Chapter 291: The Iron Box
Two days before Ashley's scheduled entry into the palace, news arrived that the Queen Dowager was unwell. The King issued an edict postponing Ashley's entry, without specifying a new date. This was a complete surprise to Ashley. She questioned the connection between the Queen Dowager's illness and her palace entry, especially since the date had been set long ago. Ashley, furious but resigned, accepted the edict.
She would remain at the Valen residence, possibly even until Isolde's marriage. Anxious, she considered asking Pablo for help, but his busy schedule made it impractical. Besides Pablo, only Oliver could approach the King. Reluctantly, she sought his assistance.
Oliver, preoccupied with wedding preparations, frowned at her request. He argued that once the Queen Dowager recovered, she could enter the palace. Ashley countered that the edict lacked a new date and that the palace-assigned maid had not yet arrived, leaving her with no other recourse but to ask for his help, promising future repayment.
Oliver, still baffled by her previous audacious behavior towards him, refused. He deemed it inappropriate to inquire with the King. Ashley pressed him to at least find out the Queen Dowager's illness, desperate to avoid reputational ruin and a wasted life. She had invested heavily in Kamari's claim to the throne and couldn't afford failure. Oliver remained firm in his refusal, summoning Hazel to escort her away. However, his expression changed, and he dismissed Hazel.
"Ashley, please sit," Oliver said, his attitude shifting. He possessed an iron box he couldn't open despite numerous attempts. He believed it held crucial secrets, but its locked nature prevented him from presenting it to the King.
Ashley, haughty, declared she could open the box, but only in exchange for assurance of her smooth palace entry. Oliver cautiously offered only to try and find out more. Ashley insisted he could guarantee it, emphasizing his influence with the King and the Queen Dowager's fondness for Isolde. She claimed the box's contents held enough glory to enrich him for half his life.
Oliver scoffed, asserting his self-reliance. Ashley countered his reluctance, highlighting his precarious position within the Valen household, where William, not Oliver, would inherit the Marquis title. She pointed out that while Oliver could strive for success, it would take far longer than what William already possessed.
Ashley's words momentarily stunned her. The iron box's potential impact became clear. She considered using it to advance her own interests, reasoning that delivering it to the King would make her a pivotal contributor in exposing hidden traitors who threatened him.
Her rapid thoughts caused Oliver to grow suspicious. He dismissed her, suggesting she seek assistance elsewhere. Ashley, sensing his suspicion but recognizing his ambition, withdrew gracefully, leaving the door open for future collaboration.
Oliver, calm but wary, agreed. Isolde's assessment of Ashley's cunning was clear; he needed to carefully assess her true motives. He then decided to visit the Langley residence, despite Esme's suggestion against such meetings before the wedding. He explained the urgency of his business, and Esme conceded, setting a limit of three days before the wedding.
Upon finding Isolde embroidering a curious pattern (which turned out to be eggs, according to Hattie's humorous explanation), Oliver learned more about Esme's peculiar tasks and witnessed a playful interaction between Isolde and Hattie. The chapter ends with Oliver observing the scene, adding an element of intrigue.