Chapter 264: Adopting a Goddaughter

Isolde knew Collin's business approach prioritized stability for victory. However, he occasionally took calculated risks, always meticulously prepared with thorough investigations to ensure accurate information. Potential losses existed; even if Everfort Granary deviated from her previous life's path, she wasn't worried. Losing once, twice, or even thrice wouldn't break him. His indomitable spirit, as long as he lived, would allow him to achieve great things.

So, Isolde said, “It’s fine. As long as we don’t end up in debt, I’ll go crazy with you!”

Collin said, “We won’t, but we might end up with nothing!”

Currently, he only used half his strength to accomplish five-tenths of the work. But once his ambitions were ignited, he would use all his strength to achieve ten-tenths. He wouldn’t overextend himself, so the possibility of debt was small, but the risk of losing everything was greater.

Isolde patted his shoulder and said, “Go ahead and do it. I’ve lost everything. There’s still the village to rely on. Moreover, as a princess, the King will at least ensure I have food to eat.” In other words, she would likely receive a fief, though the official decree hadn't been issued yet.

When Collin heard this, he felt a surge of passion. His long-suppressed ambitions were ignited by Isolde. He said excitedly, “With your words, I’ll go all out!”

Isolde smiled, “Come to me anytime you need me.”

“Definitely!” Collin said.

There was no wine in the shop, so Collin ordered a servant to bring coffee. He handed a cup to Isolde and held one himself. The sunlight slanting through the shop door made his eyes shine. He raised his cup and declared, “I swear, within ten years, Everfort Granary’s branches will spread across the entire country!”

Isolde clinked her cup with his. “To Everfort Granary!”

Today was the 10th day of the 10th month in the 17th year of the King's reign. After drinking their coffee, Isolde said to Collin, “Let’s draw up a contract. The profit split will be as earlier discussed, but I won’t make an appearance. Don’t publicly announce my involvement in Everfort Granary.”

“Why is that?” Collin didn’t understand. Although she was conferred the title of Marshal, she was also a princess. These businesses were left to her by her mother and had no ties to court interests. Why couldn’t it be known?

It’s best to keep me out of it. Otherwise, one day, I might implicate Everfort Granary.

Collin understood. She was about to make a significant move and didn't want anyone to know Everfort Granary had her share, lest they target it to strike at her.

The contract was dated the tenth day of the tenth month. Isolde signed her name, stamped her seal, and pressed her fingerprint, officially becoming a partner of Everfort Granary.

The King’s decree was issued, and Ashley entered the palace on the 21st of October. This meant she still had eleven more days to stay at the Valen residence. Ashley quickly became familiar with Margaret, and the two grew quite close. At one point, Ashley even hinted at wanting to recognize Margaret as her godmother. Margaret considered it but ultimately declined. Margaret had a sister who was a concubine in the palace, so she didn’t lack connections to powerful figures in the court. Moreover, dealing with palace intrigues wasn't easy. Ashley knew Margaret, with her superior attitude, would never look favorably upon a commoner like her, the newly appointed concubine. She wasn't in a hurry; she still had ten days to make good use of.

After finishing her tasks, Isolde finally had some leisure time to rest at home. The Sharp family sent her many tonics, saying she had been injured repeatedly and her health was poor, so she needed to replenish her strength. The three-year curse still loomed over the Sharp family. No one mentioned it, but everyone felt its weight. Not talking about it didn’t mean it wouldn’t happen; they could only use various methods to prolong the inevitable.

While Isolde was at home, Ashley visited her every day. In truth, they didn’t have much to talk about, but Ashley came early every morning and stayed in Isolde’s room until noon. Although Isolde didn’t like Ashley, she couldn’t just kick her out. With Hattie and Hazel in the Ningser Pavilion, no one could pry into its affairs.

After two or three days of this, Margaret couldn’t sit still anymore. She looked down on Ashley, so she had no interest in forming an alliance with her. She also couldn’t just watch as Ashley leaned toward Isolde. Her reluctance wasn’t because she thought Ashley lacked ability. On the contrary, Ashley had killed Kamari and taken his head; her courage and determination were extraordinary. The reason Margaret didn’t want to associate with Ashley was that Ashley would eventually have to compete with Margaret’s sister for favors. She didn’t want to be put in a difficult position. Now that Ashley was getting close to Isolde, Margaret felt uneasy.

After much deliberation, she sent someone to invite Ashley over. This time, Margaret didn’t put on an air of superiority. Instead, she wore a warm smile as she watched Ashley gracefully enter. Ashley was far too clever; seeing Margaret’s expression, she knew her plan had succeeded.

Margaret asked about Ashley’s family, and Ashley answered each question in detail. When she learned that Ashley was Finnian’s granddaughter, Margaret was taken aback. “You’re Finnian’s granddaughter?”

“Yes, Mrs. Valen!” Ashley replied humbly.

Margaret knew of Finnian but hadn’t realized Ashley was his granddaughter. She had only heard that Ashley was the granddaughter of a famous scholar from Zloimond and hadn’t made the connection to Finnian. She knew the King had repeatedly ordered people to invite Finnian into the court.

Margaret straightened her expression and smiled sincerely, “So you’re Finnian’s granddaughter. My apologies for not recognizing you earlier.”

Ashley smiled and said nothing.

Margaret said, “I’ve always wanted to meet Finnian, but I’ve never had the chance. If he comes to Argentum in the future, I hope you’ll introduce us.”

“Mrs. Valen, you’re too kind. If Finnian comes to Argentum, I’ll certainly invite him to visit the Valen residence,” Ashley said.

Margaret coughed lightly, and the maid behind her said, “Madam, since Ashley is leaving for the palace from the Valen residence, you could consider her your daughter. That would make you and Ashley relatives, so you will meet Finnian.”

Margaret scolded jokingly, “Shut up. Ashley is a noble of the palace. How could I dare to be her mother?”

Ashley didn’t put on airs. She quickly stood up and curtsied, “If you don’t mind, I would truly like to recognize you as my godmother.”

Margaret looked at her, her face filled with pleasant surprise, “Really? You’re willing to be my daughter?”

When Ashley heard this, she knelt down shyly. “Mother. I, Ashley, pay my respects to Mother!”

Margaret was overjoyed and hurriedly said to the maid, “What are you waiting for? Hurry up and help Ashley up!”

The maid immediately went forward to help Ashley up. “Please stand up. Even if you’ve recognized Mrs. Valen as your mother, such a gesture is unnecessary. You are now the King’s noble concubine.”

Ashley stood up, her eyes filled with joy. “I haven’t married yet, so I should kowtow. This is an act of filial piety.”