Chapter 258: See the New Son-in-Law

Isolde’s stomach felt pleasantly full after Esme’s ministrations, allowing her and Oliver to finally depart in the carriage. Since they were heading to the Sharps’ mansion first, they had to prepare gifts. Esme had prepared three carriages—the rearmost laden with gifts. Hattie and Hazel rode up front with Esme, while Isolde and Oliver occupied the middle carriage. The procession clattered grandly toward the Sharp estate. Esme had also arranged for someone to notify the General’s mansion in advance, informing them of their early morning arrival. Therefore, the Sharp family was already prepared.

As soon as Oliver and Isolde arrived, they were immediately welcomed into the main hall. Garrett and Natasha were sitting in armchairs in the main hall, watching the two walk in with loving smiles on their lips. Isolde quickly knelt and kowtowed. “I…” Before she could finish speaking, she saw someone kneeling beside her. She turned her head in shock and saw that Oliver had also knelt down and bowed respectfully. Since their marriage wasn't considered valid, he wasn't technically her husband and didn't need to perform the kneeling ritual. However, he knelt and bowed respectfully. “It’s an honor to meet you, Garrett, Natasha!”

Natasha’s eyes were filled with smiles. She quickly said, “Get up, get up, come and sit with me!” Oliver still obediently kowtowed before getting up and walking over. Garrett and Natasha seemed to have obtained a treasure, even ignoring Isolde for the moment, focusing all their attention on Oliver. Isolde knelt down in embarrassment, stunned and surprised. Had she lost favor? Indeed, she had. Even as she moved closer to Natasha, Natasha’s eyes shone with admiration for her new grandson-in-law, so much so that she didn’t even glance at Isolde. Even Garrett was the same. As a military man, he longed to see outstanding generals in the court. So, he looked Oliver up and down, thinking how handsome he was, with an extraordinary aura. Oliver’s eyebrows were well-defined, his nose was straight, and even his iron hand looked mighty. He was truly impressive, a tiger general. Douglas used to be his subordinate and one of his most capable vanguards. Now that he was his grandson-in-law, Garrett felt indescribably satisfied. What pleased him most was that Oliver was alive. He had initially thought Isolde would be left a widow, but now Oliver had returned alive. Though “alive” might be a stretch, given the loss of his hand, being alive was enough.

The Sharp family had prepared a feast. When Priscilla and Christine came in, Isolde hurriedly stood and bowed. Priscilla, pushing Isolde aside, and Christine walked straight past her, their voices rising in joy. “This is Oliver, right? He’s really good-looking. No man in our Sharp family can compare to him. I wonder why such a handsome young man likes Isolde. Isolde is so lucky!” Christine also sized him up and said happily, “It’s true. Oh, he’s really amazing. He’s elegant and has an extraordinary temperament. How could Isolde ever deserve him? She’s found a treasure, a real treasure!”

Isolde felt like she was about to spit blood. Am I really that unworthy? Do I not deserve him? How can I be so out of his league? She sat to the side, feeling the coldness of the bench. Before the expedition, she had been the most beloved in this family. Now, she was left out in the cold. Though she was only a few feet away, the others were engaged in lively conversation, while she sat alone, sipping coffee.

Oliver had never experienced such warmth and welcome before. The elders surrounded him, some holding his hands, others patting his shoulders, and even pinching his cheeks. Words of praise filled his ears. Though he knew it was all because they loved Isolde and, by extension, him, the compliments were still heartwarming. Seeing the joy on his face, Isolde felt that her neglect was worth it. She only hoped that he could truly enjoy this adoration and forget the harsh words Christina had once hurled at him, calling him a jinx. As she gazed at his handsome features, Isolde realized she had grown fond of Oliver. It was a flutter that rose from the depths of her heart. But that flutter quickly faded.

Natasha shouted, “Snowball…” Patricia immediately teased, “What snowball? She’s turned into a lump of charcoal now. Look at how dark she’s gotten in such a short time! Weren’t you supposed to be used to the sun after coming back from the village?” The room erupted in laughter. Isolde’s face darkened even more. It turned out that she had woken up early to be mocked. Well, today she would play the fool to entertain her family. Seeing everyone’s wide smiles, Isolde actually found herself enjoying it.

But then Oliver, from across the room, looked at her and said, “She’s fine. Not dark at all. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” Everyone fell silent and looked at him. Natasha suddenly cried, “This is also the sweetest thing I’ve heard this year. If you don’t mind Snowball, I’ll be happy for the rest of my life!” Everyone had gathered around Oliver not to neglect Isolde, but to show their approval of the new son-in-law, hoping he would treat her well. Hearing Oliver’s words, they were all deeply moved. Even a strong woman like Patricia could not help but tear up.

Garrett stood up and said to Oliver, “Come, let’s go have a drink, just the two of us.” Isolde hurriedly said, “He can’t drink too much. Alcohol might cause his wound to reopen.” Oliver looked at her and said warmly, “It’s fine. The wound has completely healed. It won’t reopen.” Garrett laughed heartily, his beard shaking with mirth. “Alright, do you think I would get him drunk? We’ll just have a few drinks and chat. You, girl, aren’t shy at all, are you? Standing up for your husband in front of everyone? Not caring about the old man, but worried about the young one getting drunk. Your loyalty lies elsewhere now, huh?”

Isolde’s dark face flushed red with embarrassment. “You’re not old at all! You’re still young. Alright, you two youngsters go enjoy your drinks.” Garrett turned around and grinned at Natasha. “Did you hear that? I’m still young. Natasha, you must have accumulated a lot of good karma in your past life to have such fortune in this one.” Natasha scolded jokingly, “Feeling proud, are you?” “I’m proud. Of course, I’m proud. Today, you are in high spirits. Our granddaughter has done well, and our grandson-in-law has done even better. He quietly returned victorious from battle. Today, I won’t stop until I’m drunk!” He laughed heartily and left with Oliver.

When Natasha saw Garrett and Oliver leave, she reached out and called Isolde over. “Come over and sit beside me.” Isolde got up and sat next to Natasha, resting her head on Natasha’s shoulder. The two fit comfortably on the grand chair. “Silly girl, did you suffer when you reached Zloimond this time? How are your injuries?” Natasha took her hand and gently patted it. Isolde’s injuries had mostly healed on the journey back, and she hadn’t mentioned them. But Natasha knew, likely from a letter sent by her uncle.