Chapter 253: Do You Disgust Me?

After changing her clothes, Isolde looked at herself in the bronze mirror. She did not seem that ugly. Her skin had been fair before the expedition, and she had never looked at herself in a mirror afterward. She thought she was still the same, but felt a little uncomfortable seeing her darkened reflection.

“Isn’t it beautiful? Like a healthy black pearl,” Emilia said with a smile. Seeing Isolde blush, she added, “Red pearl!”

“Black and red pearls!” Noelle cleverly added.

Isolde knew she could not listen to these uncouth people any longer. She was extremely embarrassed. When she went out, she saw Clark. She was instantly happy. “Clark!”

Clark looked much more mature. Perhaps pretending to be calm in the Valen family had faded his immaturity, making him appear more adult.

“Isolde.” Seeing others in the room, he retracted his hand, though the relief and excitement in his eyes remained unconcealed. Isolde, however, grabbed his hand and smiled. “Clark, why are you here? I was planning to go to Garrett’s house tomorrow and then see you.”

“I’d like to meet you,” Clark smiled.

Oliver also emerged, having changed his clothes. Coincidentally, he was also dressed in red. He did not usually wear it, but he lacked other clothing. The clothes Pablo had prepared for him were all brightly colored. Pablo actually missed the time when Oliver dressed more vibrantly, which was why he'd kept these.

“Mr. Valois!” Clark quickly cupped his hands in greeting.

“Clark!” Oliver returned the greeting, more at ease than Clark. He called him Clark so casually. Clark smiled foolishly and rubbed his hands as he looked at Isolde.

Pablo smiled and said, “Alright, sit down. It’s almost time for dinner. Clark is coming; let’s have a few drinks together.” He looked around and, not seeing William, asked Margaret, who sat nearby with a faint smile, “Where is the unfilial son?”

Margaret replied, “He’s not feeling well, so I asked him to rest in his room, and I will bring him later.”

“Loser!” Pablo scolded in a low voice. How could he not know what William was thinking?

Margaret’s eyes flickered before she lowered her gaze. “He hasn’t been feeling well for days. He forced himself to go out to welcome Oliver and Isolde. He really couldn’t take it anymore, so I asked him to rest.”

“Really? Why? Which doctor did you invite?” Pablo was clearly not easily deceived and spared Margaret no face, regardless of the outsiders present.

Margaret’s face was pale. “It’s Dr. Dean. He’s had stomach pain for a few days. If you care about him, you should see that his face has been very pale these few days.”

“I only saw that his eyes were red. It is jealousy!” Pablo’s anger flared at the mention of William and he said no more.

Margaret could no longer contain herself. She stood up and said, “I have a headache and must beg your pardon for not being able to accompany you further!” Without waiting for Pablo to speak, she turned and left. Before leaving, her gaze swept across Isolde’s face indifferently; sharp, vicious, and filled with shocking anger. Isolde’s eyes met hers; calm, indifferent, cold as an ancient well, beneath which surged the stormy bloodshed of past lives. Her hand was suddenly taken by Oliver. She raised her head and looked at him; his eyes quiet and filled with myriad thoughts.

Ashley appeared at the door. Margaret bowed to her and strode away. Ashley cast a thoughtful glance at her retreating figure, then looked at Isolde, and finally at Isolde and Oliver’s tightly clasped hands. She smiled with almost unbearable sarcasm as she entered.

Everyone wanted to talk, but stopped when they saw Ashley. Pablo and Clark, recognizing her as the King’s concubine, tried their best not to discuss private matters in her presence. Isolde and Oliver were equally unwilling. With that, they took their seats. Eleanor and Cristina, also concubines, were not seated and unwilling to serve, so they did not appear.

With the King’s concubine present, the meal could not be unrestrained. However, after a few cups of wine, Pablo could no longer contain his high spirits and said to Oliver, “Having returned from this ordeal and quelled the chaos in Zloimond alongside Isolde, both the King and officials will regard you in a new light. However, remember this: guard against arrogance and impetuosity, do not think too highly of yourselves, and do not stir up trouble. Whenever new favorites rise, rumors and gossip are inevitable. The King will not take these words to heart once or twice, but if he hears them too much, even if he doesn’t believe them, he will still be annoyed, and it will ultimately be your fault.”

Oliver knew Pablo spoke from years of experience in the court. Considering the complexities of courtly relationships and power plays, to which he had some exposure, he promptly set down his cup and replied, “Yes, I will remember your teachings.”

Isolde also said, “I will also remember your words, Mr. Valen.”

Pablo smiled at her. “Isolde, although the King has arranged another marriage, you’ve married before. You shouldn’t call me Mr. Valen.”

Isolde’s face flushed red, but she was not embarrassed. “Yes, father.”

Clark strongly agreed with Pablo’s words. In this court, people’s thoughts were unpredictable. True friends and enemies could not be easily discerned. He could only be prudent in word and deed. Though he had not been in the palace long, he had already experienced many twists and turns. He truly needed these insights. As soon as he began speaking, he naturally spoke of Oliver’s journey east. Pablo inquired about the traitor. Oliver brushed it off lightly. “I know about the traitor. Since he is dead, there is no need to pursue the matter.”

When Ashley heard this, she glanced at him and smiled sarcastically. Isolde changed the subject. “I have to go back to Sharp’s estate tomorrow and then to Duke’s estate, Oliver. Are you free tomorrow? If so, come with me.”

“Sure!” Oliver said.

Clark said, “I’ll be able to leave the palace at noon tomorrow. Isolde, go back to Marshal’s estate first and return to Duke’s estate at noon. I’ll wait for you at the residence.”

“Alright!” Isolde said.

Ashley could tell it was inconvenient for everyone to talk because of her presence. However, she had no intention of leaving. She sat, slowly ate and drank, her eyes drifting from Isolde’s face to Oliver’s; her expression deep and unclear.

The meal did not last long. As they were leaving, Ashley suddenly stopped Oliver. “Mr. Valois, I’m new here and unfamiliar with Marquis Eldermere’s estate. I wonder if you can walk with me?”

“If you want to take a walk, I’ll get someone to accompany you,” Oliver said indifferently, raising his hand to call someone.

Ashley said indifferently, “Do you hate me?”