Chapter 251: You Have a Concubine

However, she was someone who had contributed greatly and offered herself. How could the King not agree? Originally, when she first entered the palace, she was only conferred a First Attendant. However, because of her contributions and her status as Mr. Charlie’s granddaughter, the King made an exception and conferred her as an Imperial Concubine.

Ashley was obviously dissatisfied with the Imperial Concubine status, but she said nothing. A trace of disappointment flashed across her eyes, and she kowtowed to thank the King. For some, this was a battle of gains.

When the King left the palace, Ashley left with him. The King allowed her to temporarily stay at Marquis Eldermere’s estate and wait for an auspicious day to marry him. Although Isolde was going to remarry, she had already been married in the bridal sedan before. Therefore, she only needed to return to the Duke’s or Sharp’s estate three days before the wedding.

On the way back, Isolde had something on her mind she didn’t know how to tell Oliver. It was difficult to discuss this matter. She stammered along the way but said nothing. Even Ashley, sitting in the carriage with her, noticed Isolde’s distress. Ashley said indifferently, “I’ll pretend not to hear it. If you have something to say, say it.”

Oliver looked at Isolde and asked, “Yes?”

Isolde shook her head. “It’s not a big deal. At most, a small problem.”

“What small problem?” Oliver’s expression turned serious. It was rare to see her so hesitant.

Isolde looked at him. “Since it’s a small problem, you can’t be angry if I tell you.”

“Why would I be angry with you?” Oliver laughed. His handsome eyebrows curved, making him appear warm and charming. However, the armor he wore seemed a little stiffer. Isolde didn’t know what he was thinking about Cristina, the woman who had once humiliated him. However, she had to tell him before they reached home, lest he be perplexed by the sudden acquisition of another concubine.

She took a deep breath and said, “Well, after you left for Zloimond, I married you. You know this, but there’s one more thing you don’t know. Let me make this clear first. It was really just an accident.”

“What accident?” Oliver was sensitive to the word “accident.”

“The accident was that on our wedding night, Cristina came and accidentally became your concubine.” Isolde finished in one breath and looked at him.

“Not angry?” Isolde asked.

Oliver smiled. “Why would I be angry? I was gone a short while, and I already have a wife and a concubine.”

When Isolde heard this, she felt a little upset. What did he mean? Did not being angry mean he was happy? Could it be that he always wanted to marry Cristina? Or could it be that having broken off the engagement with Cristina, he now saw her as his concubine as a victory of revenge?

“Don’t you feel embarrassed? She once broke off the engagement and humiliated you,” Isolde said.

Oliver looked at her and said seriously, “Don’t be angry. These things aren’t worth my anger. As you said, this isn’t a problem, just a small one. It’s fine as long as it’s resolved.”

“How do you plan to resolve this?” Isolde asked.

Oliver looked at her curiously. “You’re my wife. You’re in charge of the concubines. It’s your business how you resolve it. Why are you asking me?”

Yes, the rules of the Eryndral Empire were very strict. Concubines were always arranged by the wife. Even if the wife didn’t arrange them, they had to be approved by the wife before they could marry into the family. Concubines were like servants in the family. Although they weren’t sold as easily as slaves, it was normal to be sent away if caught red-handed.

In her previous life, Isolde had never dealt with the problem of concubines because, although Eleanor was a concubine, her status in the family was far higher than hers, the wife’s. Kicking out her husband’s concubine was a new challenge. Of course, it wasn’t easy to do so, at least not before she officially married into the family.

Although Isolde was arrogant, she was about to marry Oliver. She wished to preserve his dignity, ensuring outsiders wouldn’t look down on him.

Ashley listened to their conversation and smiled sarcastically. She turned her head and looked out the curtains. Oliver and Isolde were sitting next to each other. His hand was beside hers; he only needed to move slightly to hold her hand. However, his fingers moved a few times but couldn’t reach out. Previously, he couldn’t help but hold hands with her. But now that everything had settled down, he felt they weren’t that close. If they weren’t close, it wouldn’t be easy to make a move! But he wanted to make a move. Would she find it strange if he held her hand for no reason? If she felt he was frivolous, it wouldn’t be good. However, she had taken the initiative to hold his hand before. Did that mean she liked it? Oliver was very conflicted. This kind of thing that couldn’t be solved with a fight always troubled him.

The carriage finally arrived at the gate of Marquis Eldermere’s estate.

When they got off the carriage, Oliver got off first. He had been waiting for this opportunity to reach out to Isolde. However, Isolde jumped down with him. When his hand reached out, it happened to be in front of Ashley. When Isolde jumped down, he subconsciously wanted to retract his hand, but Ashley had already placed her hand in his palm. He could only hold her and let her get off the step. When their hands touched, he clearly felt Ashley suddenly hold his hand tightly. He didn’t bat an eyelid and immediately retracted his hand after she got off.

“Thank you, Mr. Valois!” Ashley said gently.

“Ashley, you’re welcome,” Oliver said calmly.

At the door, Pablo welcomed them with his family and servants. When Pablo saw Oliver, he was very excited. Generals usually endured it, but Oliver could still see the tears in his eyes.

“Father!” He stepped forward and knelt down firmly. “It’s my fault for making you worry!”

“Get up, get up!” Pablo pulled him up and patted his arm. His eyes were shining. “As long as you’re back. I’m proud of you.”

Margaret, William, Eleanor, and Cristina were all behind them. Of course, they didn’t want to come, but Margaret had given strict orders. Regardless of whether they were sick, injured, or dead, they would be brought out.

When William heard Pablo praise Oliver, he was so angry his eyes almost popped out of their sockets. However, what made him most furious was Isolde, standing beside him. Her clothes were torn, and her hair was messy. She didn’t have the aura of a young lady from a wealthy family at all. However, her clothes were tightly tied at the waist, with silk ribbons tied around her cuffs. She was wearing sheepskin boots, and she looked a little like a man. That appearance made his heart flutter with affection. He trembled for no reason and couldn’t take his eyes off her.

In the blink of an eye, Oliver had already arrived in front of Margaret. He cupped his hands and greeted, “Godmother!” He called Pablo “Father” and her “Godmother.” It was a clear distinction.