Chapter 240: Confiscation

Ashley handed Kamari's head to Kolton, saying, “I am Ashley, granddaughter of the renowned scholar Finnian Charlie of Zloimond. My grandfather foresaw King Kamari's ambitions and sent me to infiltrate his ranks. I know everything about King Kamari, including his military strength, weapons, and the distribution of his wealth.”

Kolton knew little about Ashley, but Isolde had warned him she was not to be trifled with. Regardless, she had killed the rebellious Kamari and could testify to his treason, which would greatly benefit the King. He said, “Mr. and Miss Charlie are both loyal and brave. I will report to His Majesty. Since you know of Kamari’s rebellion, please accompany me to the capital to meet the King.”

Ashley bowed. “If there is anything I can do, Marshal, please command me. There is much evidence within the royal residence. Please follow me.”

Kolton summoned several soldiers. Oliver carried the seriously injured Isolde to a side room in the royal residence for immediate treatment. Harlan quickly ordered Geoffrey to be brought there as well, knowing Oliver possessed the Consumption Pills to treat her.

Doug, with Anthony and Lucas, managed the aftermath of the battle, showing leniency to the surrendered soldiers. He ordered Anthony to detain Kamari's children, wives, and concubines in the rear courtyard, but to treat them humanely. Anthony obeyed and departed.

Kamari's family, shocked by the chaos, claimed ignorance of his plans and begged Anthony for clemency. Following Doug's orders, Anthony detained them and began patrolling. He heard crying and found a secluded courtyard. Inside, a young woman in green wept over a blood-soaked woman on a bed. It was unclear if the woman was alive.

Startled by Anthony's entrance, the young woman glared at him. Anthony noted her resemblance to Kamari. The woman on the bed, exquisitely dressed, was unfamiliar to him; he guessed she was one of Kamari’s wives.

“What happened to her?” Anthony asked.

“Don’t come closer!” The young woman, though tearful, tried to appear fierce.

Anthony said calmly, “Lord Doug only ordered us to detain the people of the royal residence for now. His Majesty is merciful and will not harm you.”

The young woman knelt, kowtowing and crying, “Please, Marshal, save my mother, the queen!”

Anthony, startled, waved his hand. “Please, get up. I am not a marshal, just a soldier. Is that your mother? Has she… passed away?”

“She’s still breathing! Please, have a doctor save her!” She repeatedly kowtowed, her cries filled with sorrow.

Anthony checked her pulse; she had a faint, weak breath. “Where is she injured?”

“She’s been stabbed in her lower back,” the young woman replied, wiping her tears and standing when she saw Anthony’s genuine concern.

Anthony gently turned the queen; a bandage had stemmed the bleeding, saving her life. “Wait here,” he said, “I’ll get medicine.” He’d seen Oliver give Isolde pills and knew healing medicine was available.

The young woman grabbed his sleeve. “Please, don’t tell them my mother is here. She opposed my father’s rebellion and was killed by him. She shouldn’t be dragged into this.”

Anthony replied, “I can’t make that decision. I’m just a soldier. I don’t have that authority.”

The young woman knelt again, her eyes filled with sorrow. “Please, my mother was wronged. Many in the residence know she was executed. Please, pretend you never saw us.”

Anthony, unfamiliar with such pleading, was at a loss. “I’ll get the medicine first. We’ll talk later.” He quickly left.

Oliver had finished bandaging Isolde’s wounds. They shared a moment before Harlan arrived to take Oliver to Geoffrey, who had suffered a serious, life-threatening sword wound near his heart. Oliver gave him Consumption Pills but told Harlan, “Whether the Duke survives depends on him.”

Harlan solemnly asked about Isolde. “Multiple wounds, some serious, but nothing life-threatening,” Oliver replied, his eyes softening and his tone gentler when speaking of her.

Anthony then entered. Harlan asked, “Anthony, what’s the matter?”

Anthony cleared his throat. “I need external injury medicine. Many soldiers outside are injured.” He glanced at the imposing Oliver, his missing arm stark against his silver armor, feeling intimidated. Oliver's appearance had changed significantly in the month he'd been gone.

Harlan asked if there was a military doctor. Anthony replied that some injuries required better medicine. Oliver gave Anthony some pills. “Give these to the most severely injured. These aren’t Consumption Pills, but healing medicine from the Regent; they have extraordinary effects and will stabilize them until the military doctors can treat them.”

Anthony silently thanked him and left. Oliver, having never liked Geoffrey, stayed only briefly by his side. Returning to Isolde, he found her gone. Guards informed him she’d left shortly after he did. This battle had a personal meaning for Isolde; she needed to retrieve something from the residence—the wedding dress Oliver had made for her.

Ashley led Kolton to Kamari's Summit Pavilion, a vast estate covering over fifty acres, including Kamari's study. At the back of the study, a hidden mechanism revealed a secret storeroom filled with countless treasures—gold, silver, jewels, and walls stacked high with gold bricks. Kolton was awestruck.