like a treasure. Now that he’s dead, your father must be very sad. Go to him more often to comfort him and show him your goodness.”

William said indifferently, “I’m not a fool. Why would I say it in front of my father? It’s just that I can’t say anything good about that bastard. I won’t say anything comforting either.”

“Child, why are you so stubborn?” Margaret looked at his aloof expression. As a mother, how could she not know her son’s character? She said, “Forget it. It’s fine if you don’t say it, but you can’t forget to bring him soup and water.”

William said gloomily, “Father has always disliked me because of the annulled engagement. Why should I provoke him?”

“How can there be overnight feuds between father and son? Your father is no longer angry with you. He just can’t bring himself to apologize.”

Margaret, in a buoyant mood, softened her words toward Oliver, remarking, “Truth be told, Oliver isn’t a bad fellow. It’s just a pity he had such a short life. Living people shouldn’t quibble with the deceased. Understand?”

William lowered his eyes and leaned lazily against the chair. “He was awarded first-class merit. Should his funeral be held at his family home or here? No one else has passed away on our estate; do we really have to hold the funeral here?”

“This isn’t something you and I can decide. Let your father consider it. However, I will have your aunt talk to him. It’s best not to get involved in these unlucky things.”

William gently flicked his blue silk clothes with a displeased expression. “Not cherishing his own son, but someone else’s… in the end, isn’t it still up to me to take care of him in his old age and see him off at the end?”

Margaret smiled. “Alright, don’t say these things anymore. He’s already dead.”

At this moment, Margaret’s maid, Lily Dyer, entered and reported, “Madam, Great Marshal Garrett Sharp and Doug Becker are here.”

Margaret said indifferently, “They’re probably here to comfort the Marquis. I won’t greet them. Just have the servants be more attentive.”

Lily lowered her voice. “They’re not here to comfort the Marquis, but to propose a marriage.”

William looked up. “What marriage? Do the Sharp family and the eunuch intend to propose marriage to me? Bullshit!”

Lily shook her head. “Sir, it’s not for you, but for Oliver. The Sharp family and Doug want to marry Lady Isolde to Oliver.”

William stood up. “What did you say? Isolde wants to marry that dead man!”

“That’s… that’s what I heard.” Lily was shocked by his roar.

Anger flared in William’s eyes. “Isolde refused to marry me, but is now marrying a dead guy?” He had previously asked someone to ask her personally if she would fulfill the marriage. Her words had been so unpleasant. He had always looked down on Oliver. Now that the bastard was dead, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. He did not expect Isolde to humiliate him like this. She would rather marry a dead man than him. Isolde, you bitch! You’re the perfect match for a bastard, he cursed inwardly.

Margaret did not welcome Isolde into her family, even if it meant marrying her to a deceased person. Although Oliver was dead, Pablo had always liked Isolde. If she entered the family, according to the rules, she would be the eldest daughter-in-law. And if she could make Pablo happy, the family might even be hers.

She stood and asked Lily, “What did the Marquis say?”

“I don’t know. After they finished discussing important matters, the Marquis dismissed the servants,” said Lily.

“I have to go out for a while. This matter is too ridiculous,” Margaret said in a deep voice.

“Mother, I’ll go too!” William said.

“No, don’t go, lest you say something wrong and make your father even angrier. Hurry up and invite your eldest aunt over. It’s best if you can ask her to invite your grandfather back. Your father doesn’t listen to anyone, but he listens to the old man.”

“You have to stop this. You can’t let Isolde marry a dead person,” William said anxiously.

Margaret had already taken two steps. Hearing this, she turned around and stared at him. “William, tell me, do you like Isolde?”

William said coldly, “Pfft, like her? I wish she would die. Why would I like her?”

Margaret knew her son’s thoughts, so she warned, “You can like anyone, but you can’t like Isolde Langley. She’s a scourge. She has caused countless troubles. No one in the Valen family would marry her!”

William said impatiently, “I already said that I don’t like her. Why do you say so much? You don’t believe me, right? If you don’t believe me, quickly arrange a marriage for me.”

When Margaret heard this, she was slightly relieved. “Alright, I’ve already asked someone to pay attention to good girls. It’s just that it’s not that easy after what happened previously. You don’t like ordinary girls, and neither do I. Don’t be anxious.”

After a pause, she said with a cold expression, “Take care of the girl in your room. Don’t let her gossip outside.”

Speaking of Eleanor, William felt even more frustrated and half-heartedly reassured Margaret, “Fine, I won’t let her leave the house.”