Chapter 295: Dispute at the Palace Gate

Isolde curtsied. "It's an honor to meet you, Princess Aveline!"

Theodric, the young heir, peeked from behind Aveline. His eyes were drowsy, but upon seeing Isolde, widened with delight. "Isolde!" he exclaimed.

Isolde smiled, lifting him up. "Theodric, you're so well-behaved! Up so early to accompany Aveline to the palace?"

The onlookers now recognized Isolde—the highly sought-after princess, the General. They couldn't help but glance at her again.

Caroline, upon returning home, had recounted the incident with the Valen family to the Hansons. Margaret's punishment by Pablo, due to Isolde's actions, had fueled resentment. They felt she had stirred trouble even before officially joining the family. Margaret's mother, Alice, was also present.

Among the noblewomen, Alice was the eldest. She sat in her sedan chair, awaiting the palace gates to open. Caroline lifted the curtain and whispered to her, prompting Alice to command, "Help me down!" Caroline assisted her.

The commotion drew everyone's attention. Alice stood, her gaze fixed on Isolde, though she pretended not to notice. "I hear Princess Langley is here. Which one is she?"

Isolde, thus called out, couldn't feign ignorance. With so many noblewomen present, Esme's reminder about her actions reflecting on Oliver's reputation weighed heavily. She had to endure it.

Isolde set Theodric down and approached. "It's Mrs. Hanson. Greetings, Mrs. Hanson!" She curtsied.

Alice wore a dark green silk robe embroidered with cloud patterns and blessings, draped with a black brocade cloak adorned with fish motifs. A string of large, smooth agarwood prayer beads, polished to a sheen, hung around her neck. Her hair was styled in a high bun, adorned with a gold and emerald hairpin; gold earrings with emerald pendants dangled from her ears, and a gold bangle engraved with Buddhist scriptures encircled her wrist. She appeared devout, yet her attire was opulent and eye-catching.

Isolde knew Alice to be difficult and domineering. With important matters to attend to, she couldn't afford a dispute. She curtsied with utmost courtesy.

Esme, aware of Alice's temperament, worried about a scene erupting at the palace gate. As Alice critically scrutinized Isolde, Esme stepped forward. "Oh, who do we have here? It's Mrs. Hanson! It's been a while. How have you been, Mrs. Hanson?"

Alice narrowed her eyes, recognizing Esme. Had Esme still served in the palace, Alice would have shown respect. But now that Esme had left and was no longer by the Queen Mother's side, she was, essentially, just a servant. Alice was offended by Esme's casual address.

Alice said, with displeasure, "So it's Esme. I heard you left the palace. What are you doing here?"

"I now serve the princess at the Langley residence. Soon, she will marry Mr. Valois, so our families will be connected. Running into you is quite a coincidence—what a small world!" Esme replied with a smile, though she saw Alice's disdain. She forced pleasantries.

Alice dismissed her with a wave. "Let's not talk about connections. Even if the princess marries the General, our families won't be considered relatives. Oliver's surname is Valois."

Esme's expression stiffened. She'd come to defuse the situation, knowing many noblewomen still respected her. Even Alice had been polite when visiting the Queen Mother at the Mystic Palace. But now, Alice was cold. It seemed Alice looked down on everyone.

Seeing Esme humiliated, Isolde gently pulled her back and stepped forward. "You are right. Esme misspoke. I apologize on her behalf and hope you can forgive her," Isolde said with a smile.

Esme, relieved by Isolde's composure, assumed the apology would suffice. She curtsied, trying to lead Isolde away.

But Alice intended to humiliate Isolde. She hadn't braved the cold for a simple curtsy. The incident with the betrothal gifts had spread, and Alice knew the gossip. With many noblewomen present, she wanted to salvage her daughter's reputation. She assumed Isolde, a young girl, wouldn't dare offend her; seniority mattered.

As Isolde and Esme turned to leave, Alice called, "Wait!"

Isolde turned back; Esme gently pressed her hand, signaling calm. Having served the Queen Mother for years, Esme knew she disliked public scenes. Every word at the palace gate would reach the Queen Mother's ears if she wished to know. Isolde patted Esme's hand reassuringly.

Alice glared. "I heard your family was dissatisfied with the betrothal gifts and caused trouble for the Valen family. Is that true?"

Margaret and Lillian had spread the claim of dissatisfaction, though it had been debunked. But Alice deliberately raised it, knowing most onlookers only heard rumors. By reinforcing the narrative, she hoped to tarnish Isolde's and the Langley family's reputation. People outside didn't care about truth—they wanted gossip.

Isolde smiled gently. "Mrs. Hanson, we have forgiven Margaret for spreading such rumors. We believe it was a misunderstanding, so there's no need to bring it up. Nor is it necessary for you to apologize on behalf of the Valen family. Natasha said that since our families are to be united, we should let bygones be bygones."

The onlookers chuckled quietly.

News in elite circles spread quickly. Alice, thinking her age and experience would give her the upper hand, was outmaneuvered by Isolde. The younger generation was formidable.

Alice's mouth twisted in anger. Rebutted so gracefully, she couldn't press further without losing credibility. She said coldly, "I don't know the details, but if it was a misunderstanding, both families share responsibility. Your grandmother is right—let bygones be bygones."

Isolde nodded. "Yes, we will follow your advice."

Aveline, watching, had considered intervening. She knew Isolde's fiery temper and feared a scene. But Isolde handled the situation with grace, even infuriating Alice. Her skills were impressive.

Smiling, Aveline told Theodric, "Go and call Isolde back. Tell her I have something to discuss." Theodric quickly ran over and took Isolde's hand. "Isolde, Mom wants to talk to you."

Isolde curtsied to Alice. "Please excuse me, Mrs. Hanson." She took Theodric's hand and walked away calmly.