Chapter 228: She’s Definitely Not Simple

Isolde looked at Ashley. “It’s normal for him to overthink. Who wouldn't be concerned about the Royal Court troops suddenly arriving in the city?”

Ashley smiled slightly. “Since bringing troops would make Prince Kamari hesitant, why did you bring them?”

Isolde noted the sharpness in Ashley’s slight smile and said helplessly, “I came under the Queen Mother’s decree. The Imperial Astronomers predicted trouble in Zloimond—heavy rain and floods. The Queen Mother ordered me to cooperate with Zloimond’s government to evacuate coastal residents and prevent mishaps.”

Ashley’s smile deepened. “If there’s a storm, it will be rain from the sky. How can that be a disaster? The Royal Court is far away in Heaven Mountain. I fear you don’t understand the suffering of Zloimond’s people.”

Isolde replied, “I don’t. I’m following orders. I planned to visit Kamari’s mansion after settling in. I didn’t expect Ms. Charlie to come personally. Please tell the King that the Queen Mother’s decree is to evacuate coastal residents to avoid flooding.”

Ashley nodded. “I will definitely tell him the truth.”

“Thank you!” Isolde said.

Ashley tidied Isolde’s clothes, her actions dignified and exuding an invisible pressure.

“By the way, how did you know about me?” Ashley asked, raising her eyes slightly.

Isolde answered honestly, “Before we arrived, the Queen Mother said the King has a confidante, Ashley Charlie, who would advise the King. ”

Ashley was stunned. “The Queen Mother knows about me?”

“Yes, the Queen Mother is omniscient!” Isolde replied.

Ashley laughed heartily, though a listener could detect sarcasm. “That’s not a human, but a god. Are you worshipping the Queen as a god? Unfortunately, gods don’t live in this world. Thinking carefully, you’re essentially wishing the Queen Mother dead,” Ashley added.

Isolde frowned. “Your words are strange. I said the Queen Mother is omniscient; you imply I cursed her. Why are you so scheming? Forget it, I won’t tell you. Just tell Prince Kamari. Also, why are you detaining my people?”

Ashley looked at her judgmentally and said in frustration, “Oh? Are those three County Princess’s people? I thought they were bandits. They know martial arts but conceal it. Only upon my arrival did the guards discover and apprehend them. I didn’t expect them to be your people.”

Ashley changed the subject, asking coldly, “However, it’s strange. Why did your people stay in Zloimond without public registration? Do you have ulterior motives?”

“My husband, Oliver, had an accident in Zloimond. Is it unreasonable to send them to search for him?” Isolde asked.

“I see!” Ashley smiled slightly. “However, there’s no need to look for him, County Princess. Mr. Valois has returned to the grave. His corpse has likely been devoured by wild wolves.”

“He’s dead? What are you laughing at?” Isolde asked sternly.

Ashley remained calm. “He has nothing to do with me. I don’t care about his life or death. Can’t I simply smile? Do you expect me to cry, County Princess?”

Isolde’s forehead throbbed as she suppressed her anger. “It seems we clash. Leave. My men stay.”

“I can’t stand it anymore. They were caught in Zloimond. If you want them back, follow me to the prince’s mansion to verify their identities,” Ashley said proudly, her gentleness and indifference gone.

Isolde stood up. “Alright, I’ll go with you.”

Ashley looked surprised. She stood and said, “In that case, County Princess, please.”

Isolde strode out. Anthony quickly followed. “Where are you going?”

Isolde replied, “To the King’s residence. You stay and remember the Queen Mother’s decree. You must provide disaster relief.”

Anthony hesitated, then stepped back, seeing her determination and confidence. “Yes!”

Isolde smiled. “Don’t worry, I’m here on orders. The King will treat me well.” She turned to Ashley. “Ms. Charlie, isn’t it?”

Ashley smiled. “Of course. County Princess, you are on orders. If we offend you, we are guilty of deceiving the King, a crime he cannot bear.”

Isolde said, “The three of them must remain here first.”

Ashley only wanted Isolde. The three were insignificant. Isolde Langley alone was sufficient. “We’ll listen to the County Princess,” Ashley said.

Ashley was a little disappointed. She expected someone acting under such a decree to be meticulous and far-sighted. Isolde, easily angered by a few words, proved to be… disappointing.

But that was good. It saved her trouble. Moreover, the 3,000-strong force didn’t seem poised to attack Zloimond.

Ashley thought, Could the flood really be coming? No, it couldn’t be. This is definitely a cover.

After a few steps, Ashley stopped and said to Isolde with a smile, “County Princess, wait.”

Isolde’s lips curled into a faint smile, which vanished as she turned around, still angry. “What now?”

Ashley’s gaze was intense, encompassing every subtle expression on Isolde’s face.

“What now?” Isolde asked impatiently. “Why do you keep looking at me? Let’s go.”

Ashley smiled slowly. “I was rude. Since you said they were ordered to investigate the Great Marshal’s whereabouts, we’ll make amends after the public inspection.”

Isolde was stunned. “Are you saying I don’t need to go to the King’s mansion?”

“Why make you travel back and forth?” Ashley asked.

Isolde shook her head. “It’s nothing. I’m also going to see the King. Please lead the way.”

Ashley ordered her men to release Vincenzo and the others. Then, she said to Isolde, “Farewell!”

Isolde looked at her with disappointment. “Take care, Ms. Charlie.”

Ashley smiled, mounted her horse, gave Isolde a deep look, and left.

Anthony sighed in relief. “I was really afraid you would leave with her.”

Isolde also sighed. “She is guarded. If she can’t find anything, she won’t rashly take me back to the Prince’s mansion. Moreover, I’m here on orders. If she can’t do it for me, she’ll think the Royal Court has reason to attack Zloimond. She's proceeding carefully.”

Doug and Kolton walked out. Watching them leave, Kolton said, “This woman is not simple.”

“She’s definitely not simple,” Isolde agreed.