Chapter 265 Duty

Margaret smiled at Ashley, but inwardly calculated how to broach the subject with Pablo. Ashley was now her goddaughter, therefore also Pablo's. However, Margaret was unsure of Ashley's age. After careful inquiry, she learned Ashley was even a year older than Agnes, meaning even Oliver would have to call her "elder sister."

That evening, Pablo returned. Margaret took the initiative, helping him change and wash, meticulously attending to every detail. Pablo had been neglecting her; she only approached him when necessary. He waited for her to speak.

After completing her duties, Margaret made coffee and said, “I have something to discuss.” Pablo took a sip of tea and replied indifferently, “Speak.”

Margaret sighed. “Today, Ashley mentioned she has no relatives in Argentum. Her grandfather, Finnian, is far away in Zloimond. Since the King arranged for her to stay at our residence, she suggested we become her godparents. What do you think?”

Pablo frowned. “Reject it.”

“She hinted at it a couple of days ago, and I didn’t respond. Today, she brought it up directly. It’s hard to refuse, especially since her title has been granted, and she’s Finnian’s granddaughter,” Margaret said, troubled.

Pablo replied, “Getting involved would be a mistake. The King hasn’t given any hints or orders. Knowing my character, he arranged for Ashley to stay with us. If we take her as our goddaughter, it would raise suspicions of collusion between the inner palace and the court. I will definitely not get involved in this mess.”

Margaret groaned inwardly. She knew Ashley aimed to win over Pablo. Of course, Pablo wouldn't engage in private dealings, but a nominal relationship seemed harmless. Once Ashley entered the palace, there would be little interaction. Moreover, she had already agreed, and Ashley had knelt and kowtowed, calling her "godmother." What was she to do?

After a moment, she said softly, “Ashley is pitiful. She lost both parents and was adopted by Finnian. She’s also made significant contributions to the court. In Argentum, she has no one. Once she enters the palace, she may suffer. I’m not saying I pity her, but it reminds me of Isolde's similar situation. I treated her poorly back then and wanted to make amends, though she probably wouldn’t accept it. Now, seeing Ashley…”

Pablo knew her temperament well. She wasn’t genuinely concerned for Isolde; perhaps, neglected for so long, she wanted to use Ashley to make amends.

Pablo felt no compassion for Ashley, but the mention of Isolde stirred pity. In any case, it was trivial, and he couldn't be bothered to intervene. He said indifferently, “Handle it as you see fit. Keep it private and don’t make a big deal of it.”

Margaret breathed a sigh of relief. “Okay. Rest assured. I have no intention of making a spectacle of this. Whether it’s a blessing or a curse remains to be seen. I just thought, since she’ll be in the palace and we won’t interact much, it’s just a nominal title to give Finnian some face.”

Pablo knew of Finnian but hadn't interacted with him. As a military man, he respected scholars. Hearing Margaret’s explanation, he no longer found the situation awkward.

The next day, Ashley came to kowtow to Pablo. He had given orders for everyone in the Valen residence to be present. This was the first time since Isolde and Oliver's return that they sat face-to-face with William. His expression was cold; he even looked at Cristina and Isolde. They were the Feltons—outsiders in this household. Agnes had also returned, her expression neutral, revealing nothing. No one knew why Pablo had gathered everyone until Ashley knelt and kowtowed, addressing them as “godfather” and “godmother.”

Isolde’s expression turned playful. Failing to win over Oliver, Ashley had turned to Pablo and Margaret. What a clever move! Since Ashley was the eldest, even Oliver had to address her as “elder sister.”

Agnes stepped forward, taking Ashley’s hand warmly. “This is wonderful. I finally have an elder sister. Ashley, we must stay in touch.”

Ashley smiled. “It’s good that you don’t mind.”

“Disgusted?” Agnes laughed brightly. “What are you talking about? You are going to be the King’s concubine soon. How could I mind? I’ll need your guidance in the future.”

Ashley smiled without responding. William stepped forward, cupping his hands. “It’s an honor to meet you, Ashley.” His expression was unreadable—neither happy nor disdainful. His smile was forced.

Ashley curtsied. William smiled slightly and returned to his seat. Oliver also stood, cupping his hands. “It’s an honor to meet you, Ashley.”

Ashley looked at the clear-eyed young Oliver and smiled. “Oliver, just call me sister.”

Oliver said seriously, “The King has already granted you your title. There’s a distinction between ruler and subject. It’s more appropriate to address you by your name.”

Ashley smiled, “It’s all the same.” She looked at Isolde, who remained still. Isolde hadn’t married yet, so calling her “elder sister” was unnecessary.

Meanwhile, Felicity and Cristina curtsied. Ashley paid little attention to Felicity but regarded Cristina with more interest.

After they retreated, Ashley looked at Isolde and said, “Princess Langley, from now on, we’re family. I hope you won’t play any more ‘water games.’ It’s fine if I get hurt, but it wouldn’t be good if others were harmed.”

Isolde was stunned. “What do you mean? What water games? Are you referring to the time you fell into the water and I saved you?”

Ashley smiled faintly, “Is that how you see it?”

Isolde chuckled, her eyes sharp. “Otherwise, how do you see it?”

Ashley instinctively glanced at Pablo, hoping he might speak in her favor now that a father-daughter relationship was established. But Pablo remained seated, his expression cold. She realized she had been too hasty. With a smile, she said, “Of course, you saved me. I’ll remember this and repay you in the future.” She stared at Isolde, her words carrying a double meaning.

Isolde said, “It’s my duty!” Isolde also looked at her, her words seemingly meaningful, yet perhaps not.

Ashley was disappointed. She had thought that after recognizing Pablo, a party would be customary to inform the clan. However, he had quietly gathered the Valen household to acknowledge the relationship. She needed the Valen family’s support; alone, she would struggle. With them behind her, her path in the palace would be smoother.