Chapter 252: Black Isolde

Margaret smiled and said, “As long as you are back!”

On the other side, Isolde had already told Pablo about Ashley’s identity. Pablo, of course, already knew. Someone from the palace had previously ridden a horse to report that Ashley would temporarily reside at Marquis Eldermere’s estate. Therefore, Pablo didn’t reminisce with Isolde and welcomed Ashley first.

In the crowd, a pair of eyes were fixed on Oliver’s face. From the moment he alighted from the carriage, her gaze remained unwavering. That person was Cristina. In the past, she hadn’t held Oliver in high regard. However, today was different. He had made a significant contribution, and the King had conferred upon him the title of Great Marshal. Yet, this wasn't enough to stir her heart. She had come to welcome him merely for appearances. But the moment she saw him descend from the carriage, dressed in military attire, she was struck by his might and handsomeness. His eyes were bright and cold, as if she were meeting a fiancé she had ruthlessly jilted. He was astonishingly handsome and valiant, his figure in military attire exuding an indescribable, soul-stirring aura.

Ever since Johnathan rejected her, she had been despondent. She had become indignant, believing Johnathan would inevitably be drawn to her. She had foolishly waited for him to seek her out, but he never appeared. She inquired, only to learn of Johnathan’s and his wife's loving relationship—an enviable sight. Her heart broke. Yet, upon seeing Oliver, it quickly mended. Naturally, as a noble lady of an aristocratic family, she couldn’t set aside her pride and approach him. She waited for him to come to her. They had been engaged; bluntly put, Cristina was far beyond his station. She had broken off the engagement, personally and decisively. He shouldn't have agreed to the separation. Now, having taken him as a concubine, he should feel honored. Therefore, she remained haughty, head held high, chin almost menacingly poised, awaiting Oliver’s goodwill. She would not remain a concubine forever; she had to reclaim what she believed was rightfully hers.

Chapter 252: Black Isolde

Oliver brushed past her without a glance. She could hardly believe her eyes. She exhaled, wishing she could pull him aside for questioning. However, she had learned her lesson and knew how to persevere. Today wasn't the time to create a scene, so she followed the others inside.

Isolde and Oliver first returned to the Ningser Pavilion to bathe and change, while Margaret arranged for Ashley’s accommodation. The manor had prepared a feast, awaiting their arrival after their ablutions.

Oliver hadn’t originally lived in the Ningser Pavilion. After news of his death, they held a funeral, burning more than half of his clothes. Fortunately, Pablo still had some remaining as a memento; he wasn't completely without clothing. His servants had been dismissed, so Pablo assigned Miniro to attend to him. Miniro, though called “mini,” possessed a comically disproportionate large face and head on a slender body. However, he was highly efficient, quickly adjusting the water temperature for Oliver’s bath.

When Noelle, Britney, and Emilia saw Isolde return, they surrounded her, chatting before helping her bathe. Emilia held Isolde’s hand silently, her eyes conveying a motherly blend of worry and joy, causing Isolde to weep.

She finally composed herself enough to bathe. As Noelle added petals to the water, she chuckled, “My lady, how long has it been? The water’s already turned black!”

Isolde smiled, “I couldn’t even care about eating; how could I care about bathing?”

“You’ve been following Mr. Valois all this way back. Doesn’t he mind that you stink?” Noelle giggled, covering her mouth.

Isolde was stunned. She hadn’t considered it. She knew she smelled, but that was the nature of war; no one smelled pleasant. Oliver smelled too… or did he? She tilted her head, remembering she hadn’t noticed any odor from him during their journey. Stunned, she realized, “Am I the only one who smells? God, how embarrassing!”

Noelle, unaware of her thoughts, rubbed Isolde’s back, smiling. “Look, this hot towel is covered in mud. Your face is also black.”

“My face is dark too? I washed it!” Isolde grew nervous, asking for a mirror.

Chapter 252: Black Isolde

Britney fetched a bronze mirror, saying, “Don’t listen to Noelle’s nonsense; it’s just a little dirty!”

When Isolde examined the lozenge-shaped mirror, it wasn’t just dirty—it was truly black. She scrubbed, but the discoloration wouldn’t budge. She realized she was tanned, not dirty.

“Don’t worry, you’re still very beautiful, just a little darker. Strictly speaking, it’s not dark, it's a healthy color. Look, which lady in Argentum has your skin tone?” Britney comforted.

Isolde said gloomily, “That’s right. Which young lady in Argentum has a black face? Everyone’s skin is fair.”

“It’s really not black, at most a wheatish tone, but it’s very rosy. Look closely, it’s still quite beautiful,” Britney said proudly. She didn’t think Isolde was ugly; in fact, she found her even more attractive than before.

Isolde hadn’t cared much about appearances before. But now, she did, because she cared about someone. In her previous life, she hadn’t paid much attention to her looks, believing her combat abilities surpassed William’s; he would recognize her strengths. But now, she was far inferior to Oliver in martial arts and strategy. With skills lacking, she could only rely on looks—and now even her face was failing her. Meanwhile, Oliver remained as handsome as ever, which truly depressed her.

After showering, she tried on various clothes. White highlighted her dark face. Red made it appear darker. Yellow accentuated the black and yellow tones. In green, she resembled a black-faced spinach. Wrapped in her pajamas, she sat dejectedly before the mirror. Her face looked even more lifeless and unattractive.

Emilia smiled, “How come after a battle you’ve become so particular about your appearance? You look beautiful in white, red, yellow, and green. You look good in all of them.”

“Emilia, lend me one of your clothes. I’m old anyway; your clothes would suit me better.” Isolde lacked confidence; she felt truly ugly.

Emilia tossed the red dress to Britney and Noelle. “Cut the crap! How long have you been dawdling? They’re waiting for dinner. Why don’t you look good in this? Isn’t your skin just a little darker? Look at Sofia’s dark skin. Isn’t her husband doting on her?”

Isolde knew Sofia. Her face was extremely black. She and her husband worked for the Valen family. She had stooped to comparing herself to Sofia! She was that dark!