Chapter 229: It’s Not Easy to Live

Vincenzo, Hattie, and Hazel rushed over as soon as they were free.

“You’re finally here!” Hattie exclaimed, looking at Isolde.

Isolde smiled. “Were you frightened?”

“What’s there to be afraid of? Ashley didn’t make things difficult for us,” Vincenzo said, flicking his sleeves and tidying his slightly rumpled clothes. He then went forward to greet Doug and Kolton.

“However, it’s surprising she let us go so easily,” Hazel mused.

“Although she released you, she’ll undoubtedly monitor our movements. This was merely a test. She won’t make the first move. Detaining my people wouldn’t benefit Kamari,” Isolde stated.

Doug looked at the child he’d taught since youth, confused. “When did you become so meticulous? You used to be extremely reckless.”

“People change, Mr. Becker!” Isolde said with a bright smile.

Doug shook his head. “If she hadn’t said she wanted to keep you, would you have left with her? That would have been dangerous.”

“She won’t take me. Before she understands my purpose, wouldn’t she fear I’ll collude with her from the inside?” Isolde asked, smiling.

Isolde looked up and saw Harlan introducing Billy, the camp guard, who regarded her with an intense, familiar gaze. Then, she saw Billy lower his head. She studied his appearance, posture, and build, but didn't recognize him.

In a daze, Doug pulled her into the tent, staring intently. “Tell me honestly. What did you experience in the past two years while I was absent from Argentum? Why did you change so much after returning from the manor?”

“Have I changed?” Isolde asked, stunned.

“You’re bold, hardworking, and even reckless. I dislike this. If you’d gone back with Ashley, as originally planned, you would have been the first to die besieging Kamari,” Doug replied.

Isolde lowered her eyes. “However, our plan will still succeed. Kamari will still be caught off guard. I know you and Uncle Harlan can organize an attack. We will win, but without me.”

“It doesn’t matter who’s missing. What’s the point of winning without you? Have you thought about that?” Doug demanded, looking at her fiercely.

Isolde, shocked by his fury, gently nudged him. “I was wrong.”

Doug saw her drooping face and pitiful appearance. His anger subsided, but he still didn’t understand Isolde’s experiences.

“I know. I won’t dare to do it again,” Isolde sniffled, the air of a general gone, replaced by a child who’d been scolded.

Doug couldn’t continue scolding, but said sternly, “When the war is over, you must tell me what you’re hiding. You can’t use dreams to prevaricate anymore.”

“Understood!” Isolde replied seriously.

Doug sat down. “It’s the 17th today. Two days until the 19th and the storms you mentioned. What do you think Kamari will do?”

“No,” Isolde sat down. “He and Ashley have new worries. I was ordered to evacuate coastal residents due to the rainstorm, but he’s forbidden city compliance. He’s conflicted: obey the Royal Court's orders and risk blame for the flood, or disobey and bear the responsibility if people drown. They are both anxious.”

Doug looked at her. “Is this storm really that bad?”

“Yes. When the time comes, we must act swiftly. After dealing with Kamari’s Residence, we must immediately provide disaster relief, taking the risk. We lack sandbags. We must hurry.”

Doug chuckled wryly. “I thought we were fighting a war, not building sandbags!”

Isolde shrugged, smiling. “It’s the same. Fighting the heavens is also a war.”

As Isolde predicted, after Ashley returned, she conveyed Isolde's intentions, giving Kamari a headache.

“How much do you believe her words?” Kamari asked.

Ashley pondered. “She’s not very bright. Blunt and quick to anger. I told her to come to the mansion, and she immediately obeyed. She lacks vigilance.”

“The King sent such a person?” Kamari was puzzled.

“She was sent by the Queen Mother,” Ashley replied.

Kamari shook his head. “If it were the Queen Mother, she wouldn’t send someone so useless. Is there no one else in the court? Why send someone without an official position?”

Ashley was also puzzled. Could there really be a flood?

“Ashley, your grandfather knows everything from astronomy to geography. Ask him if this storm and flood will really happen,” Kamari said.

Ashley sighed. “I fear Grandfather will ignore me.”

“Then I’ll go personally,” Kamari said.

Ashley hesitated. “He’s stubborn and honest. If he offends you, please don’t hold it against him.”

“Mr. Charlie is a man of virtue and prestige. I value his talents and wish to recruit him. Even if his words are harsh, I'll tolerate it. Lead the way,” Kamari said indifferently.

“Yes!” Ashley replied.

Many nobles had visited Finnian’s small courtyard, but this was the first time a local tyrant of Zloimond’s status had come.

Ashley went in to report, fearing her grandfather would offend Kamari. Kamari also understood; though he didn't mind Finnian's bluntness, no one liked hearing unpleasant words.

Seeing Ashley, Finnian frowned. Ashley greeted Halcyon. “Grandmother, are you alright?”

Halcyon looked at her. “Grandmother? Why am I your grandmother now? Isn’t it Mrs. Charlie?” Halcyon was heartbroken. She’d raised Ashley, their bond like mother and daughter, yet Ashley casually addressed her as Mrs. Charlie.

Ashley stood aside, apologetic, though not ashamed.

Finnian waved a hand. “What are you doing here?”

Ashley reported, “Grandfather, the King says you know everything about the world. He wants to ask you something. He’s outside.”

Finnian snorted. “Tell him I have nothing to say.”

Ashley's eyes flashed. “Grandfather, Kamari is the King of Zloimond. Even if you don’t care about yourself, think of Grandmother. It’s not easy to survive in this chaotic world.”

“You…” Finnian looked up abruptly. “Are you threatening me?”