Chapter 222: His Heart Was Resolute (73% Finished)

Geoffrey responded without a moment’s hesitation, “Losing my position or even my head means nothing compared to her life.” Harlan paused, momentarily stunned. These words, though sincere, carried an ironic weight. If he had thought this way in the past, their relationship would not have ended so badly.

“No need. Lady Isolde isn’t happy to see you either; it might affect her,” Harlan advised, speaking for Geoffrey’s sake and to prevent a conflict on the battlefield. It was best if he didn’t go.

When Geoffrey heard this, he remained silent for a long time before slowly raising his head. “Yes, if she’s unhappy, I won’t go. Take good care of her.” Harlan nodded.

Geoffrey asked, “Are they soldiers from North Camp? Who else is going with them?”

“The deputy commander is Mr. Sharp, and Mr. Becker is the military supervisor,” Harlan replied.

“How will they leave the city? Three thousand soldiers are no small number. How will the provisions be transported? Who is in charge of supplies?” Geoffrey inquired.

“They will leave the city in batches. The provisions were sent ahead long ago and transported by Mr. Smith. They will rendezvous in Torstel,” Harlan explained.

Geoffrey nodded. “Alright, in that case, you should set off immediately to avoid missing the rendezvous point.” Harlan had already packed; his sword and shoulder armor, though seldom used, were well-maintained.

After Harlan left, Geoffrey immediately returned to pack his things. He then went to the High Court of Parliament.

“You’re going on leave for so long? What’s the matter?” Lord Garraway asked in shock.

Geoffrey frowned. “My mother is seriously ill, and I need to take care of her.”

Lord Garraway snorted. “Don’t you have a maid? Does she really need you?” Lord Garraway rarely spoke so sharply, but Prudence’s viciousness and Geoffrey’s disappointing, unwavering loyalty to his mother had pushed him to it. However, using filial piety as an excuse, Lord Garraway couldn’t refuse. Seeing Geoffrey’s determination, he said, “Since this is your own decision, how could I not support it? But as colleagues and close friends, there’s one honest thing I must say. Whether you listen or not is up to you.”

Lord Garraway looked at him earnestly. “Now that you know you wrongly accused Isolde and understand your mother’s malice, I don’t want you to ruin your future. Your mother is heartless. Just have someone attend to her for a couple of days, then return here. Make some accomplishments, so Isolde can be proud of you as her father.”

Geoffrey nodded. “I understand.” He turned slowly, tears welling in his eyes. To make Isolde proud—this was a thought every father harbored. Back then, he’d worked hard to make Prunella proud, hoping for her lifelong happiness. He’d failed.

The moment he left the High Court of Parliament, his resolve hardened. Deceiving the Royal Court and going to the battlefield without permission was a capital offense. He was destined not to return.

Back at his residence, he summoned Ryker. The sight of the sword beside him and the folded armor on the table filled Ryker, who had previously looked down on him, with reverence.

“Duke!” Ryker said.

Geoffrey looked at him coldly. “I won’t hold you accountable for your past secret dealings with Matilda. But from today on, Lady Isolde and I will not be at the residence. You will take charge of all matters here and ensure Nicole is well cared for. As for Clark, he’s currently serving in the palace and rarely returns. If he does, you must follow his orders without question. Do you understand?”

Ryker asked, “Duke, where are you going?”

Geoffrey said indifferently, “Mrs. Langley is gravely ill—it seems she won’t last much longer. I will return to the countryside ahead of time to select a proper burial site for her. While I am away, you are to do your best to care for her. However, given her condition, a full recovery is impossible. My only expectation is that she remains… alive. Continue attending to her exactly as Isolde and I have in the past—no more, no less. Do you understand?”

Ryker said, “Yes, I understand.”

“If you do these things well when Isolde returns, you will naturally benefit,” Geoffrey said, sighing softly and dismissing Ryker. Ryker didn’t know Geoffrey’s intentions, but in the depths of his gaze, he saw something—something that had burned within Geoffrey for many years. A flicker of fire still smoldered in his eyes. That night, Geoffrey disguised himself and left the city.

Inside the palace, the King stayed with Sophia. The King looked troubled. Sophia, considerate as always, asked him to lie down and massage his head when she saw him frowning.

“Is there something on your mind?” she asked. Sophia, though in her forties, maintained her youthful appearance. She oversaw the imperial harem but remained uninvolved in courtly intrigues; she toiled with her mind but not her heart.

The King closed his eyes, enjoying the soothing pressure of her hands. The comfort did little to dispel his worries. He sighed. “You’ve always been smart. Do you know what Mother means?”

Sophia was stunned. She did not know what the King meant. He paid no mind to her understanding and continued. “For years, I have refrained from interfering in Mother’s handling of state affairs. Is she displeased? Or does she think I have erred?” He let out a sigh, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. “How ironic. In this grand empire, with all its ministers and generals, a mere woman has been sent to the battlefield. What is Mother thinking? Does she truly wish for Isolde to perish in war?”

Sophia gasped. “A woman leading troops into battle? How can this be?”

The King opened his eyes, his gaze locking onto hers. “Even you find it absurd, don’t you? But this was Mother’s decision.”

She hesitated. “Could the Queen Mother have another plan in mind?”

“I thought so at first as well,” he admitted. “But I investigated—her personal guards have not been mobilized. She has made no other arrangements.” His brows furrowed. “I cannot fathom her intent. Why would she sacrifice three thousand men for nothing?”

Sophia gently consoled him. “Do not dwell too much on it. The Queen Mother always has her reasons.”

The King grew increasingly irritable. “This Isolde—she is nothing but trouble! That day, she had the audacity to risk her life in a desperate plea before me. If she were truly capable, I might have considered her words. But I investigated her—she is utterly useless!”